It is time to pick a flight school for getting my Sport Pilot license. Since my goal is to join the good folks here on some of your back country gatherings like Johnson Creek, I searched for a school that trains in tailwheel aircraft and includes mountain flying and small airstrips. I believe I found such a facility (thanks to a Barnstormer's ad) based in Boise, Idaho. They train in Rotax 914 powered Kitfox S7 Supers Sports and visit many small airstrips including Johnson Creek. Paul Leadabrand is the owner and main CFI. Does anyone have any experience with this flight school and Paul?

http://stick-rudder.com/index.php

Enthusiastically awaiting responses, thank you.

They are one of the best schools around and one of very few that focus on back country skills.

You will find that there is an irrational dislike of Kitfoxes by many here, though, even though they are excellent back country aircraft.

Av8r3400 wrote:You will find that there is an irrational dislike of Kitfoxes by many here, though, even though they are excellent back country aircraft.

I wasn't aware of that, and I like to think I'm fairly in tune with the vibe here.

Kitfoxes are great but like any aircraft they have pros and cons in comparison to comparable types. They were on my shortlist when I was in the market for a 2-place kit.

For the OP: I've only heard good things about Leadabrand. I know there are a few videos on YouTube of him landing various spots in Idaho.

My pard did a BFR with him a couple years ago. Top-notch equipment and instruction.

Thanks to all that have taken the time to respond. The feedback so far is quite encouraging. I have viewed a video of Paul Leadabrand on the Kitfox site and I'll search for more. I have been in a 6 1/2 year holding pattern for flight lessons as I retired early to care for my 90 year old dad. He almost made it to 97 but passed last night. Next week I'm meeting up with a Realtor to look at some airpark homes so I can live with my future plane. Through Zillow I have researched a number of flying communities in the 7 Western States, any feedback from others on this site about airparks would be appreciated.

I know, and have flown in a group with Paul. A first rate guy that knows what he is doing. You couldn't find a better backcountry guy both for his flying and personality. Go for it.

SkySteve wrote:I know, and have flown in a group with Paul. A first rate guy that knows what he is doing. You couldn't find a better backcountry guy both for his flying and personality. Go for it.

How do you like your Kitfox? If Paul is getting close to retiring one of his 914 Super Sports I could be interested in a package deal of instruction and purchase.

Zzz wrote:

Av8r3400 wrote:You will find that there is an irrational dislike of Kitfoxes by many here, though, even though they are excellent back country aircraft.

I wasn't aware of that, and I like to think I'm fairly in tune with the vibe here.

I'm with Zane on this, I haven't noticed a dislike for the Kitfox on here. I may have inadvertently said something negative but don't recall doing so. Only issue I had, I felt they are a lttle small for 2 people, but that surely doesn't detract from their flyabilities! I quickly got over my problem with the tigh cabin. A fellow member gave both myself and my son a ride in his Kitfox IV. I think they are an awesome plane. The newer models are roomier and more refined than the pre-model 5, but with refinemnt comes heavier weights and more cost. There was a reason so many of the early KF's were sold.

I have read/heard nothing but great things about Stick and Rudder. Take that for what its worth.

Nothing but good heard here also about his operation. Go for it! Hustle him on a package deal, it'd be a win/win. I hope to meet him at the Stanley ski fly in in a few weeks. But please, don't refer to JC as a small strip, its huge! You have to start speaking the lingo, ha ha.

Chill Av8r, no ones dissing the Fox, though not as slow flying/ short landing as my choice its faster plus the wing folds, 650 hr's on a model 1 so I know a bit about them. Go for it DeckOfficer!

Deckofficer,
Great to hear of your interest in Stick and Rudder. I'm pleased to read the enthusiastic endorsements of those who've replied thus far. As the newest member of the Stick and Rudder team I hope to see you in Idaho soon. I can guarantee you'll train with a smile on your face. BTW, we will soon begin to offer training in SW Utah as well. This will help us provide more year round options - extending our season and introducing our clients to the beautiful Utah backcountry.

Have heard great things about Paul and plan to do some flying with him this summer. I also have a friend that has a Kitfox S7 and I have about 40 hours in it put personally prefer my Rans S7 and the tandem seating. I believe it makes a better backcountry plane but granted with almost 800 hours in it I am more comfortable with it.

offroute wrote:Deckofficer,
Great to hear of your interest in Stick and Rudder. I'm pleased to read the enthusiastic endorsements of those who've replied thus far. As the newest member of the Stick and Rudder team I hope to see you in Idaho soon. I can guarantee you'll train with a smile on your face. BTW, we will soon begin to offer training in SW Utah as well. This will help us provide more year round options - extending our season and introducing our clients to the beautiful Utah backcountry.

That sure sounds encouraging that during a weak aviation market you folks are expanding, speaks well for the quality of what you are providing. I usually shop for the most competitive price, but for learning flying with an emphasis on back country mountainous flying I'm willing to splurge. I'll try to save a few dollars on the motel near the flight school. I have a couple hundred hours flying hang gliders over 30 years ago, and even though good ridge lift is what we live for to sustain flight, the rotor on the back side of the prevailing wind on the ridge gave me real fear. Every time I watch those amazing mountain and canyon flying videos the members here post, I curl my toes with the proximity to the ridge lines.


Bob

How do you like your Kitfox? If Paul is getting close to retiring one of his 914 Super Sports I could be interested in a package deal of instruction and purchase.

Deckofficer,
I love the Kitfox. I've flown it all over Utah,
Idaho and some of Wyoming with me, my wife, her little dog and camping gear. Great performance and fuel burn. It is light which has both positives and negatives. Most of my flying is off airport.

SkySteve wrote:

How do you like your Kitfox? If Paul is getting close to retiring one of his 914 Super Sports I could be interested in a package deal of instruction and purchase.

Deckofficer,
I love the Kitfox. I've flown it all over Utah,
Idaho and some of Wyoming with me, my wife, her little dog and camping gear. Great performance and fuel burn. It is light which has both positives and negatives. Most of my flying is off airport.

Steve, that is good to hear. For some reason I hadn't even considered a Kitfox until I came across Stick and Rudder Aviation, then started doing some research. STOL and still a decent turn of speed, makes the CH701 that I was considering used as a one trick pony with its low cruise speed. I cringe at the expense of the Rotax 914, but would probably cringe more in a dicey high DA situation without the aid of the turbo.

I've watched every video I could find of Paul Leadabrand in teaching mode and like his style. High fives and clapping when a student nails a good landing. In fact I couldn't find any videos that have been posted on YouTube where a student of his flubs a landing. For this reason not only is he a good CFI but just maybe his trainers aren't beat to death in their high hour training roles and I would consider buying one if he was ready to sell. Too bad the Rotax 915 won't be out till 2017, I bet a guy like Paul would upgrade to a 135 hp EFI turbo.

This article was in AOPA Pilot magazine a few years ago about the ready-to-fly Kitfox Super Sport LSA.
Looked and sounded like a great little airplane.
The writer flew with Leadabrand (in Leadabrand's Kitfox) and it sounded like he had a very positive experience.
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All- ... oot-Kitfox