At 11:21 PM 3/26/2015, you wrote: >Very few KRs "cruise" at 180 mph. Very few KRs make a 980# gross >weight. Very few KRs are 520# empty weight. Over the last 20 >years, the members of this forum have made great strides in >improving the handling characteristics and safety of the >plane. Adrian Carter's quote of a sudden hard breaking stall then >pointing straight down is inconsistent with the gentle stall I see >in my KR and others report as well. The $35,000 finished aircraft >number will likely generate a lot of discussion. I hear some pilots >claim unbelievably low costs like they are reporting to the local >tax board. I know I had mine flying 18 years ago for $15K, but >likely have around $30+K in it by now, but that includes 1050 hrs of >wear and tear, maintenance and upgrades. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks, Jeff. That's exactly what I saw negative about the article. You didn't mention that it is a sweet flying , economical airplane. My apologies to Dave Prizio. I guess he did his job by attending and asking questions. It appears I should be beating up on the KR community for not telling about todays KR's. Todays KR's are not the KR that Ken Rand built. Ken was 5'4" and weighed maybe 130 pounds. The most poplar shirt size at the Gatherings I hosted was Large and Extra Large. The KR's we're building today are coming in nearer the 750 pound range than 480 and really need 100 hp to perform well. I guess after 25 years in the KR community I'm getting tired of the mythical data sheet still being laid on the unsuspecting future builder. T.O. distance 350 feet, landing distance 600 feet, cruise 180, empty weight 520 pounds, gross 980 pounds, 1080 mile range (with 35 gallon tanks). Really, how many KR's being built have 35 gallon tanks. When full, that's the equivalent of a 210 pound passenger. And all this is typical performance using a 2180 VW??? Us in the know just say "yea, right" and move on. Those not in the know looking at these numbers would say " awesome, I'm going to build a KR and fly it out of the field behind my house". I'd just like to see an up front honest article about todays KR's and how they are a great "bang for the buck", nice flying, sweet little airplane. Anyway, that's my story and I'm sticking to it. No hard feelings on my part over any disagreements. Larry Flesner
