Kitfox Series 1-7 / Super Sport / STi

The Kitfox is one of the most successful kit aircraft designs in history — in continuous production since 1984 with thousands of kits sold. Designed by Dan Denney in Homedale, Idaho, the Kitfox brought affordable STOL backcountry flying to the homebuilt community. The current Series 7 (produced by Kitfox Aircraft LLC in Homedale) offers remarkable STOL performance, folding wings for trailer transport and hangar savings, and operating costs under $70/hour.

The Kitfox is a high-wing, strut-braced, fabric-covered, two-seat side-by-side aircraft with conventional (tailwheel) or tricycle landing gear. Construction is welded 4130 chromoly steel tube fuselage with fabric covering and aluminum wing ribs — similar to certified bush planes but at a fraction of the cost.

The defining feature beyond STOL performance is the folding wing system — wings fold aft in minutes, allowing the Kitfox to fit in a standard garage or be trailered on a flatbed. This dramatically reduces hangar costs.

The Series 7 is available as E-LSA (kit-built) or S-LSA (factory-built). The S7 Super Sport is the standard model; the S7 STi is the STOL-optimized variant with a larger engine (Titan X340, 180HP) and larger wing (148 sq ft). Kit price starts at approximately $42,000.

The STi is the extreme STOL variant — with 180HP, 148 sq ft of wing, and vortex generators, takeoff and landing rolls are 100-150 feet. This puts it in Carbon Cub territory for short-field performance at a fraction of the price.

S7 Super Sport (Rotax 912ULS, 100HP): Cruises at 104 KTAS (120 MPH) on just 3.4-4 GPH. With 27 gallons of fuel, range is 608 nm — extraordinary endurance for an aircraft this light. Stall speed of 32 KIAS (37 MPH) with flaps reflects the generous wing area and light wing loading. Rate of climb at 1,200 FPM is strong for 100HP. STOL performance: 300-foot ground rolls at gross weight.

S7 STi (Titan X340, 180HP): 100-150 foot takeoff and landing rolls. Rate of climb exceeds 2,000 FPM. Cruise speed approximately 110 KTAS (127 MPH). The 180HP Titan engine transforms the Kitfox into an aggressive STOL machine that approaches Carbon Cub/XCub territory for short-field performance.

S7 Speedster: Trades STOL capability for speed — approximately 117 KTAS cruise with a smaller wing. More efficient for cross-country but less capable in backcountry.

The Kitfox burns auto fuel (91 octane minimum) with the Rotax engine, providing significant fuel cost savings — $15-20/hour in fuel versus $50+ for a Lycoming-powered bush plane.

S7 Super Sport (Rotax 912ULS, 100HP, 27 gal fuel):

The Kitfox's 570 lbs useful load handles two average adults with full fuel and modest baggage for 608 nm range at 3.4-4 GPH. Two 200-lb adults need to watch baggage weight but can fly with full fuel. Solo with full fuel, 228 lbs of cargo capacity makes the Kitfox useful for supply runs to remote strips. The 27-gallon fuel tank provides 6+ hours endurance at cruise — enabling very long-range flying despite the modest speed.

• Flight Training (6): Good for tailwheel and backcountry training. The S-LSA version can be used commercially for flight instruction. Low operating cost ($40-65/hour) makes it attractive for flight schools. The gentle stall characteristics and low speed make it forgiving.
• Backcountry (9): Outstanding bush plane for its price class. 300-foot takeoff rolls (100 feet for the STi), high wing, tailwheel, tundra tire compatibility, float compatibility, and durable construction. Not quite the payload of a Husky or Super Cub, but at 1/3 the cost.
• Business Travel (1): 104 KTAS, two seats, limited baggage. Not a business aircraft.
• Aerobatics (1): Not aerobatic certified.
• Cross-Country (3): 608 nm range is respectable, but 104 KTAS is slow. Adequate for weekend adventures but not efficient for long trips.
• Cargo Hauling (2): Two seats, 570 lbs useful load, light airframe. Can haul 150 lbs of baggage with two aboard.
• Local Fun Flying (9): Pure joy. The Kitfox is light, responsive, cheap to fly, and opens up every grass strip, gravel bar, and backcountry airfield. The folding wings mean you can park it in your garage. One of the most fun-per-dollar aircraft in aviation.
• Surveying (5): High wing provides good downward visibility. Long endurance at 3.4-4 GPH. Reasonable survey platform for light observation work.

• Typical Kitfox panel: Basic VFR with Dynon D10A or Garmin G5, GPS, and comm radio. Many Kitfox pilots keep panels simple to save weight. $5,000-$12,000 for a basic panel.
• Well-equipped build: Garmin G3X Touch or Dynon SkyView, GPS navigator, ADS-B transponder. $12,000-$20,000.
• IFR: Possible but unusual. The Kitfox's mission doesn't justify IFR avionics investment for most builders.

Experimental amateur-built — no STCs required.

• Engine options: Rotax 912ULS (100HP), Rotax 914 turbo (115HP), Rotax 915iS turbo (141HP), Titan X340 (180HP), Continental O-200 (100HP), Lycoming O-233 (116HP). Engine choice dramatically affects mission profile.
• Tundra tires: Alaskan Bushwheel and other oversize tires. Standard for backcountry operations.
• Float installations: Amphibious and straight floats available. The Kitfox on floats at 1,430 lbs gross weight is a capable float plane.
• Folding wings: Standard feature. Wings fold in minutes for trailer transport or compact hangar storage.
• Vortex generators: Standard on the STi; available for Super Sport. Improves slow-flight handling and reduces stall speed.
• Extended fuel tanks: Builder options for additional fuel beyond the standard 27 gallons.

• Condition inspection: $500-$1,000/year. Simple airframe makes inspection straightforward. Builder with repairman certificate can self-inspect.
• Rotax 912 overhaul: $12,500 at 2,000-hour TBO. Titan X340 overhaul approximately $15,000.
• Fabric re-cover: $6,000-$12,000 every 15-25 years.
• Parts availability: Good. Kitfox Aircraft maintains strong factory support from Homedale, Idaho. Rotax parts widely available.
• Mechanic familiarity: Common among experimental aircraft shops. The steel tube and fabric construction is familiar to most A&Ps. Rotax engine requires trained mechanics.
• Annual all-in cost: $5,000-$8,000 at 100 hours/year. Among the lowest in aviation.
• Operating cost: $40-$68/hour all-in. Auto fuel compatible (Rotax). One of the cheapest aircraft to fly.

• Models 1-3 (1984-1992, 64-80HP): $15,000-$35,000. Older designs; limited utility.
• Classic IV (1992-1997, 80HP): $25,000-$55,000. Popular early model.
• Series 5-6 (1997-2004, 100HP): $40,000-$80,000. Improved design.
• S7 Super Sport (2004-present, 100HP): $50,000-$160,000. Current production. Well-equipped recent builds $120,000-$160,000.
• S7 STi (2015-present, 180HP): $100,000-$210,000. Premium STOL variant.
• New kit: $42,000+ for airframe; $60,000-$75,000 complete with engine. Turn-key $85,000-$110,000.

Per valuation-methodology: Build quality is primary as with all homebuilts. Engine type (Rotax vs Titan vs Lycoming) significantly affects value. The S7 STi commands substantial premium over the Super Sport due to the larger engine and enhanced STOL performance. Fabric condition matters significantly for older models. Folding wings in good condition add value. Float or tundra tire installation adds $5,000-$15,000 to value.

No ADs (experimental category). S-LSA models follow manufacturer Safety Directives.

Common Problems:

• Fabric condition: Standard fabric aircraft concern. Dacron covering lasts 15-25 years with UV protection. Re-covering costs $6,000-$12,000.
• Rotax maintenance: Same as RV-12 — requires Rotax-trained mechanics for engine work. Gearbox service at specified intervals.
• Early model structural issues: Models 1-3 are less robust than later Series 5-7 designs. Pre-buy inspection critical for early models.
• Build quality variation: As with all homebuilts, quality depends on the builder. Early Kitfox kits had simpler construction that attracted less experienced builders.
• Tailwheel ground handling: Standard for tailwheel aircraft. Light weight makes the Kitfox sensitive to crosswinds.
• Landing gear legs: Spring aluminum gear can develop fatigue cracks. Inspect at condition inspections.

Per insurance-underwriting:

• Liability only ($1M): $384-$630/year.
• Hull + liability ($50K hull): $950-$2,000/year.
• Hull + liability ($80K hull): $1,504-$2,750/year.
• Kitfox insurance is generally affordable due to the low hull values, good safety record, and well-established fleet.
• Tailwheel endorsement required. Float operations add premium.