---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Thu 10/28/04: 23 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 02:51 AM - Re: Approach Speed (PATRICK LADD) 2. 04:38 AM - Kolbra kit still for sale (Rayfield, Bill) 3. 05:32 AM - Re: Approach Speed (James, Ken) 4. 06:39 AM - Re: Approach Speed (robert bean) 5. 06:50 AM - Re: Approach Speed (Larry Bourne) 6. 07:05 AM - Re: Best Glide.... (David Paule) 7. 08:56 AM - Re: Approach Speed (ul15rhb@juno.com) 8. 09:06 AM - Re: Kolb Landings (PATRICK LADD) 9. 10:08 AM - Re: Approach Speed (ray anderson) 10. 12:22 PM - Re: Vibration (Silver Fern Microlights Ltd) 11. 12:22 PM - Re: Kolb Botched Landings (Silver Fern Microlights Ltd) 12. 12:22 PM - Re: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) (Silver Fern Microlights Ltd) 13. 01:24 PM - BRS chute wanted to buy (chris davis) 14. 01:38 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (Mark German) 15. 01:42 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (John Hauck) 16. 03:39 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (Don Gherardini) 17. 04:40 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (Dave & Eve Pelletier) 18. 04:43 PM - efis in color (Jerry Curtin) 19. 04:55 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (chris davis) 20. 06:10 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (Rusty) 21. 07:16 PM - Re: BRS chute wanted to buy (John Hauck) 22. 07:17 PM - Re: Sebring Sport Aviation Expo (Richard Swiderwski) 23. 08:13 PM - Best Glide Speed (David L. Bigelow) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:51:02 AM PST US From: "PATRICK LADD" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" << Sailplanes use a recommended final approach speed of 1.5 times the stall speed with additives for wind gust factor.>> Hi Dave, So long since I flew gliders that I had quite forgotten that formula. We always used `stalling speed plus one third of the windspeed plus 5 knots for the wife and kids` Cheers Pat pj.ladd@btinternet.com Do not archive ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:38:27 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Kolbra kit still for sale From: "Rayfield, Bill" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rayfield, Bill" Cockpit of the original demo plane built by the factory. Also, complete wing and tail kits. Ribs built. A few instruments. No engine. Asking $11000 (about what an unbuilt kit would cost - without any of the labor this one has in it) Kit is in Georgia, 1/2 hour south of Atlanta. If interested, I can send pics. Please email off list. Do not archive Bill Rayfield This e-mail is intended for the use of the addressee(s) only and may contain privileged, confidential, or proprietary information that is exempt from disclosure under law. If you have received this message in error, please inform us promptly by reply e-mail, then delete the e-mail and destroy any printed copy. Thank you. ============================================================================== ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:32:51 AM PST US From: "James, Ken" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: "James, Ken" Since my flying back ground consisted of airframes WITHOUT airspeed indicators and engines (i.e. Hanggliding) all my landings were dead stick or dead cross bar :-), Best glide was determined by the sound of the air when things got quiet I was going to slow and when thing got very noisy I was going to fast. Now couple sound with sight, if my targeted landing spot was rising in my field of view I was not going to make it. (and no pushing out /raising the nose of the aircraft was going to fix it) If the spot was dropping / coming under me I was good or long for my glide. My point is with a engine out listen to your glide and look at your spot, see and hear what's going on and you won't need to have your head in the cockpit worrying about numbers. Note: all of this should be done at altitude and with a idled engine for practice so you can repeat your glide before trying it for real. Ken James Drafting Design Technology Instructor Berks Career and Technology Center East Campus 3307 Friedensburg Rd. Oley, Pa. 19506 610-987-6201 Ext. 3532 Kdjames@berkscareer.com ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:39:16 AM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean Unless you're trying to plop on a postage stamp I don't see much concern about approach speed. A little extra will get you past the piney woods. Having zilch for time in anything like an ultralite, I just bored it down the chute at 55-60 mph. -still landed shorter than what I was accustomed to. Once I get comfortable with my little toy I doubt that I shall even look at the ASI anymore. 30 years of flying my old putter and I rarely ever glanced at it. -Same with my car, just plod along like an old mule. (ask Lar about my placid driving) -BB, MkIIIc sitting in the corner gathering dust. do not archive ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:50:01 AM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" I'm still trembling..................... :-) Do not Archive Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Building Kolb Mk III N78LB Vamoose www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "robert bean" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed > --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean > > Unless you're trying to plop on a postage stamp I don't see much concern > about approach speed. A little extra will get you past the piney woods. > Having zilch for time in anything like an ultralite, I just bored it > down the chute > at 55-60 mph. -still landed shorter than what I was accustomed to. > Once I get comfortable with my little toy I doubt that I shall even > look at the > ASI anymore. 30 years of flying my old putter and I rarely ever glanced > at it. -Same with my car, just plod along like an old mule. (ask Lar > about > my placid driving) > -BB, MkIIIc sitting in the corner gathering dust. do not archive > > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:05:26 AM PST US From: "David Paule" Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Best Glide.... 0.00 FORGED_RCVD_HELO Received: contains a forged HELO --> Kolb-List message posted by: "David Paule" It must be noted that best rate of climb speed and best angle of climb speeds probably differ from the best L/D speed and the speed for the minimum rate of descent becuase the two climb speeds depend on the propeller (and aircraft) power efficiency, which is dependent upon speed. If you take the same plane and put a different prop on it, or repitch the prop you've got, the climb speeds will probably change somewhat. The reason for this is that rather than the gliding case, where you need to know the speeds for minimum drag or minimum power required, climb is based upon excess power available. Hence the efficiency of the prop needs to be accounted for - and it changes with speed. Dave Paule Boulder, CO FSII > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" > > Fellow Kolbers, > > Jeremy's post was very good as far as he went: > >Best glide speed, all airplanes have one. It is typically the same as Vy > (best > climb RATE) it is the speed on the drag "graphs" where parasitic AND > induced drag are at their COMBINED smallest. Stated slightly different the > speed where as little as possible of your "gravity generated thrust" > is required to maintain airspeed. Going faster or slower will actually > cause an increase in drag which will require my "Thrust.i.e. more rate of > descent, to get the higher thrust). Going slower required higher > angle of attack or higher induced drag (on a higher wing loaded plane like > the SS, the drag will increase at a higher rate) Going faster causes higher > parasitic drag. ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 08:56:37 AM PST US From: "ul15rhb@juno.com" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ul15rhb@juno.com" Bob and others, This is how I land my Original Firestar. I take a glance at the ASI on final and the rest of the time I'm looking at the runway. In heavier winds, I pick up some more speed. Most grass strips are plenty long that I don't have to be concerned about slowing down. I'm crossing the fence at 50+mph. About the only time I'm monitoring the ASI on landing is if I'm coming into a very short strip and want to land as short as possible. Since I still don't have brakes, it makes a big difference in how slow I can get it to plop down. The more calm it is without turbulence, the more I can slow it down. Try landing on a 300' R/C strip sometime. Fun. Ralph Original Firestar 17 years flying it -- robert bean wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean Unless you're trying to plop on a postage stamp I don't see much concern about approach speed. A little extra will get you past the piney woods. Having zilch for time in anything like an ultralite, I just bored it down the chute at 55-60 mph. -still landed shorter than what I was accustomed to. Once I get comfortable with my little toy I doubt that I shall even look at the ASI anymore. 30 years of flying my old putter and I rarely ever glanced at it. -Same with my car, just plod along like an old mule. (ask Lar about my placid driving) -BB, MkIIIc sitting in the corner gathering dust. do not archive Now includes pop-up blocker! Only $14.95/ month - visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today! ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 09:06:08 AM PST US From: "PATRICK LADD" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb Landings --> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" <> Hi Dennis, I don`t think I replied to this post. I apologise. I have done likewise and have arranged for 3 hours dual with my dealer as part of the purchase price. Cheeers Pat pj.ladd@btinternet.com Do not archive ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 10:08:36 AM PST US From: ray anderson Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Approach Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson I'll add my two cents worth, and that's probably all it's worth, about precise approach speed, etc. I've owned 6 "store bought" taildraggers and 4 homebuilt taildraggers ( 2 Ultrastars) and I agree with the several who emphasize watching where you are trying to put it down. A glance at ASI to be certain you are properly above stall, and if your wanted touchdown is moving back past you, you won't make it. (Overshoot) Vice aversa is true. If it remains steady in your windshield, you will make it. Any airplane can be slipped with a little practice and you should. Keeping a steady approach speed at all costs isn't gonna do you much good if you are gonna stop in that hedge row or barbed wire fence. It's not a good time to keep your head buried in the cockpit. Just adapt to good common sense. "ul15rhb@juno.com" wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "ul15rhb@juno.com" Bob and others, This is how I land my Original Firestar. I take a glance at the ASI on final and the rest of the time I'm looking at the runway. In heavier winds, I pick up some more speed. Most grass strips are plenty long that I don't have to be concerned about slowing down. I'm crossing the fence at 50+mph. About the only time I'm monitoring the ASI on landing is if I'm coming into a very short strip and want to land as short as possible. Since I still don't have brakes, it makes a big difference in how slow I can get it to plop down. The more calm it is without turbulence, the more I can slow it down. Try landing on a 300' R/C strip sometime. Fun. Ralph Original Firestar 17 years flying it -- robert bean wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean Unless you're trying to plop on a postage stamp I don't see much concern about approach speed. A little extra will get you past the piney woods. Having zilch for time in anything like an ultralite, I just bored it down the chute at 55-60 mph. -still landed shorter than what I was accustomed to. Once I get comfortable with my little toy I doubt that I shall even look at the ASI anymore. 30 years of flying my old putter and I rarely ever glanced at it. -Same with my car, just plod along like an old mule. (ask Lar about my placid driving) -BB, MkIIIc sitting in the corner gathering dust. do not archive Now includes pop-up blocker! Only $14.95/ month - visit http://www.juno.com/surf to sign up today! --------------------------------- ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 12:22:36 PM PST US From: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Vibration --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Tom, these should be 4130 steel. Kiwi ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Vibration > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" > > > is made from aluminium per the plans but I'm thinking steel might be > better? > > Tom S/All: > > My flap P/P rods are 4130 and not vibration problem. > > Take care > > john h > > > ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 12:22:36 PM PST US From: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb Botched Landings --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" All, I totally agree, I have thousands of hours and happy landings as an instructor, and many many in Kolbs. There is no fault with the aircraft. Too slow no flare!!!. Kiwi ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Hauck" Subject: Kolb-List: Kolb Botched Landings > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" > > Patrick L/Gang: > > Great to have you back Patrick. > > Again, nothing wrong in the landing department of Kolb aircraft except > the nut behind the stick. > > john h > > > ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 12:22:36 PM PST US From: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Hi Jim, could you send me a photo too please. Kiwi ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Ballenger" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" > > Giovanni > The tanks measure 13 3/4" X 12" wide X 151/2" high and cost ~ $60 a piece. > I'll send a picture to your email address. > Jim Ballenger > Flying a FS KXP 447 > Building a MK III X > Virginia Beach, VA > > DO NOT ARCHIVE > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Giovanni Day" > To: > Subject: RE: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) > > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Giovanni Day" >> >> Jim, >> >> What are the measurements and cost? Any photos? >> >> Giovanni Day >> MKIII 912 80555 >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com >> [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Jim Ballenger >> To: kolb-list@matronics.com >> Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) >> >> >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" >> >> John >> I bought 2 ten gallon tanks from Titan Aircraft. All I had to change >> was the small tubing that hold the 5 gallon tanks in place. Jim >> Ballenger Flying a FS KXP 447 Building a MK III X Virginia Beach, VA >> >> DO NOT ARCHIVE >> ----- Original Message ----- >> From: "John Abbott" >> To: >> Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) >> >> >> > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Abbott" >> > --> >> > >> > Kiwi, >> > I'm building an Xtra and have been looking for way to increase the >> > feul capacity. Do know what has been done in the past? John >> > ----- Original Message ----- >> > From: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" >> > To: >> > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) >> > >> > >> > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" >> > > >> > > >> > > Thanks John, >> > > I might have to look at doing the same on our new Xtra demonstrator >> > > or maybe fit a third tank in somewhere. >> > > >> > > Kiwi >> > > ----- Original Message ----- >> > > From: "John Hauck" >> > > To: >> > > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MKIII Flight Report (touch down speeds) >> > > >> > > >> > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" >> > >> --> >> > >> >> > >> | Hi John I see that you can carry 20 gal of fuel, what tanks do >> > >> | you >> > >> have?. >> > >> | >> > >> | Kiwi >> > >> >> > >> Hi Kiwi/All: >> > >> >> > >> I have been using a Jim Hauck 25 gal fuel tank since day one. Bro >> > >> Jim fabricated an aluminum tank for me when we were building my >> > >> MKIII Feb 1991. 25 gal ultimate, 25 gal useable. Can squeeze the >> > >> last drop out of it. >> > >> >> > >> Take care, >> > >> >> > >> john h >> > >> >> > >> >> > >> >> > > >> > > >> > > >> > >> > >> >> >> == >> == >> == >> == >> >> > > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 01:24:00 PM PST US From: "chris davis" Subject: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "chris davis" Kolbers, I have made a deal on a beautiful mkIII . After flying alone for 9years in my firestar I will get to share the fun ! but I need a chute [ wife's rule] so, does anyone know of a brs 1050 vls or soft pack that some one wants to almost give away? Thanks ,Chris davis , soon to be owner of Miss B ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 01:38:22 PM PST US From: "Mark German" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Mark German" Chris: There was one on Barnstormers.com web page listed under Esperimental last week. He was asking about $1000.00 less then new. Hope this helps. Mark G. 912 Kolbra 125Hrs. ----- Original Message ----- From: "chris davis" Subject: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "chris davis" > > Kolbers, I have made a deal on a beautiful mkIII . After flying alone for 9years > in my firestar I will get to share the fun ! but I need a chute [ wife's rule] > so, does anyone know of a brs 1050 vls or soft pack that some one wants to > almost give away? Thanks ,Chris davis , soon to be owner of Miss B > > ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 01:42:48 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" alone for 9years | in my firestar I will get to share the fun ! Chris davis Chris/Gang: Two reasons I went the two place route. One was to register it homebuilt/experimental, and the other was so my girl friend could fly with me. That was nearly 14 years ago when I started work on Miss P'fer. Since her first flight, Nell has probably flown with me a half dozen times. That averages out to about once every two years. Reckon that is enough though. Would not want to spoil her. I have gotten so used to flying alone and having my desk (the left seat) to put my "stuff" on, so it is handy in flight. Really crowds me to fly passengers now. ;-) I hope you never have to fly alone again. That would be great. Take care, john h DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 03:39:17 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" John, I read you sir.....right thru to your soul my friend. I am still trying to get Sue interested more in flight also. She got a ride in a 2 place quicksilver this summer...was a little airy for her. probably shouldnt have set that up. Now I am loking for someone to give her a spin in a little better bird...Kinda like a Kolb!....I think...and hope that she will enjoy the experience enough to want to share it with me. Also will make building a 2 seater a little sooner coming! If ya every get by Central Ill....and find shelby county again on the sectional...we would welcome a hungry belly from a traveling man....might make him earn his supper with a ride for her this time! Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 04:40:36 PM PST US From: "Dave & Eve Pelletier" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dave & Eve Pelletier" Careful Don, She might just enjoy it enuf to run off with the Kolb pilot!!! AzDave > I am still trying to get Sue interested more in flight also. She got a > ride > in a 2 place quicksilver this summer...was a little airy for her. probably > shouldnt have set that up. Now I am loking for someone to give her a spin > in > a little better bird...Kinda like a Kolb!....I think...and hope that she > will enjoy the experience enough to want to share it with me. > > > > ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 04:43:03 PM PST US From: "Jerry Curtin" Subject: Kolb-List: efis in color --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jerry Curtin" John, I emailed SportFlyingShop.com and asked if their ultra would ever come with display in color. They said it will be out by the end of the year. Hope it's true. Jerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Williamson" Subject: Kolb-List: SMLA Fly-In > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" > > Ronnie Smith and the boys at South Mississippi Light Aircraft put on a great > Fly-In. > > I took a lot of photos of a lot of different makes of aircraft but have > limited the photos on my website to Kolbs. > > This list has some very interesting and talented members and I enjoy it > every time I am able to put a face with an email name. I had a fantastic > time and three days of super weather. > > My updated website can be found at: > http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot/ > click on "Flights in 2004" to find the Shane Smith Memorial Octoberlite > Fly-In page. > > > John Williamson > Arlington, TX > > Kolb Kolbra, Rotax 912ULS, 697 hours > http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot > Zenith CH701 Project > http://home.comcast.net/~stol_airplane > http://www.zenithair.com/bldrlist/profiles/stol_airplane > > do not archive > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 04:55:47 PM PST US From: "chris davis" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "chris davis" john and all , Other than my wife and kids I have a Dad 85 multi thousand hour pilot commercial ,instrument , etc. etc . who told me," one thing I want to do before I go is ,fly that little airplane you built" that was when he was 83 and I wasn't about to let him solo in my firestar so this is our chance to fly together in about the same "little airplane ." thanks Homer" . what do you guys think of a brs 900 for a mk III that would be way under gross with my wife and I and just about gross for my dad and I. thanks for the help Chris ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 06:10:55 PM PST US From: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Subject: RE: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Kolbers, I have made a deal on a beautiful mkIII . After flying alone for 9years in my firestar I will get to share the fun ! but I need a chute [ wife's rule] so, does anyone know of a brs 1050 vls or soft pack that some one wants to almost give away? Thanks ,Chris davis , soon to be owner of Miss B ----------------- I'll be selling the VLS chute off the SS I just bought, but I think it's a 900. If it happens to be a 1050, I'll let you know. As for passengers, I've given up on them. Probably 95% of all my flights in the RV-8 were solo. My wife doesn't care for flying, though fortunately she doesn't mind if I do. That's why the RV-8 was replaced with an RV-3. I never took a passenger in my original SS, and one of the things I'm planning to do when I rebuild the new one is register it as a single place. Just don't need a second seat. Cheers, Rusty ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 07:16:41 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: BRS chute wanted to buy --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" the | sectional...we would welcome a hungry belly from a traveling man....might | make him earn his supper with a ride for her this time! | | Don Gherardini Don G/All: Whoooeee! You bet I will. Don's wife is a fabulous cook. Cooks my kinda cookin'. I'll be up that way before too long. We'll take Mama flying and then I can cash in on my "free" meal. hehehe Seriously, had a good time stopping over at Don's on the way home from OSH 2003. If he tells you he lives in the country, he ain't lying. Bet we can land on that little road in front of your house, if the fences and power lines don't jump in the way. Must be other farm roads nearby to land on. Take care, and good to hear from you. john h DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 07:17:37 PM PST US From: "Richard Swiderwski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Sebring Sport Aviation Expo --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" I was seriously considering it, but things got a little too busy here. You could check it out for us for next year! -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of GeoR38@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Sebring Sport Aviation Expo --> Kolb-List message posted by: GeoR38@aol.com In a message dated 10/15/2004 5:36:46 PM Eastern Standard Time, rswiderski@earthlink.net writes: You sure hit the nail on the head with your assessment of Sun & Fun. I remember when it was a forum for grassroot experimenters. EAA has caved into Big Money. All their talk about grassroot aviation seems to me to be empty words. I still go, but the cost is becoming legal extortion & the focus becoming more heavy metal aircraft & high price accessories. There still is some pearls to be found in the forum area. I got word that some grassroot effort is trying to startup at Deland FL the same weekend as Sebring. Their website is www.delandairjamboree.org doesn't say much but I heard their mail flyer was pushing a free(donation)/low cost/family environment with bluegrass music & catering to sport & UL aircraft. Richard Swiderski hey Rich....maybe we should go? geo ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 08:13:51 PM PST US From: "David L. Bigelow" Subject: Kolb-List: Best Glide Speed --> Kolb-List message posted by: "David L. Bigelow" As stated in other posts, the best glide speed for a particular aircraft depends on weight. The heavier the aircraft (more fuel, bigger pilot, passengers, etc), the higher the best glide speed. The best glide ratio will remain the same (about 8:1 for an average ultralight),but if you are going faster because of higher weight, then you get to the ground sooner. Assuming still air, the place you intercept the ground will be the same for the heavy and light weight. To add another level of complexity, if you are gliding into a headwind, the best glide speed is higher than the best glide speed in still air. You are interested in covering the most ground for a given altitude loss. The best glide speed (L/D max) is an aerodynamic constant for any given airframe, and is a particular angle of attack where lift is highest and drag is lowest. The best glide speed through the air mass will always be the L/D max speed, however if the air mass is moving, modification of this speed is necessary to cover the most ground for a given altitude loss. This is all stuff sailplane pilots learn to maximize the performance of their gliders. Here are some simple rules: 1. In still air, to cover the greatest distance over the ground - fly best glide speed for your weight (L/D max). 2. With a headwind, to cover the greatest distance over the ground - add the headwind to the best glide speed. Since most ultralights are pretty draggy and do not have a large speed range, do not add over 20 mph. 3. With a tailwind, to cover the greatest distance over the ground - slow down to a minimum of minimum sink speed. Minimum sink speed is usually just a few mph above stall speed for most aircraft. If the air is turbulent or you are close to the ground, some discretion is involved as to how close you get to stall speed. 4. In sinking air, to cover the greatest distance over the ground - speed up from best glide speed. It's hard to make yourself lower the nose when the bottom is falling out, but that is what you must do. 5. In lifting air, to cover the greatest distance over the ground - slow down from best glide speed to a minimum of minimum sink speed. 6. With your engine running, use the above technique to cover the greatest distance for a given fuel burn (go the furthest for the least gas). Dave Bigelow FS2