Kitfox Series 7 Aircraft Parts, Equipment, and Tooling List

The Kitfox Series 7 stands out from other light sport aircraft thanks to its blend of backcountry capability, modular design, and user-friendly features. Unlike many LSAs, the Series 7 is available as both a kit and factory-built aircraft, giving pilots the freedom to build, customize, or buy ready-to-fly. Its proprietary folding wing system allows for easy storage and trailering without sacrificing structural integrity. The aircraft also supports a wide range of landing gear and engine configurations, enabling it to adapt to diverse flying environments—from paved runways to remote, off-airport strips. Combined with an active builder community and robust factory support, the Kitfox Series 7 offers a level of versatility and adventure-readiness that few LSAs can match.

The Super Sport is designed for all-around performance with a good balance of cruise speed and climb rate, while the STi (STOL Inspired) focuses on rugged, short-field takeoffs and landings with larger tires and higher lift features. The Speedster, on the other hand, is optimized for agility and sporty handling, sacrificing some STOL performance for greater responsiveness. Each model shares the same basic airframe and 43" wide cabin but varies in wingspan, takeoff roll, and stall speeds. These variations allow pilots to choose a model that aligns best with their specific flying goals.

The Kitfox Series 7 is offered both as a complete aircraft kit for amateur builders and as a fully assembled factory-built light sport aircraft (LSA). The kit version allows for customization and hands-on experience, while the factory-built option offers a turnkey solution with dual controls, high-end finishes, and an ergonomic layout. Kitfox’s factory-built aircraft meet LSA requirements and are perfect for pilots who want to skip the build process and get straight to flying.

Kitfox aircraft support a variety of engine choices, including the Rotax 912iS, 912ULS, and 914UL, the Continental O-200 and O-240, the Lycoming O-233 and O-235, and the Continental Titan X340. These engines offer outputs ranging from 80hp to 180hp, allowing builders to tailor their aircraft for speed, climb performance, or rugged field operations. Many pilots choose the Rotax series for its light weight and fuel efficiency, while others prefer Lycoming or Continental for greater horsepower and traditional air-cooled performance.

Cruise speeds for the Kitfox Series 7 vary by model and engine but generally fall between 105 and 130 mph (169 to 209 km/h) true airspeed. The Super Sport cruises at about 123 mph (198 km/h), the Speedster at 130 mph (209 km/h), and the STi at approximately 105 mph (169 km/h). These performance specs make the Series 7 suitable for both short local hops and cross-country flying.

The STi offers the shortest takeoff and landing rolls, taking off in just 150 feet (46 meters) and landing in 175 feet (53 meters). The Super Sport model takes off in about 290 feet (88 meters) and lands in 200 feet (61 meters), while the Speedster has a takeoff roll of 330 feet (100 meters) and a landing roll of 300 feet (91 meters). This level of performance makes the Kitfox ideal for backcountry strips, grass fields, and short, unimproved runways.

Yes, one of the standout features of the Kitfox Series 7 is its easily foldable wings. This allows for compact storage in a standard garage or trailer and simplifies transportation by road. The foldable wing system requires no special tools and can be operated quickly by a single person, making it especially convenient for owners without hangar space.

The maximum gross weight for the Series 7 in experimental configuration is 1,550 lbs (703 kg), and 1,320 lbs (599 kg) in LSA configuration. The aircraft offers a 150-lb (68 kg) baggage capacity and typically has an empty weight of around 800 lbs (363 kg), giving pilots a useful load of approximately 500 lbs (227 kg), depending on fuel and equipment. This makes it suitable for two passengers, full fuel, and some gear.

The Kitfox can be configured with four main landing gear options: tricycle gear, tailwheel with grove gear, cabane gear, or tundra tires. Each configuration serves different operational needs – tricycle gear is great for paved strips, while the tailwheel variants enhance off-runway capabilities. The tundra tire option is especially suited for backcountry and soft-field landings.

Builders can install their preferred avionics in the kit models, while factory-built Kitfox aircraft often come with premium options like Dynon SkyView panels, autopilot systems, and leather interiors. The cabin is 43" wide, offering generous elbow room for two occupants. Ergonomics, visibility, and pilot comfort are key focuses in the Series 7 layout.

Yes, the factory-built version of the Kitfox Series 7 qualifies as a light sport aircraft (LSA), which can be flown with a sport pilot certificate. This opens up ownership to a broader range of pilots, including those who do not hold a traditional private pilot license. Kitfox’s LSA option includes dual controls, robust safety features, and a higher baggage capacity than many other LSAs.

Build times vary depending on experience, available time, and customization, but many Kitfox builders report completion within 700 to 1,000 hours. The company offers quick-build kits to reduce the build timeline, and detailed manuals and support resources help streamline the process. First-time builders frequently complete their aircraft in one to two years with part-time effort.

The Kitfox Series 7 requires routine inspections similar to other experimental and light sport aircraft, including pre-flight checks, periodic condition inspections, and engine maintenance. Kitfox provides a Final Inspection Checklist that details items such as hardware torque, fuel line routing, and rigging alignment. Builders and owners can perform much of the maintenance themselves under FAA rules for experimental aircraft, making ownership more accessible and affordable.