---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Thu 07/08/04: 14 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:35 AM - Re: Formation Pictures (dama@mindspring.com) 2. 05:24 AM - Re: Re: uncle craig crashes (Jim Baker) 3. 09:12 AM - Ultra Star drag strut mod. (ray anderson) 4. 10:10 AM - Re: Ultra Star drag strut mod. (ul15rhb@juno.com) 5. 10:37 AM - Re: Formation Pictures (James and Cathy Tripp) 6. 02:57 PM - MKIII 582 motor mount etc. (Giovanni Day) 7. 03:18 PM - Cable Lube (Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM) 8. 04:03 PM - Re: SlingShot FireStar II Nose Mods (Don Gherardini) 9. 04:16 PM - Re: uncle craig crashes (David Paule) 10. 06:07 PM - Mark Germans MV trip photos (Paul Petty) 11. 07:05 PM - Re: Cable Lube (KolbDriver) 12. 07:26 PM - Oil Injection (Al Bumhoffer) 13. 07:56 PM - Re: SlingShot FireStar II Nose Mods (Richard Swiderski) 14. 08:44 PM - Re: Ultra Star drag strut mod. (Richard Swiderski) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:35:49 AM PST US From: "dama@mindspring.com" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" Here is an easier link... http://photo.charles.cc/photos/ Kip Original Message: ----------------- From: dama@mindspring.com dama@mindspring.com Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" You may have to paste it on your browser... Kip http://photo.charles.cc/photos/view.php?dir=2004.07.02+Kips+Ultralight+at+Mo nroe+Airport Original Message: ----------------- From: dama@mindspring.com dama@mindspring.com Subject: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" I have been trying (and promising pics like this for two years now but I found that it logistically difficult to get the photo man and other pilot all together on a good weather day. Anyway here is a link to some good pics. Thanks to George and Charles for their help. By the way, my computer was hit by lightning so I am unable to add anything to my website for the moment. My apologies to Noel in Canada whos sent me the addition... http://photo.charles.cc/photos/view.php?dir=2004.07.02+Kips+Ultralight+at+Mo nroe+Airport Cheers, Kip, FS II Atlanta ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:24:22 AM PST US From: "Jim Baker" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: uncle craig crashes --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Baker" > When I took off > with a role of toilet paper between my knees in my UltraStar & then > said oooooppps as I watched it bounce off the ground toward the > propeller. Try watermelons or cantaloupe...they don't bounce and are hard to catch once released. But guaranteed if you had tried to catch it you'd get the same "Ooh! Ahhhh!" from the crowd. Jim Baker 580.788.2779 '71 SV, 492TC Elmore City, OK ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:12:49 AM PST US From: "ray anderson" Subject: Kolb-List: Ultra Star drag strut mod. Rule breakdown below pts rule name description --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ray anderson" Subject .. Ultra Star Drag Strut Does anyone know the year the drag strut modification was added to the Kolb Ultra Star kits? I built one in 1983 and don't remember this fix. Did some problem arise that caused it to be added, and if so what was it? Did it become a Kolb mandatory item for the older Ultra Stars? I've been out of the loop for many years but am thinking of buying an Ultra Star because I believe it was the best aerodynamic design Homer came up with, not the least being center thrust line, as well as other features. There wouldn't be so many reports of stalls at engine stoppage if they were flying Ultra Stars. He had to compromise and lift the engine because some insisted on using it for a lawn mower, and as far as I'm concerned, there went the ball game, or the neighborhood. I'm 86 and live by the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Would appreciate answers to these questions . Ray Anderson ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 10:10:26 AM PST US From: "ul15rhb@juno.com" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Ultra Star drag strut mod. --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ul15rhb@juno.com" Ray and others, The Ultrastar drag strut brackets were installed because Dennis Souder found the drag strut to be the weak spot in the wing design. He broke the wing during an intentional flight test and discovered the drag strut had bent out of column. The wing broke under about 6g's of force doing many tight loops. Homer installed the brackets after that. I'm not sure of the year, but it was before the Firestar came out in 1985. The Ultrastar is a great design, but the Original Firestar is better due to the steel control linkage tubes rather than cables. This would be the weak spot for the Ultrastar as the cables take a 90 deg bend and this leads to wear around the pulleys. The Firestar elevator/rudder cables take a very shallow bend and never seem to wear out. The higher thrust line does not affect the aerodynamics that much as I have flown both types. The Firestar also has a larger diameter fuse tube and wing spars (5"), while the Ultrastar is only 3" (correct me if I'm wrong). In the early days composite props weren't around, so the Ultrastar props got covered with grass and were more susceptible to nicks and dings. The Firestar prop is above the fuse tube and does not have that problem. I think the Ultrastar is plenty strong as Homer and Dennis have stated, without the brackets, but the plane would have to be flown within its limits, of course. I liked the light weight of the Ultrastar and if you think a Firestar gets off the ground quick, try flying the Ultrastar. Nice machine and I wish the old Kolb Company would start making both planes again. Both are very good designs. Ralph Original Firestar 17 years flying it -- "ray anderson" wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ray anderson" Subject .. Ultra Star Drag Strut Does anyone know the year the drag strut modification was added to the Kolb Ultra Star kits? I built one in 1983 and don't remember this fix. Did some problem arise that caused it to be added, and if so what was it? Did it become a Kolb mandatory item for the older Ultra Stars? I've been out of the loop for many years but am thinking of buying an Ultra Star because I believe it was the best aerodynamic design Homer came up with, not the least being center thrust line, as well as other features. There wouldn't be so many reports of stalls at engine stoppage if they were flying Ultra Stars. He had to compromise and lift the engine because some insisted on using it for a lawn mower, and as far as I'm concerned, there went the ball game, or the neighborhood. I'm 86 and live by the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Would appreciate answers to these questions . Ray Anderson ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 10:37:21 AM PST US From: "James and Cathy Tripp" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures --> Kolb-List message posted by: "James and Cathy Tripp" Kip, Those are some great pictures. Makes me feel warm all over. James Tripp, FSII DO NOT ARCHIVE ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" > > Here is an easier link... > > http://photo.charles.cc/photos/ > > Kip > > > Original Message: > ----------------- > From: dama@mindspring.com dama@mindspring.com > Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 12:25:30 -0400 > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures > > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" > > You may have to paste it on your browser... > Kip > > http://photo.charles.cc/photos/view.php?dir=2004.07.02+Kips+Ultralight+at+Mo > nroe+Airport > > Original Message: > ----------------- > From: dama@mindspring.com dama@mindspring.com > Date: Wed, 7 Jul 2004 12:21:41 -0400 > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Kolb-List: Formation Pictures > > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama@mindspring.com" > > I have been trying (and promising pics like this for two years now but I > found that it logistically difficult to get the photo man and other pilot > all together on a good weather day. Anyway here is a link to some good > pics. Thanks to George and Charles for their help. By the way, my computer > was hit by lightning so I am unable to add anything to my website for the > moment. My apologies to Noel in Canada whos sent me the addition... > > http://photo.charles.cc/photos/view.php?dir=2004.07.02+Kips+Ultralight+at+Mo > nroe+Airport > > Cheers, > Kip, > FS II > Atlanta > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 02:57:24 PM PST US From: "Giovanni Day" Subject: Kolb-List: MKIII 582 motor mount etc. --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Giovanni Day" I have a 582 motor mount for the MKIII. I am not sure if it fits others. I also have the spacer kit with bolts and a lower side mount for the exhaust. Some one make me a fair offer on one or all. I need the cash for parts. Thanks Giovanni Day MKIII/912 80566 Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 03:18:17 PM PST US From: Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM Subject: Kolb-List: Cable Lube Rule breakdown below pts rule name description --> Kolb-List message posted by: Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM Kolb Friends - I'm beginning to get some friction in the throttle and choke cables on my Mark-3. (Cables are the standard bike cables in the black rigid housing, and splitters.) What's the preferred method for lubricating these? Graphite powder? Light oil? Grease? Copper anti-sieze compound? Thanks - Dennis Kirby Cedar Crest, NM ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 04:03:04 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: SlingShot FireStar II Nose Mods --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Richard. I recieved a new style long nose for my Fly when I busted the origional short one....no changes needed to be made int he rudder return spring post....and...I even cut off the tabs on the cage longerons and re-welded them 1 and a half inches closer...(moved aft)...so the panel would be just a tad closer to me ....still had plenty of room in the nose for the spring attachment post... dont know if it is the same as a slingshot...but....thought it might be interesting to ya! Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 04:16:02 PM PST US From: "David Paule" Subject: Kolb-List: Re: uncle craig crashes Rule breakdown below pts rule name description --> Kolb-List message posted by: "David Paule" First, off, my deepest sympathies to the people involved. I hope that nobody was hurt, and trust that the lack of mention of injuries meant that Craig and Mr. Hatfield escaped without injury. The aircraft sounds rebuildable, and hopefully, will be in the air again soon. Much was done correctly, and that paid off. There are four points that this incident emphasized, beyond the very obvious one of having too many people in the cockpit. 1. No homebuilt airplane is a known quantity, especially when it was not built to the plans - and most people incorporate at least a few changes. There should be a period of testing and inspection before it is released to routine operations like take-offs and landings. This initial period should explore the flight qualities in various attitudes and speeds, the propensity for flutter, and the likelihood that a systems issue may surface. This is a very hazardous time and great caution is warranted. The FAA has an excellent guide to flight-testing on-line, and you can buy a hard copy from the Superintendent of Documents. Do a search for Advisory Circular AC 90-89A. 2. Non-destructive inspection techniques are as close as your copy of the yellow pages - maybe even closer, on the web. Costs are reasonable and the capabilities these days include the ability to inspect welds, find hidden flaws in the parent material, and even find flaws under the surface of raw material. If you have flight-critical parts that you do not feel has had proper quality control, or that you're unsure of, it may be worth having them inspected. Some useful types include dye penetrant inspection, magnetic particle inspection, ultrasonic inspection and radiographic inspection. Usually you won't need to know all that much about it yourself - just let the inspector recommend the appropriate inspection. 3. If a person makes changes in the design of a plane, those changes need additional qualification to be safe for flight. Sometimes a simple functional test is all that's required. For other changes, static, dynamic, ground or flight testing is more suitable. Still other changes should be carefully analyzed. 4. It is difficult to maintain a high pilot skill level while building an airplane. Not many of us can do that, me included. Prior to flying your Kolb, currency is mandatory in taildraggers and in very light airplanes. If you're a private pilot or higher, you'll need an ultralight checkout. I don't intend any criticism here of the people involved. I just wanted to mention these lessons for the benefit of others. Dave Paule FSII Boulder, CO P.S. No, I haven't flown it yet - I need an ultralight checkout first. ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 06:07:39 PM PST US From: "Paul Petty" Subject: Kolb-List: Mark Germans MV trip photos --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Paul Petty" Fellow Kolbers, As you can expect, I spend a great deal of time on the phone asking questions and seeking help with the construction of Ms. Dixie. Mark German has helped me so much with minor to major mods to the Kolbra. As well as Jim and John Hauck. Mark sent me some photos today from his week long stay (due to weather) at an inroute airport. I felt that you all may enjoy looking at them and hope Mark won't mind. His Kolbra is a true marvel. As you can expect, when building a airplane, you stumble across someone that has created a masterpiece and the cost goes through the roof! However I don't mind spending the extra bucks to have a really nice airplane that I hope myself and family members will have around for years. As mentioned in a earlier post these mods or changes need to be tested and trust me we will. However the changes or mods we have made to our Kolbra for the most part have been tested time and again. Flaps on our Kolbra is a first and we are going for it. I spent a good part of an hour on the phone today with Steve Bettor that is designing the floats for TNK and I am very excited about this project. Thanks to Matt for this list as it is a must for first time builders like myself. This next week is going to be very interesting with the new float testing. Stay tuned...... This past Monday I flew in my first open cockpit airplane...WOW makes me want a firestar! Any her are the photos....... http://www.c-gate.net/~ppetty/photos/7-7-04%20002.jpg http://www.c-gate.net/~ppetty/photos/7-7-04%20006.jpg http://www.c-gate.net/~ppetty/photos/7-7-04%20011.jpg http://www.c-gate.net/~ppetty/photos/7-7-04%20013.jpg enjoy.... Paul Petty Building Ms. Dixie Kolbra/912UL/Warp do not archive ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 07:05:32 PM PST US From: "KolbDriver" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cable Lube --> Kolb-List message posted by: "KolbDriver" Dennis, I got a can of cable lube from the bike shop. It has a device to seal around the cable and housing then forces the lube though the housing to the other end. This does not take the place of removing the cable to inspect for wear. Steven Green ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM" Subject: Kolb-List: Cable Lube > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Kirby Dennis Contr ASC/TM > > Kolb Friends - > > I'm beginning to get some friction in the throttle and choke cables on my > Mark-3. > (Cables are the standard bike cables in the black rigid housing, and > splitters.) > > What's the preferred method for lubricating these? > Graphite powder? Light oil? Grease? Copper anti-sieze compound? > > Thanks - > > Dennis Kirby > Cedar Crest, NM > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 07:26:16 PM PST US From: "Al Bumhoffer" Subject: Kolb-List: Oil Injection Rule breakdown below pts rule name description --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Al Bumhoffer" I have run my low time used 503 DCDI oil injected motor for about 7/10s of an hour now using a 50 to 1 mix in the gas tank just to be safe and not burn a piston. The oil line to the rear carb is filled with oil, but the line to the front carb is not . I can see small spurts coming from the pump but would have expected the line to be filled by now and the engine smoking or fouling plugs due to the extra oil in the gas mixture. I would like to keep the oil injection system but am wondering if I may need a new pump. The motor has only about 3 hrs on it, but sat unused for some years. It runs great with good temps.so far. Any suggestions? Also, thanks for the replies on my gap seal question. Al Bumhoffer, Firestar II,ready for tail feathers Elkton, MI ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 07:56:55 PM PST US From: "Richard Swiderski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: SlingShot FireStar II Nose Mods --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderski" Don, If they use the same pod, then its probably off the same jig, so I should be ok. Thank you for your help. Richard Swiderski -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Don Gherardini Subject: Re: Kolb-List: SlingShot FireStar II Nose Mods --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Richard. I recieved a new style long nose for my Fly when I busted the origional short one....no changes needed to be made int he rudder return spring post....and...I even cut off the tabs on the cage longerons and re-welded them 1 and a half inches closer...(moved aft)...so the panel would be just a tad closer to me ....still had plenty of room in the nose for the spring attachment post... dont know if it is the same as a slingshot...but....thought it might be interesting to ya! Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 08:44:47 PM PST US From: "Richard Swiderski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Ultra Star drag strut mod. --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderski" Ken, I don't know when the change happened, but the brace is not required for normal flying. Dennis had to cut the elevator stops off to get it to dive fast enough & in order to do a snappy enough pullout to exceed the 6 G limit. Most normal people won't find themselves in that situation. I'd be more concerned that your inboard spar has a steel ring in its edge similar to the top of the boom tube, if not it will go egg shape when wing torques & you'll loose banking effectiveness. The rudder aileron cables will start to fray at 100hrs. It's a easy fix, just put 3" pulleys at the 90 bend or break up the 90 degree bend with 2 good size pulleys. Do not use stainless steel cable as it is more brittle & breaks easier, use the steel cable with the thinnest bundles of wire as it is most flexible. You'll never be bother by then again. Your wing & tube are identical to the early FireStar. Regarding 50" prop, I inlaid aluminum p-tips in it & got a 12% increase in top speed, max climb; plus 12% reduction in fuel burn & 12% less rpm needed for a given cruise. And those aluminum tip sure did cut weeds better. I'm guessing that prop was equivalent to at least a 60". It was also much quieter. I have some plans I found yesterday, that converts the rigid gear into a flexible bungie like a Taylorcraft. I added 12" to their length adapted a Rotax B box to the Cuyuna & hung it down. This gave me room for a 60' prop which also put p-tips on, but similarly. I only got 10% increases Give me a call, 352-307-9009, if you want to discus anything. -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of ray anderson Subject: Kolb-List: Ultra Star drag strut mod. --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ray anderson" Subject .. Ultra Star Drag Strut Does anyone know the year the drag strut modification was added to the Kolb Ultra Star kits? I built one in 1983 and don't remember this fix. Did some problem arise that caused it to be added, and if so what was it? Did it become a Kolb mandatory item for the older Ultra Stars? I've been out of the loop for many years but am thinking of buying an Ultra Star because I believe it was the best aerodynamic design Homer came up with, not the least being center thrust line, as well as other features. There wouldn't be so many reports of stalls at engine stoppage if they were flying Ultra Stars. He had to compromise and lift the engine because some insisted on using it for a lawn mower, and as far as I'm concerned, there went the ball game, or the neighborhood. I'm 86 and live by the old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". Would appreciate answers to these questions . Ray Anderson