Kitfox vs RANS S-21 Outbound 

Welcome aboard! Thanks for the comment. I'm still planning an engine video, though full disclosure, I know a little less about engines than airplanes. I'll do my best! P.S. my engine is on backorder, but should arrive at the perfect time for mounting... Stay tuned! -Steve

Thanks, Alan! Me too haha

That's exciting! I'm learning a lot from a few other RU-vidrs documenting their builds. I haven't figured out how detailed I want to make my build videos...Leaning towards quick updates rather than "How To" since I'm a first time builder. Either way, happy to have you aboard and good luck on your way to your build.

Thanks, Mikael! Almost done…ish

Ha! Glad I could help. Not sure how I’ll document the build, but I’m sure I’ll make it...informative? There are a lot of great folks document their builds, so I don’t have pressure. I plan to focus on the bigger picture process of things rather than the rivet pulling. We’ll see. Stay tuned and thanks for the comment, Tim!

Thanks David! Me too ;)

Oh awesome, that's great to hear! Good luck on your S-7!

Thanks for watching and for the note!

Nice work! I’ll hold you to it!!!

So great to hear! Thanks for the note.

Nice, Trent! Have you ordered your kit or a factory-built yet? I just ordered my options today as RANS is starting to produce my kit. Time to study the instructions and build my shop! Oh and look for used Clecos...

I had put together an order about year ago, but had a health issue (now resolved) that made me back off, so just getting ready to step up to it again. Unlike you, I haven't settled on engine choices yet.

Right on, thank you!

A repeat customer! I love hearing that. I wonder if I'll have the energy to tackle a second at some point. I sure hope so. I'm enjoying the build so far. Thanks for the comment and enjoy your build!

Thanks for the good feedback!

Thanks Franz!

Me too, ha! Thanks for the comment!

Welcome aboard!

Thank you for the great comment. Now that I’m a lot more familiar with the RANS, you’re absolutely right. I’m glad we both made the right decision. I’m glad we’re in the same strong community. Can’t wait to fly.

Hi Chris, thanks for the kind words. It's a fun debate. I've been following Geoff's work and I'm about to order everything he has for the RANS! I hope you go with the S-21 also. Let me know!

Let me know which one you choose! Would love to hear your rationale.

Thanks, George! Love getting these comments...

Oh nice! Enjoy! Where are you doing your training?

Just make darn sure the Wood spars in the Citabria are in great shape, and have no compression cracks!!!!!!

Tricked ya! Welcome aboard!

I know I will too. I’m glad you’ve had such a great experience with your Coyote! Thanks for the note 👍🏼

Good insight! I wondered why the Kitfox has a longer wingspan...interesting. Thanks for the info!

Hi Greg... I grew up with an Aaron Philpott in SoCal, any relation? Yes, get in the growing line and figure out the money later ;) I'll put out a video from my rudder build in March. Good to have ya onboard!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT No relation that I know of, we are all in TN & TX

Did you ever fly with Col. Mike Starr, good friend of mine that grew up together, flew 15's, 16's, & 22's - recently retired out of Vance AFB - with DoD?

Thanks, Ryan! Some random stuff coming before my build...

Absolutely, can't wait! Looking forward to checking out your channel too...

Check out the Zlin Norden for the future of STOL flying. This bird would be perfect in Utah! At 4:00. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5Olmfj7O4Ec.html

@@andrewmorris3479 Or....keep your money stateside, just saying.

@@portnuefflyer Do you feel that way about the cars you purchase? The Norden makes a lot of the American made STOL aircraft look really bad especially at its price point. Why should it matter if it’s built in Napajedla or Boise? We’re all part of the human race and the love for STOL aviation can and should be found everywhere.

@@andrewmorris3479 It matters to some more then you apparently. Sending my money to Kansas, which I've done twice in the last 20+ years, for sure feels better to me. Homedale would also feel better. Buy a Norden and show us all what a great plane it is, ( FOR REAL, see you at Mile Hi, and you can show me) not just in staged videos made by the company. It better land slow, loaded down with all the bells and whistles it has, "more stuff" seems to be their design motto, that and ripping off the Rans company way back when.......I'll never cut them any slack over that.

Thanks for your service! I totally understand not wanting to build. It’s a huuuge undertaking. But this has been a lifelong dream. I’m sure it’s not my last build!

Oh wow! Super exciting times. Are you settling down in the states or just coming for a visit? You should do some Idaho flying with us this (northern) summer

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Yes we're very excited. We'll be on a ten week holiday with our then-seven month old son, road tripping around your many amazing national parks in the western states. RANS in Kansas will be as far east as we go. Super keen to check them out because the Australian market pales in comparison to USA's. Happy flying :)

I may or may not have heard the same thing, ha!

Mucka, oh man thanks for the great comment! Loved reading that. You and I would get along well. I wish I had your build experience but I appreciate the advice. It’s inline with what I’ve heard so far. I wasn’t planning on corrosion proofing the aluminum away from the steel since I live in the desert, but I’ll reconsider. Thanks again for the words!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Where in the “desert” might I ask?

About you comment “I wasn’t planning on corrosion proofing,” yes you are...

Bend, OR

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I was a maintenance controller for Evergreen Intl Airlines for 5 years in McMinnville. Did you know Dell Smiths son Michael, as you were both F-15 jockeys?

Ha! Didn't even catch that one... Thanks for the comment and I'm clearly excited too! I should get the kit in May...

More right rudder!!!

Thanks for the sub. You might have been my 1,000th! I think your decision will become clear over the next 2 years. I’m not trying to steer you one way or another...really look at your mission requirements. Your two choices of aircraft fit two pretty different mission sets. Let me know when you decide or if I can help

Thank you Clarence! Yes, these types of planes are in big demand right now. Hence building vs buying... Cheers!

Great, Scott! Glad it helped you out and that you came to the same conclusion I did. It’s such a versatile airplane. My build is going great. I hope those videos help you out down the road. Welcome aboard!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT you got your kit? I think I replied in the wrong place 🤔 And, thx!

@@57eleven1 yep, in May. Lots of build episodes…check them out!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I’ll check them out now! I was thinking that it’d be a year but I guess this video is about a year old. My bad 🙄 lol

Good choice! That’s super exciting for you and your son, congrats. Thanks for following along!

I am in the market for a taildragger do you think the zenair 701 is more or less forgiving than kitfox?

@@vracan the 701 is tricycle gear, not a taildragger.

@@AnonyMous-jf4lc you're right! I could have swore Ive seen them in taildragger config

A viking engine!? Very interesting. I would love to see some future RU-vid vids of that build and flying process. If I ever get to build, the viking would be a serious consideration for for the powerplant

Good to know, 7KF! Thanks for the comment

I’ve been watching MojoGrip’s Sling build. Looks like a great kit and support. Looking forward to that tail wheel endorsement this spring in Idaho. Hope I don’t embarrass myself too badly! Sheppard 01-05

It was humbling at first due to 30 knot winds, but once you see the picture it gets easier but never easy!

I met Mike in Torrence at the factory. Nice young man.

Ha! You got me there ;)

Thanks, Curtis. Comm brevity is a trait I value airborne too. I appreciate the feedback.

Thanks Brandon! Congrats on taking the plunge. Is this your first build? I have a lot to learn...first to set up my garage, er shop! Keep in touch

Yes this is first project. Quite nervous about it to be honest but darn excited. Spending my time getting shop ready which is project in itself. Thanks again for the video - I feel fortunate to have found another person who is embarking on s21 build!

@@bfryar22 Same here. There's an S21 builders group on Facebook for more camaraderie...facebook.com/groups/588641295227813/

Sorry you had type your comment twice, but I sure appreciate you sticking with it. What a great comment. Thanks so much for sharing your link and posting on the EAA Builders Log. That is so incredibly helpful. Though it's tough waiting for my kit, it allows me time to study up and learn as much as I can from other builders. I'm following for sure. I'm really glad it sounds like we made the right decision on the Rans. Good luck and keep posting!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I don’t think either would have been a wrong choice. I think both are good airplanes, but for me the RANS was a better fit.

Thanks, Brian!

Spoiler... you’re right! Clearly a lot of other people are coming to the same conclusion. I’m sure Kitfox isn’t hurting too bad. They have a very loyal following and a great group of airplanes!

Brian, thanks for the comment! I’m super happy to have a Kitfox owner join in. You’re right, I don’t know enough yet to be super authoritative on that topic. I’m glad I’ll have the Kitfox experience to weigh against the Rans. I hope I don’t regret my choice, but both seem to be really great airplanes. Where are you based?

Uh huh..... blame the algorithm ;) Thanks for stopping by!

Thanks for the comment. I just checked out the Bearhawk, I had forgotten about them. Interesting stuff out of Austin. I like their new 6 place! Lots of great choices right now, looks like your timing is impeccable.

Yeah, big surprise, right?! Haha thanks for the comment…

Nice!!! Welcome aboard and see you in the pattern!

Thanks, Tom!

Folding wings is a great option if you need them but you give up quite a lot...fuel capacity, max G-loading, cord length, and wheelbase (to fit on a trailer). This RANS is positioned perfectly between the Kitfox and the new RV-15 in a lot of ways! Thanks for the comment 🙌

Excellent! Love hearing that.

Wilco!

Thank you! It’s been a fun build so far. About 40% done…

Thank you for your service! Rans gives 3%. Not sure about Kitfox. Man, the wait so hard. Fingers crossed it's 6 months for me. Good luck to ya...

Thank for your service Brian. Same with me on wait time, need to pay off my Gyrocopter and, convince my wife that airplane is more important lol

Yeah I was tempted given the lighter weight and turbo perf up high, but 1) $10K more, 2) 40hp less (down low), and 3) Randy’s having a hard time keeping temps low (I’ve heard). Thanks for the comment and congrats on your deposit!

Yeah now that I've read the other comments the Titan is starting to look more appealing. What did they say your lead time would be for receiving the kit?

I would still consider the 915is. The latest Rotax Operating Manual just increased the Manifold Temperature limit to 80 °C (176 °F), I think it was 50°C (122 °F).

Pawel, oh man, I didn’t realize the connection between the Avid and Kitfox, nice! Thanks for the comment, agreed!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I did some more digging around, bit of a dream "virtual" built as I now live and fly in Indonesia. You should take a look at the Titan engine as well. Sure looks like Continental bought out Titan which is a clone of Lycoming 0-320/360. I saw some Continental guy proudly talk about the engine, how it steel trust washer and relocated oil filter........while I am looking at a Lycoming clone. I found it all sad in the end to tell you the truth. Some 15 years ago I was flying this crazy Russian built amphibian airplane Be 103. I was the first pilot in USA and the world really to fly it, production number 1. It was a certified airplane with mix of Russian and USA components. The engines were Continentals IO 360.....Well we had issues with the engines /props MT. I would loose control of props with oil in the yellow, too much bypass on the crank transfer bearing...Anyways their research facility was in delapitated ww2 hangar, junk all around. They had a Cessna 377 set up with some experimental engine, nothing became of that. Just a side story. I would also suggest that you built it light and simple. I have 16 000 flying hours, all weird stuff gliders, tow planes, cubs and the rest, most Cessnas.. spent 5 years flying ww2 T6 doing (sorry) simulated dog fights and aerobatic rides, flew piston DC3 in Puerto Rico and even got to fly P51 for an hour. Now for the past 10 years I have been flying Twin Otter on floats. I flew lots of Cessna 180/185. Some airline pilot's monsters with fire breathing motors....The best one was old 180 from Alaska, it was ugly, it was powered by old 0-470 and it had basic panel......I was a joy to fly. Ok rambling on now, but you are bit guilty as well. Now before falling asleep I am building S21 in my brain. It would be simple, light, decent used or overhauled 0 360 (can't get passed the "fake" Continental issue), nice composite prop, airspeed and oil pressure on the panel (ok going bit extreme here). I think waiting for the kit is also a benefit as by the time you get it rans will address some of the small issues and there are plenty of vids now of actual builds. Ok done, once again good luck with your project. Happy landings from Indonesia

Hey Bryan! Thanks again for the content and good point. I should list my email. For now it’s steve@ClearedDirectResources.com

Oh man, that's some dedication! I'll definitely beg Randy for a flight in March when I'm out in Hays for the rudder build. Sounds like I made the right decision then... I hope you post your progress, mate. G'day

Hi Mark, I'm Adelaide-based and am interested to touch base with Australian S-21 owners prior to purchase. Did you find a cost-effective shipping option?

@@knottymatt Send me a email to kylecom3@gmail.com

Thanks for the comment! Great question. I've never flown a stick-controlled aircraft from the left seat. I will definitely have to give that some thought. It seems Jonas Marcinko prefers the right seat. I didn't have a problem flying my Bonanza from the left seat, but yoke. I think I'll configure normally for a left seat pilot for re-sale, not that I'm building it to sell. Anyway, thanks for your service. What do you fly?

@@CLEAREDDIRECT I flew F-4s and F-15Es. I’d love to have a S-21 or a Kitfox, but am probably going to go with a 4 seater, my daughter is interested in getting her private license and thinking about a career in the airlines. So I want to be able to take her cross country and get her some experience early on...and we’ll need to take my son (12 yrs) along many times, so probably a 172 just for basic instruction, maintenance, ease of CFIs, etc. But when I win the lotto, it’s a Cirrus SR22 Turbo! Happy Holidays!

Oooooo a 4-seater?!?! Color me interested. Something to compete with the RV-10 would be amazing. I'd love to build my family-hauler. Good luck to your Dad in his build and yours eventually. Please stop by central Oregon and say hi!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Randy only mentioned it in passing while we were at lunch but I think we all know that there’s a market for a 4 place version of the S21. Thank you! If we’re up that way we’ll be sure to send a message.

@@Jake-ug2mf I’ll be at the rudder workshop March 19th!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Sweet! You’ll really enjoy it! Randy and Michelle are great people and Eddie is a great teacher for the class, I really enjoyed doing the rudder workshop and I’m sure you will as well.

Thanks for the like and comment! My only TD experience was decades ago in an ol Stearman. Can't wait to 'scoot my butt' again haha

I know ManBear well! Great guy. He’d never laugh at anybody’s rig :)

@@CLEAREDDIRECT He's my new neighbor's brother, and anytime I get a new neighbor, I hope they like or at least tolerate airplanes and I won't get any complaints about my farm strip. How lucky is that?! He and the old man were visiting one day, and stopped by my place, we had a great time BS'ing, but it made me a bit nervous knowing those two were judging my landing earlier! But I nailed it and really did show them what the 7 could do, short and slow wise, on skis, uphill.

No regrets half-way through my build. Thanks for the comment!

That’s what my Bonanza’s for! Glad you called the RANS! You’re right, the Outbound was a no brainer when I broke it down.

Thanks for your thoughtful comment! Dreamers are welcome here too...that's where we all started. Agreed on Randy. He's wicked smaaaaht. Unfortunately the Titan IO-340 will lose power as it climbs as opposed to the turbocharged Rotax 915iS. But I'm sticking with the Titan. Maybe I'll upgrade to an adjustable pitch prop down the road. Anyway, welcome aboard!

Hi James, all great points! Thanks for the good comments. Yeah I went down the Apex rabbit hole on RU-vid the other day. I love that these guys are putting a little pressure on Continental and Lycoming. That’s exciting that a Highlander build might be in your future. Thanks for watching and I’ll start the kit plane series in the next month or so. Cheers!

Unless you enjoy tinkering with engines the only source for a complete aircraft Yamaha is from Epex isn't exactly cheap although I would say you do get turbo performance cheaper then Rotax 915 at $40k+. Yamaha is talking about getting into aviation although no details on that If I were to guess the prices will be like Rotax. I like tinkering with engines and fuel injection have some experience with this I would say it probably acceptable in Stol type plane with low stall speeds take little more risk on the engine. Also looked at the AeroMomentum they are using Suzuki new engines they will build your engine mount if it's a new aircraft I saw owner in a video saying for free not sure if that is true still.

Oh man, lot of rivets in your future! Thanks for the comment. I'm looking forward to the engine choice video. Stay tuned!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT half way done and 98% of the metal work is done if you can believe it. Now 2 more years on systems. :)

Thank you Joe

It’s been a great build so far. I’m really happy with my decision. Yes, the all-aluminum exterior is quite corrosion-resistant. Thanks for the comment!

Absolutely! Which engine do you have in your AirCam?

I sure appreciate your enthusiasm, Jacques! But I have a feeling it’s quite a different skill set... I’m ready to be humbled just like my first BFM/dogfighting training 20 years ago. Regardless, my tailwheel training will make for some fun videos!

@@CLEAREDDIRECT Love the humility mate and loved the video. I have been looking at kits as well and useful load is well, useful! Great Choice. Your shortlist and mine are the same. Looking forward to following your journey from down under Australia!

A good pilot knows what he can and cannot do. Flying an F-15 does not translate into landing on sand bars, or dealing with schizophrenic mountain winds in what amounts to a powered kite. It's a completely other think entirely. Respect to an F-15 pilot who recognizes that he's basically a fledgling again. I don't think you'd find very many experienced bush pilots who would claim that their experience would translate to an F-15.

@@mqbitsko25 Amen! Thanks for the good words

@@mqbitsko25 you are totally correct! You missed the context of what I was trying to convey though.

Did your neighbor work on the S-21 full-time? I'm guessing no for an experienced builder to take 7 months, sounds part-time...?

Taz! Man, I would love an experimental that rivaled the A36 Bonanza...an SUV! Unfortunately most homebuilders are empty nesters that don’t need all that space. That said, I think the Glasair Sportsman would be a great fit, albeit pricey...

Bearhawk 4-Place, Companion or Model 5 could be great options for you.

Maule MX-7

I’m going to Stick and Rudder next spring. My goal is to fly my S-21 by the end of 2021. Have you ordered your kit yet?

​@@CLEAREDDIRECT I''m not so sure I'm going to get a kit. There appears to be a really nice S21 on Barnstormers. (N133TX) Check it out. Looking at next year for a purchase. Likely April. It just depends on what is available at the right time. I still may get a kitfox....

When I was 8 my neighbor started building a Lancair and I've wanted to build a plane ever since! Hopefully I haven't bitten off more than I can chew, but it appears that Rans has put together a pretty great product, manual, and support. Congratulations on your RTF S-21! When will it be ready and what color scheme did you choose? I'm loving that copper, silver, and black.

@@CLEAREDDIRECT it’s going to be September to October of next year. I’m getting the Encore paint scheme in blue, white black and silver. Being a retired cop, I’m going to maybe get a stylized Blue Lives Matter flag on the tail or rudder.

@@eddieberry8450 very cool and thank you for your service!

You know I didn’t. Looks like a great option!