Kitfox

Dan Denney designed several small homebuilt aircraft, many of which are operated in the bush. Most are conventional gear and some may be fitted with floats. Dan Denney sold his interest in these kitplanes, and several companies produced kits in one form or another. Company bankruptcies have made the current availability of these kits unknown. Many of the Kitfox kits were star performers for the bush and, somewhat practical alternatives to the Super Cub and Husky. These planes were, for lack of a better analytical framework, Super Cub or Husky “lites.” They were not nearly as capable as the Cub or Husky, but if a two-person plane for recreational excursions into the bush is, needed, these planes should not be overlooked. Just don’t anticipate being able to haul good amount of equipment or gear in a Kitfox.

The original design featured a round cowling with rocker-arm bumps very reminiscent of classic radial engined airplanes of yesteryear. Originally the Kitfox was designed to accept a small radial engine, but such engine never materialized and flat engines were incorporated in the finished aircraft.

The kits offered by the various companies were relatively complete and were in the abilities of the average handyperson in terms of construction. If one sought to construct one of these planes from plans only, the construction would be as daunting as building a “plans-only” Cub as the construction methods for both airplanes were somewhat similar. Latter models of the Kitfox were larger and more capable, but once again, the exact status of these aircraft is unknown.

Watch the video below to see a Kitfox on skis in a deep snow.

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