Thanks to all of you veteran flyers and KR owners. I have a much better picture of what is needed for my location. Thanks to you, I was able to contact Bob Jennings in Anchorage, Alaska. Not only do I have his e-mail, but I spoke with him on the phone. I think he has agreed to "adopt" me as a future flyer. After speaking with Bob, I've learned that there are other KR planes in Alaska. I will see if I can locate these owners. Bob is amazing! He has quite a history as a pilot. In addition, his family has spent many years in the region where I live. He is very familiar with the weather, airports, and conditions in this part of the state. I keep you posted on my progress. Anyway, here's what I think is needed for me:
1. A tricycle gear 2. Largest engine I can find 2100 D, Corvair, or similar 3. Dual control, with throttle location in the middle of dash 4. A KR that is widened 5. A KR that will actually carry a flight instructor and a student pilot 6. A KR that has lights for night time VFR flying Bob also told me that Alaska recommends survival gear be carried. If I remember what he said correctly, it was that the survival gear would probably use most of the baggage area. Given the above requirements, do any of you know if such a KR aircraft exists? If not, could one be built that would meet these requirements? Am I still in the ball park as far as being able to realistically buy a KR? Again, I do not want a utility aircraft, but a fast flyer to use for cross country trips to improved airports. On, I forgot to mention in all of my previous posts, that our little town is basically built around our airport. We are a "hub" village and so feed other airstrips. As such, we have a new 5000 foot runway with just about all the bells and whistles: lights, nav aids, IFR capability, etc. We land cargo jets and Hercules aircraft here. It has been paved for about 2 years now. Let me know what you think. I am answering all individual replies as fast as I can. Thanks for slowing down and dampening my wide eyed blindness to the realities of these aircraft. Merry Christmas, Thomas
