Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 03:59 AM - Re: Spats... (PATRICK LADD)
2. 05:12 AM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (N27SB@aol.com)
3. 05:47 AM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (bryan green)
4. 06:03 AM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (Don Gherardini)
5. 06:14 AM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (snuffy@usol.com)
6. 10:06 AM - Kolb gear legs (Dale Sellers)
7. 10:43 AM - Re: Kolb gear legs (Jack & Louise Hart)
8. 12:03 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (Kirby Dennis Contr MDA/AL)
9. 12:18 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (jerb)
10. 12:51 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (ray anderson)
11. 01:02 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (robert bean)
12. 01:48 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (Dale Sellers)
13. 01:52 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (Dale Sellers)
14. 02:32 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (John Hauck)
15. 03:20 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (Dale Sellers)
16. 03:52 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (ElleryWeld@aol.com)
17. 04:21 PM - Re: Cracked windscreens (John Williamson)
18. 04:24 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (Dale Sellers)
19. 05:09 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (ray anderson)
20. 05:29 PM - Lexan & Plexiglas (John Williamson)
21. 06:40 PM - Re: Lexan & Plexiglas (Earl & Mim Zimmerman)
22. 07:04 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (Jack & Louise Hart)
23. 07:30 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (ElleryWeld@aol.com)
24. 08:02 PM - Big 'ol Ailerons (formerly landing gear legs) (Beauford)
25. 09:00 PM - Re: Kolb UltraStar Gear Legs (Richard Swiderwski)
26. 11:06 PM - Re: Kolb gear legs (jerb)
27. 11:31 PM - Re: Landing Gear Legs (jerb)
28. 11:42 PM - Re: Cracked windscreens (jerb)
Message 1
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--> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com>
I fly out of a cow pasture. >>
Me too John, although the farmer has recently switched to sheep. Keeps the
grass short but not much change otherwise.
Landing my Challenger through the cow pats was not too bad, it could be
hosed down. Taking off and flying for an hour gave everything the time to
change to concrete. Very different.
Cheers
Pat
do not archive
--
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Message 2
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: N27SB@aol.com
In a message dated 3/4/2005 1:20:25 AM Eastern Standard Time,
dsel1@bellsouth.net writes:
> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>
> Guys,
>
> We're not dumb. We should be able to come up with a fix that works without
> having to pay TNK an arm and a leg. I enjoy the challenge of solving
> problems without being at the mercy of those with the high prices
Dale, Thats the Spirit. Thats what homebuilding is all about. I helped out at
the TNK booth at the last two shows and I was amazed that about 98percent of
every one I talked to wanted to buy not build. This list seems to be about the
last holdout of individuals that want to build. Don't go too hard on TNK, it
is difficult to maintain a business in this industry and break even. Everyone
at TNK has always supported me in my ideas. They are the best resource we
have.
Look forward to see what you come up with.
Steve Boetto
WetFly 007
do not archive
Message 3
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: bryan green <lgreen1@sc.rr.com>
Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
Guys,
We're not dumb. We should be able to come up with a fix that works without
having to pay TNK an arm and a leg. I enjoy the challenge of solving
problems without being at the mercy of those with the high prices
Morning Dale / all
I just want to second what Steve posted. All the folks at TNK have went
out of their way to help me with parts for my Original Firestar you have to make
money to eat. Yes what they sell is expensive but probably only has a reasonable
profit attached to their cost.
I bent one gear leg on my Firestar when learning to fly it due to pilot
err....( well you know ).
I then bought a set of legs for the Firefly from TNK which were still straight
after 47 hrs. when I started my rebuild. I have since fitted her with the spring
steel legs John spoke of and hopefully will get to test them about the middle
of April.
Keep us posted on what you come up with fly safe and have fun.
Bryan Green Elgin SC
Firestar 377 BRS 19LBG
Do not archive
>
>
>
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
Message 4
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" <donghe@one-eleven.net>
HI must agree with Steve here men,
Not that I dont do an awful lot myself , sometimes to save money, and
sometimes just cause "I wanna do it myself"....BUt to adress Kolbs prices.
Sometimes they might seem high...but not really that bad men...I have bought
a set of legs from them...and when ya get right down to it...they are not
really that high. 100 bucks for what?..well..2 pieces of aluminum that cost
like heck anywhere you buy it new...then try standing in front of your lathe
and turning that taper down on them..cant do it in an hour. now consider
paying a machinist to stand next to you and your lathe while ya do it...20
bucks an hour maybe?...maybe 25...? nope. Now add a little dab of profit
for them so they can keep the company alive and be there the next time we
want something from them. So there can be somebody there to answer the phone
when we need a question answered. I for one have called them and asked
plenty of questions...and I dont ever recall getting an invoice for that
time spent with me, but I surely hope that Donny or Travis or who ever
answered was getting a paycheck that day..I would hate to have to come to
work for Free! Those fellas are not retired!!!!!
Don Gherardini
OEM.Sales / Engineering dept.
American Honda Engines
Power Equipment Company
CortLand, Illinois
800-626-7326
Message 5
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: snuffy@usol.com
>
> We're not dumb. We should be able to come up with a fix that
works without
> having to pay TNK an arm and a leg. I enjoy the challenge of
solving
> problems without being at the mercy of those with the high prices.
I'm
> retired and on a fixed income. That's why I'm flying an Ultrastar
instead
> of a Mark III Extra. I'm going to do some experimenting
Some of us are still working and don't have all that free time to
experiment so if Kolb has come up with a good landing gear like John
has, I'd buy it.
Do not
archive
Message 6
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--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
Kolb Guys,
Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around playing with
his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on disability after 30 of teaching
mathematics in various colleges. The reason for the retirement....Cancer.
I've been fighting it for six years. During that I have had 5 tumors removed,
six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and radiation once. Before I was sick,
I built three planes from scratch, just plans and rebuilt one spam can. The
last two years I spent eight months at the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking
chemo trying kill a tumor. It didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt
Cancer Center in Tampa for six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments
to try to shrink the tumor. After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected
along with partof my bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy
which I had reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that, sometime during
the last six years, I totally rebuilt the UltraStar I'm flying now. By
the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer free as per a CT scan four weeks
ago. But I'm told my desease is terminal and the tumors will keep comming until
one hits something that can't be treated.
Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling parts that
have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him, they got a goldmine
for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world wide. As far
as I can tell, they have done little in the way of R&D. They, for the most
part, are still selling designs done by Homer Kolb who, in my opinion is a brilliant
man. It would be nice if they would try to come up with engines that
don't cost as much as a new car and gear legs that don't bend and break with a
little rough treatment. If the C 150 I got my pvt ticket in had to have new
gear legs every time I slid it sideways down the runway I don't think the owner
would be too happy.
My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I, for one,
believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft and figure
out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior part.
Dale Sellers
Georgia UltraStar
do not archive
Message 7
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart <jbhart@ldd.net>
At 01:05 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>
>Kolb Guys,
>
>My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I,
for one, believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft
and figure out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior
part.
>
Dale,
On the FireFly, I do not believe the landing gear is the problem. The
problem is that the wing angle to the fuselage is set too low so that one
must accelerate to higher than flying speed to get the FireFly to lift off.
The same is true of landing in that one must fly much higher than stall
speed to "grease it on". To get the FireFly to take off and land at just
above stall speed, all one has to do is droop the ailerons one or two
degrees, and it will land nicely in the three point stance. Also with the
ailerons drooped, it will take off from the three point stance without a pop
up.
The slower forward speed one can transition from or to the ground reduces
landing gear punishment. Vortex generators help reduce stall speed and
landing gear punishment too.
Jack B. Hart FF004
Jackson, MO
Jack & Louise Hart
jbhart@ldd.net
Message 8
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: Kirby Dennis Contr MDA/AL <Dennis.Kirby@kirtland.af.mil>
<< I've been running the idea through my mind of constructing a gear using
two pieces of flat car springs as gear legs. ... I might fail but I'm gonna
give it a try. I think I can make it work. Dale Sellers, Georgia UltraStar
>>
Hooray - The Spirit of experimental, aircraft homebuilding is alive and well
on the Kolb List!
Way to go, Mr Sellers!
do not archive
Message 9
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
Dale,
You make reference that TNKC is stiffing Homer, how can that be. Some
where in between was Dennis's operation - TNKC doesn't support several of
the earlier designs. Don't even sell parts for them from what I gathered.
As for the gear legs that becomes a trade between the gear legs yielding or
the fuselage cage. Myself I would much rather deal with the legs than the
fabric covered cage. I think it has been a wise decision.
As for the cost of legs, I ordered a set for the FireFly and didn't think
they were all that bad. I needed one, ordered pair. Each cost me less
than the minimum order charge just for the material at local metal supplier
plus there machined with the taper. I also purchased a replacement nose
cone, that cost a little more but I still didn't feel it was
excessive. You have to keep in mind they have to pay the bills to be there
when we need them and we enjoy a quick turn around obtaining parts. We
also have to consider how much time we as customers consume in way of
support when calling in for this and that. They have to cover those hours
some where.
My only complaint which I expressed back when Dennis was around was that I
thought the FireFly went over on it nose a little too easy and that they
needed to move the main gear forward a little one way or another. Last I
knew nothing had been done.
If you want to pick at cost, go after Rotax. Their gasket prices are
ridiculous not to mention the other engine parts.
jerb
At 01:05 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>
>Kolb Guys,
>
>Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around
>playing with his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on disability
>after 30 of teaching mathematics in various colleges. The reason for the
>retirement....Cancer. I've been fighting it for six years. During that I
>have had 5 tumors removed, six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and
>radiation once. Before I was sick, I built three planes from scratch,
>just plans and rebuilt one spam can. The last two years I spent eight
>months at the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking chemo trying kill a
>tumor. It didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt Cancer Center
>in Tampa for six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments to try to shrink
>the tumor. After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected along
>with partof my bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy
>which I had reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that, sometime
>during the last six years, I totally rebuilt the Ultr!
>aStar I'm flying now. By the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer
>free as per a CT scan four weeks ago. But I'm told my desease is terminal
>and the tumors will keep comming until one hits something that can't be
>treated.
>
>Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling
>parts that have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
>The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him, they got
>a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world
>wide. As far as I can tell, they have done little in the way of
>R&D. They, for the most part, are still selling designs done by Homer
>Kolb who, in my opinion is a brilliant man. It would be nice if they
>would try to come up with engines that don't cost as much as a new car and
>gear legs that don't bend and break with a little rough treatment. If the
>C 150 I got my pvt ticket in had to have new gear legs every time I slid
>it sideways down the runway I don't think the owner would be too happy.
>
>My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I,
>for one, believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft
>and figure out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior part.
>
>Dale Sellers
>Georgia UltraStar
>do not archive
>
>
Message 10
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson <rsanoa@yahoo.com>
Dale,
As one fighting cancer now ( 2 melanomas) I applaud your attitude. Hang
in there. I too have an UltraStar, my second one. Now to the Kolb deficiencies.
Basically they are using Homers design. However, New Kolb obviously haven't
done sufficient, up to date engineering on gear legs and some other points.
No excuses should be made. Reading the posts here for a year or so indicate
that for the weight of the new planes, they are not capable of handling the loads
that the AVERAGE pilot with perhaps low time and experience place on them.
If they require delicate handling and near perfect landing techniques for every
landing, the advertisements should state that certain models are not recommended
for beginners and low time pilots.
It doesn't matter how much the plane weighs, it is possible to design gear
and cage and attach points that will absorb safely ANY average hard landings.
There are dozens of homebuilt designs out there that never have landing gear
failures under the most severe circumstances. There is no excuse for the New
Kolbs to be different when proper R&D development could overcome that. Others
have done it.
These are EXPERIMENTAL aircraft and there was a time when all of us in the
sport felt that if it didn't work, find a way to make it work. We shouldn't
feel ashamed to pitch in and find the solutions for such problems ourselves if
the kit builders don't That's the spirit of EAA. Find back issues of EAA magazines
during the 50's - 70's and see what homebuilding was and should be about.
And don't feel you shouldn't criticize a kit supplier if parts are not right
just because they are "nice guys". Some of the kit failures of past years,
long gone, were sold by
"nice guys" who didn't know what they were doing and didn't hire people who did.
Dale Sellers <dsel1@bellsouth.net> wrote:
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers"
Kolb Guys,
Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around playing with
his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on disability after 30 of teaching
mathematics in various colleges. The reason for the retirement....Cancer.
I've been fighting it for six years. During that I have had 5 tumors removed,
six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and radiation once. Before I was sick, I
built three planes from scratch, just plans and rebuilt one spam can. The last
two years I spent eight months at the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking
chemo trying kill a tumor. It didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt
Cancer Center in Tampa for six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments to try
to shrink the tumor. After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected along
with partof my bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy which
I had reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that, sometime during the
last six years, I totally rebuilt the Ultr!
aStar I'm flying now. By the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer free as per
a CT scan four weeks ago. But I'm told my desease is terminal and the tumors
will keep comming until one hits something that can't be treated.
Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling parts that
have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him, they got a goldmine
for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world wide. As far
as I can tell, they have done little in the way of R&D. They, for the most part,
are still selling designs done by Homer Kolb who, in my opinion is a brilliant
man. It would be nice if they would try to come up with engines that don't
cost as much as a new car and gear legs that don't bend and break with a little
rough treatment. If the C 150 I got my pvt ticket in had to have new gear
legs every time I slid it sideways down the runway I don't think the owner would
be too happy.
My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I, for one,
believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft and figure
out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior part.
Dale Sellers
Georgia UltraStar
do not archive
---------------------------------
Message 11
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean <slyck@frontiernet.net>
Group, I'm glad TNK is there if I need a part. Nobody is getting rich
selling airplanes.
On the gear leg subject, I'm happy for now to keep the aluminum legs
on my MkIII. -Actually they ride quite well on turf and you have to
really
drop it in hard to do any bending. In my case, two years ago when I
was messing with the engine and prop and one day couldn't resist
taking a hop in a VERY unrefined airplane, (not recommended)
I pulled the throttle back a little too far at about 25 feet off the
grass.
Coming in high because my approach is right over an interstate and
a steep bank. *cough* uh oh! A very steep dive and rapid pull out
ala autorotation prevented calamitous damage. I did have to straighten
one leg a bit however. Since then my little teapot carburetor has been
tweaked to perfection. Inspiration.
Concerning the steel leaf springs, be sure you use new ones.
Old leaf springs work harden with age and will snap without warning.
Cessna had several failures on the 190-195 series.
-BB do not archive
On 4, Mar 2005, at 3:23 PM, jerb wrote:
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
>
> Dale,
> You make reference that TNKC is stiffing Homer, how can that be. Some
> where in between was Dennis's operation - TNKC doesn't support several
> of
> the earlier designs. Don't even sell parts for them from what I
> gathered.
> As for the gear legs that becomes a trade between the gear legs
> yielding or
> the fuselage cage. Myself I would much rather deal with the legs than
> the
> fabric covered cage. I think it has been a wise decision.
>
> As for the cost of legs, I ordered a set for the FireFly and didn't
> think
> they were all that bad. I needed one, ordered pair. Each cost me less
> than the minimum order charge just for the material at local metal
> supplier
> plus there machined with the taper. I also purchased a replacement
> nose
> cone, that cost a little more but I still didn't feel it was
> excessive. You have to keep in mind they have to pay the bills to be
> there
> when we need them and we enjoy a quick turn around obtaining parts. We
> also have to consider how much time we as customers consume in way of
> support when calling in for this and that. They have to cover those
> hours
> some where.
>
> My only complaint which I expressed back when Dennis was around was
> that I
> thought the FireFly went over on it nose a little too easy and that
> they
> needed to move the main gear forward a little one way or another.
> Last I
> knew nothing had been done.
>
> If you want to pick at cost, go after Rotax. Their gasket prices are
> ridiculous not to mention the other engine parts.
> jerb
>
>
> At 01:05 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>>
>> Kolb Guys,
>>
>> Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around
>> playing with his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on
>> disability
>> after 30 of teaching mathematics in various colleges. The reason for
>> the
>> retirement....Cancer. I've been fighting it for six years. During
>> that I
>> have had 5 tumors removed, six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and
>> radiation once. Before I was sick, I built three planes from scratch,
>> just plans and rebuilt one spam can. The last two years I spent eight
>> months at the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking chemo trying
>> kill a
>> tumor. It didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt Cancer
>> Center
>> in Tampa for six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments to try to
>> shrink
>> the tumor. After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected
>> along
>> with partof my bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy
>> which I had reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that,
>> sometime
>> during the last six years, I totally rebuilt the Ultr!
>> aStar I'm flying now. By the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer
>> free as per a CT scan four weeks ago. But I'm told my desease is
>> terminal
>> and the tumors will keep comming until one hits something that can't
>> be
>> treated.
>>
>> Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling
>> parts that have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
>> The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him,
>> they got
>> a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world
>> wide. As far as I can tell, they have done little in the way of
>> R&D. They, for the most part, are still selling designs done by Homer
>> Kolb who, in my opinion is a brilliant man. It would be nice if they
>> would try to come up with engines that don't cost as much as a new
>> car and
>> gear legs that don't bend and break with a little rough treatment.
>> If the
>> C 150 I got my pvt ticket in had to have new gear legs every time I
>> slid
>> it sideways down the runway I don't think the owner would be too
>> happy.
>>
>> My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft.
>> I,
>> for one, believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our
>> aircraft
>> and figure out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior
>> part.
>>
>> Dale Sellers
>> Georgia UltraStar
>> do not archive
>>
>>
>
>
Message 12
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
Jerb & All,
If you'll read my post again, I didn't say "when TNC bought Mr. Kolb" , I
said when the "purchers of the Kolb designs bought them.
Dale Sellers
Georgia UltraStar
do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: "jerb" <ulflyer@verizon.net>
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb gear legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
>
> Dale,
> You make reference that TNKC is stiffing Homer, how can that be. Some
> where in between was Dennis's operation - TNKC doesn't support several of
> the earlier designs. Don't even sell parts for them from what I gathered.
> As for the gear legs that becomes a trade between the gear legs yielding
> or
> the fuselage cage. Myself I would much rather deal with the legs than the
> fabric covered cage. I think it has been a wise decision.
>
> As for the cost of legs, I ordered a set for the FireFly and didn't think
> they were all that bad. I needed one, ordered pair. Each cost me less
> than the minimum order charge just for the material at local metal
> supplier
> plus there machined with the taper. I also purchased a replacement nose
> cone, that cost a little more but I still didn't feel it was
> excessive. You have to keep in mind they have to pay the bills to be
> there
> when we need them and we enjoy a quick turn around obtaining parts. We
> also have to consider how much time we as customers consume in way of
> support when calling in for this and that. They have to cover those hours
> some where.
>
> My only complaint which I expressed back when Dennis was around was that I
> thought the FireFly went over on it nose a little too easy and that they
> needed to move the main gear forward a little one way or another. Last I
> knew nothing had been done.
>
> If you want to pick at cost, go after Rotax. Their gasket prices are
> ridiculous not to mention the other engine parts.
> jerb
>
>
> At 01:05 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>>
>>Kolb Guys,
>>
>>Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around
>>playing with his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on disability
>>after 30 of teaching mathematics in various colleges. The reason for the
>>retirement....Cancer. I've been fighting it for six years. During that I
>>have had 5 tumors removed, six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and
>>radiation once. Before I was sick, I built three planes from scratch,
>>just plans and rebuilt one spam can. The last two years I spent eight
>>months at the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking chemo trying kill a
>>tumor. It didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt Cancer Center
>>in Tampa for six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments to try to shrink
>>the tumor. After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected along
>>with partof my bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy
>>which I had reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that, sometime
>>during the last six years, I totally rebuilt the Ultr!
>>aStar I'm flying now. By the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer
>>free as per a CT scan four weeks ago. But I'm told my desease is terminal
>>and the tumors will keep comming until one hits something that can't be
>>treated.
>>
>>Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling
>>parts that have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
>>The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him, they got
>>a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world
>>wide. As far as I can tell, they have done little in the way of
>>R&D. They, for the most part, are still selling designs done by Homer
>>Kolb who, in my opinion is a brilliant man. It would be nice if they
>>would try to come up with engines that don't cost as much as a new car and
>>gear legs that don't bend and break with a little rough treatment. If the
>>C 150 I got my pvt ticket in had to have new gear legs every time I slid
>>it sideways down the runway I don't think the owner would be too happy.
>>
>>My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I,
>>for one, believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft
>>and figure out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior part.
>>
>>Dale Sellers
>>Georgia UltraStar
>>do not archive
>>
>>
>
>
>
Message 13
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
Here, here Ray. Now that's what I'm talking about.
DS
Georgia UltraStar
do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: "ray anderson" <rsanoa@yahoo.com>
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb gear legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson <rsanoa@yahoo.com>
>
> Dale,
> As one fighting cancer now ( 2 melanomas) I applaud your
> attitude. Hang in there. I too have an UltraStar, my second one. Now to
> the Kolb deficiencies. Basically they are using Homers design. However,
> New Kolb obviously haven't done sufficient, up to date engineering on gear
> legs and some other points. No excuses should be made. Reading the posts
> here for a year or so indicate that for the weight of the new planes, they
> are not capable of handling the loads that the AVERAGE pilot with perhaps
> low time and experience place on them. If they require delicate handling
> and near perfect landing techniques for every landing, the advertisements
> should state that certain models are not recommended for beginners and low
> time pilots.
> It doesn't matter how much the plane weighs, it is possible to design
> gear and cage and attach points that will absorb safely ANY average hard
> landings. There are dozens of homebuilt designs out there that never have
> landing gear failures under the most severe circumstances. There is no
> excuse for the New Kolbs to be different when proper R&D development could
> overcome that. Others have done it.
> These are EXPERIMENTAL aircraft and there was a time when all of us
> in the sport felt that if it didn't work, find a way to make it work. We
> shouldn't feel ashamed to pitch in and find the solutions for such
> problems ourselves if the kit builders don't That's the spirit of EAA.
> Find back issues of EAA magazines during the 50's - 70's and see what
> homebuilding was and should be about. And don't feel you shouldn't
> criticize a kit supplier if parts are not right just because they are
> "nice guys". Some of the kit failures of past years, long gone, were sold
> by
> "nice guys" who didn't know what they were doing and didn't hire people
> who did.
>
> Dale Sellers <dsel1@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers"
>
> Kolb Guys,
>
> Just so you don't think I'm an old retired poop, just sitting around
> playing with his airplane, I was forced to retire at age 58 on disability
> after 30 of teaching mathematics in various colleges. The reason for the
> retirement....Cancer. I've been fighting it for six years. During that I
> have had 5 tumors removed, six major surgeries, chemo 5 times and
> radiation once. Before I was sick, I built three planes from scratch, just
> plans and rebuilt one spam can. The last two years I spent eight months at
> the Univ. Of Alabama Medical Center taking chemo trying kill a tumor. It
> didn't work. So, I was sent off to the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa for
> six weeks of chemo and radiation treatments to try to shrink the tumor.
> After that, in June of 2004, I had the tumor resected along with partof my
> bladder, prostate, and colon and I had a new ileostomy which I had
> reversed Jan 7th of this year. In between all that, sometime during the
> last six years, I totally rebuilt the Ultr!
> aStar I'm flying now. By the Grace of God, at this point, I an cancer free
> as per a CT scan four weeks ago. But I'm told my desease is terminal and
> the tumors will keep comming until one hits something that can't be
> treated.
>
> Enough of that. The only thing I have about TNK is they keep selling parts
> that have a problem. If they have fixed it, I'm glad.
> The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him, they got
> a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over fist, world
> wide. As far as I can tell, they have done little in the way of R&D. They,
> for the most part, are still selling designs done by Homer Kolb who, in my
> opinion is a brilliant man. It would be nice if they would try to come up
> with engines that don't cost as much as a new car and gear legs that don't
> bend and break with a little rough treatment. If the C 150 I got my pvt
> ticket in had to have new gear legs every time I slid it sideways down the
> runway I don't think the owner would be too happy.
>
> My point.....We build and fly expirimental or ultra light, aircraft. I,
> for one, believe we should keep an eye out for weak points in our aircraft
> and figure out a way to fix it instead of buying another inferior part.
>
> Dale Sellers
> Georgia UltraStar
> do not archive
>
>
> ---------------------------------
>
>
>
Message 14
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com>
Kolb" , I
| said when the "purchers of the Kolb designs bought them.
|
| Dale Sellers
Hi Dale/Gang:
No, here is your exact quote:
| "The purchers of the Kolb designs stiffed Homer. Acording to him,
they got a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over
fist, world wide."
Please qualify this statement. I am a little confused.
Thanks,
john h
Message 15
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
John,
Homer told me that he didn't get very much for his designs when he sold
them. I didn't ask him who bought them because I figured if he wanted me to
know, he would have told me and besides, it was none of my business. I
assumed it was the people who own them now but I don't know that.
DS
do not archive
----- Original Message -----
From: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com>
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb gear legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com>
>
> Kolb" , I
>
> Hi Dale/Gang:
>
> No, here is your exact quote:
>
> they got a goldmine for very little. They're selling kits hand over
> fist, world wide."
>
> Please qualify this statement. I am a little confused.
>
> Thanks,
>
> john h
>
>
>
Message 16
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
I am a welder and a machinist self employed and I have purchased a set of
main gear legs when I first purchased My FS previous owner already beat me to the
bending part, and I thought the price was cheap I wouldn't use my time to
make them my self and I haven't needed another set yet knock on wood maybe, but
maybe there are some people on here that just need to learn how to land, add
vortex generators, do what it takes to make your landings as smooth as possible
your not flying a hammer to beat the rocks into your runway, there are rollers
to do that for you.
Take it easy on your plane your life is in it, and support the TNK
Ellery Batchelder Jr
Maine Original Firestar
DO NOT ARCHIVE
Message 17
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|
| Subject: | Cracked windscreens |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" <kolbrapilot@comcast.net>
Fellow Kolb enthusiasts,
Here are some of the responses I got back reference my cracked windscreens:
>>I enlarged the holes & that seemed to do it, maybe a small flat washer
between tube & polycarbonate would work better still?
>>I have read that the holes for screws or rivets should have a
little extra clearance to allow for some movement.
>>Oversize the hole for a nylon sleeve/bushing that is a bit thicker than
the poly.
>>Enlarge the holes in the lexan. As a pop rivet mandrel is pulled, the
rivet crushes and expands into the hole.
>>I drilled and tapped holes in the cage so I could use a machine screw. I
can't remember what size, but it was about a 6-32 with a finer pitch thread
and may have been metric. A large washer on the outside of the lexan will
spread the load under each screw.
>>weld on a tab and use a bolt...... do not tighten it too tight as the
constant pressure will cause it to crack.... or wrap the tube with an
adel clamp and then bolt the windscreen to that. another option keep the
vibration spread over the entire surface instead of localizing on the rivit
points is to put a very small bead of silicone between the windscreen and
tubing.
>>I oversized the mounting holes in my short FSII windshield appropriately
to fit rubber grommets that I selected...shaped like Cheerios with a little
groove around the OD and snap into a proper-sized hole. I drilled the
windshield, snapped the grommets in place, and used 1/4 x 28 button head
stainless allen bolts and thin stainless flat washers to secure the
windscreen to the tabs on the fuse with nutserts.
>>Try drilling the holes in the Lexan first oversize greater than 1/8" or
whatever size rivet you are using. Give it some room to expand and contract.
Tony Bingelis said that a 24" square sheet of Plexiglas would expand and
contract by 1/8" over a 100 degree temp range, so it's something to think
about.
The most often repeated words were: "oversize the hole in the plastic."
I went back and read my Kolbra construction manual about installing the
windows, which is just a reprint of what is in the MarkIII Xtra manual. It
says to oversize the holes to 3/16" for a 1/8" rivet.
It seems that each time I have replaced my windows, I have decrased the
amount I was oversizing the holes. I have now drilled all my holes up to
3/16" and will install the new windows with large diameter head rivets. I'll
let you know how it turns out.
John Williamson
Arlington, TX
Kolb Kolbra, Rotax 912UL, 714 hours
http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot
Message 18
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
Ellery,
My US doesn't have the round tapered gear legs. The gear is rigid and the
only cushion is the 8 lbs of air I run in the tires. Although I've been
flying for 35 years, this is my first ultralight and there is quite a
difference, especially in the effect of wind on the light airframes. Many
times I have been set up for a greaser and a slight gust would push me off
the runway.
You can't take dual in an Ultrastar so I had to discover all the
differencies hands on. And even now, after 10 hours of flying the US, most
of which was shooting TO's and landings, I find that the original gear was
much too light weight to handle the loads that changing winds can cause.
I've been flying taildraggers for 30 years, Luscombs, Taylorcrafts, a
Volksplane II I built and a Sonerai II I built and as squirreley as the
Sonerai was, the ultralight is a totaally different aircraft. I do know how
to land a plane!
After wiping the origional gear out on the US caused by side loads, I built
a new set of gear using .120" wall 4130 and so far, I've put some pretty
heavy loads on it and no problems. The original gear legs were .035".
DS
----- Original Message -----
From: <ElleryWeld@aol.com>
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Landing Gear Legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
>
> I am a welder and a machinist self employed and I have purchased a set of
> main gear legs when I first purchased My FS previous owner already beat me
> to the
> bending part, and I thought the price was cheap I wouldn't use my time to
> make them my self and I haven't needed another set yet knock on wood
> maybe, but
> maybe there are some people on here that just need to learn how to land,
> add
> vortex generators, do what it takes to make your landings as smooth as
> possible
> your not flying a hammer to beat the rocks into your runway, there are
> rollers
> to do that for you.
> Take it easy on your plane your life is in it, and support the TNK
>
> Ellery Batchelder Jr
> Maine Original Firestar
>
> DO NOT ARCHIVE
>
>
>
Message 19
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson <rsanoa@yahoo.com>
I don't think anyone is suggesting that owners not support TNK. One needs to support
any company they buy an airplane from. However, one shouldn't be reluctant
to notice faults and ask that they make corrections to design or whatever.
If a kit supplier gets their feelings hurt over something as important as that,
perhaps they are in the wrong business. I don't imagine the folks at TNK would,
although I don't know them because they can't help UltraStar owners. With
the propensity of lawsuits these days I would think they would welcome advise
on how to improve their product.
Dale Sellers <dsel1@bellsouth.net> wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale
Sellers"
Ellery,
My US doesn't have the round tapered gear legs. The gear is rigid and the
only cushion is the 8 lbs of air I run in the tires. Although I've been
flying for 35 years, this is my first ultralight and there is quite a
difference, especially in the effect of wind on the light airframes. Many
times I have been set up for a greaser and a slight gust would push me off
the runway.
You can't take dual in an Ultrastar so I had to discover all the
differencies hands on. And even now, after 10 hours of flying the US, most
of which was shooting TO's and landings, I find that the original gear was
much too light weight to handle the loads that changing winds can cause.
I've been flying taildraggers for 30 years, Luscombs, Taylorcrafts, a
Volksplane II I built and a Sonerai II I built and as squirreley as the
Sonerai was, the ultralight is a totaally different aircraft. I do know how
to land a plane!
After wiping the origional gear out on the US caused by side loads, I built
a new set of gear using .120" wall 4130 and so far, I've put some pretty
heavy loads on it and no problems. The original gear legs were .035".
DS
----- Original Message -----
From:
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Landing Gear Legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
>
> I am a welder and a machinist self employed and I have purchased a set of
> main gear legs when I first purchased My FS previous owner already beat me
> to the
> bending part, and I thought the price was cheap I wouldn't use my time to
> make them my self and I haven't needed another set yet knock on wood
> maybe, but
> maybe there are some people on here that just need to learn how to land,
> add
> vortex generators, do what it takes to make your landings as smooth as
> possible
> your not flying a hammer to beat the rocks into your runway, there are
> rollers
> to do that for you.
> Take it easy on your plane your life is in it, and support the TNK
>
> Ellery Batchelder Jr
> Maine Original Firestar
>
> DO NOT ARCHIVE
>
>
>
---------------------------------
Message 20
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| Subject: | Lexan & Plexiglas |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" <kolbrapilot@comcast.net>
From the responses I got back about my cracked windscreens, I thought I
would add a little info about plastics.
Plexiglass is a trade name for an acrylic plastic. It is hot formed and used
in most smaller FAA certified aircraft. It is hard and scratches can be
worked out of it. It is resistant to auto and aviation fuels.
Lexan, Tuffak and Hyzod are trade names for polycarbonate plastic. It can be
cold or hot formed but is fairly soft and pliable. It scratches easily and
can not be readily repaired.
Here is some info I took off the protective covering of my Lexan Sheet:
--Cleaning:
*Rinse sheet with lukewarm water; wash gently with mild soap or detergent
and lukewarm water, using a soft cloth or sponge. DO NOT SCRUB or use
brushes or squeegees.
*Rinse again. Dry with soft cloth or moist cellulose sponge to prevent water
spotting.
*To remove wet paint, glazing compound or grease, rub lightly with a good
grade of VM&P naphtha or isopropyl alcohol, then was and rinse. DO NOT USE
GASOLINE.
--Compatible Cleaning Agents:
*Aqueous Solutions of Soaps and Detergents
Fantastik
Formula 409
Hexcel, F.O.554
Joy
Lysol
Mr. Clean
Neleco-Placer
PineSol
Top Job
Windex
*Organic Solvents
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
Kerosene
Naphtha (VM&P Grade)
Petroleum Spirits
*Alcohols
Isopropyl Alcohol
Methanol
*Graffi Removal
Butyl Cellosolve (For removal of paints, marking pen inks, lipstick,
etc.)
To minimize scratches and minor abrasions, use a mild automobile polish such
as Johnson's Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 or Mirror Glaze
Plastic Polish.
I hope this enlightens someone besides me. I just want to go flying!
John Williamson
Arlington, TX
Kolb Kolbra,
http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot
Message 21
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| Subject: | Re: Lexan & Plexiglas |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: Earl & Mim Zimmerman <emzi@supernet.com>
John Williamson wrote:
> To minimize scratches and minor abrasions, use a mild automobile polish such
> as Johnson's Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 or Mirror Glaze
> Plastic Polish.
>
> I hope this enlightens someone besides me. I just want to go flying!
>
I use lemon pledge furniture polish to clean my windshield. It seems
that if you clean with windex or other glass cleaners it removes any
dirt and film and any scratches are clearly visible when flying into the
sun. However the furniture polish seems wax over the scratches and
leaves a much clearer window. Works fer me. And I like invisible glass!
~ Earl
--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Anti-Virus.
Message 22
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart <jbhart@ldd.net>
At 07:24 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>
>After wiping the origional gear out on the US caused by side loads, I built
>a new set of gear using .120" wall 4130 and so far, I've put some pretty
>heavy loads on it and no problems. The original gear legs were .035".
>
Dale,
With 15 inch chord ailerons, the original FireFly was difficult to fly in
the middle of the day and cross wind landings were almost impossible. I
changed to nine inch chord ailerons, and modified the aileron control
linkages so that stick loads became very light. All play was removed from
the system. These changes let me stay ahead of the FireFly in gusty cross
winds. Currently, it is a delight to make cross wind take off and landings
and to fly in the middle of the day. All that is required to side slip or
to keep the wings level is gentle pressure on the stick. These
modifications help the FireFly to respond just like a regular aircraft. But
due to low gross weight you have to be a little quicker in responding.
Jack B. Hart FF004
Jackson, MO
Jack & Louise Hart
jbhart@ldd.net
Message 23
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
Dale I wasn't intending on pointing a finger at any one in particular but a
possible fix for the gear on a US maybe something with bungies like on a cub?
Success comes in Cans not Cant's :o)
Ellery Batchelder Jr
Maine, Original Firestar
Do not archive
Message 24
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| Subject: | Big 'ol Ailerons (formerly landing gear legs) |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Beauford" <beauford@tampabay.rr.com>
Brother Hart...
Not too sure I follow your logic... The larger 15 inch Firefly ailerons do
increase roll control stick pressures, but it seems intuitive that they also
increase roll axis control authority, and available yaw and roll control
authority (aileron and rudder together ) down near Vso is the key
determinent of demonstrated crosswind component landing limits for any
aircraft. It may take more muscle, but those big surfaces would appear to
enable a stronger roll axis input... As a matter of fact, I find that my
Firefly will run out of rudder authority in a stiff crosswind landing well
before I run out of aileron authority... and I have frequently operated my
15 inch aileron toy in good stout (15 to 20 mph) high-angle crosswinds with
no particular difficulty... You mentioned slips...'Ol FireFly 076 slips like
the clutch on an elderly Yugo -- you can almost end up looking over your
shoulder at the airport if ya ain't careful....
Please explain how smaller chord, less powerful ailerons enable higher
crosswind landing limits or enhanced forward slip capability... I would
suggest that there is a good simple reason the short-chord ailerons result
in lower stick forces.... they're deflecting less air and doing
substantially less work out there on the wings.... I just fail to see how
that increases the ability to influence the roll axis and produce the
results you cite... (Are you making an adverse yaw argument?)
Baffled Beauford in Brandon
FF#076
Manly Ailerons...
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jack & Louise Hart" <jbhart@ldd.net>
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Landing Gear Legs
> --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart <jbhart@ldd.net>
>
> At 07:24 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>>
>>After wiping the origional gear out on the US caused by side loads, I
>>built
>>a new set of gear using .120" wall 4130 and so far, I've put some pretty
>>heavy loads on it and no problems. The original gear legs were .035".
>>
>
> Dale,
>
> With 15 inch chord ailerons, the original FireFly was difficult to fly in
> the middle of the day and cross wind landings were almost impossible. I
> changed to nine inch chord ailerons, and modified the aileron control
> linkages so that stick loads became very light. All play was removed from
> the system. These changes let me stay ahead of the FireFly in gusty cross
> winds. Currently, it is a delight to make cross wind take off and
> landings
> and to fly in the middle of the day. All that is required to side slip or
> to keep the wings level is gentle pressure on the stick. These
> modifications help the FireFly to respond just like a regular aircraft.
> But
> due to low gross weight you have to be a little quicker in responding.
>
> Jack B. Hart FF004
> Jackson, MO
>
>
> Jack & Louise Hart
> jbhart@ldd.net
>
>
>
Message 25
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| Subject: | Kolb UltraStar Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" <rswiderski@earthlink.net>
UltraStar Owners;
After considering all the options, with the cage already built, I
decided the bungee configuration was the way to go. Some guy was selling
plans so I ordered a set & changed them to suit my needs (taller & rough
field capable). They worked very well. BTW, I have a set of bungee gears
that I do not need, I'll bring them to S & F if someone is interested. They
would do well on an US with a little modification. ....Richard Swiderski
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of
ElleryWeld@aol.com
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Kolb gear legs
--> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
Dale I wasn't intending on pointing a finger at any one in particular but a
possible fix for the gear on a US maybe something with bungies like on a
cub?
Success comes in Cans not Cant's :o)
Ellery Batchelder Jr
Maine, Original Firestar
Do not archive
Message 26
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| Subject: | Re: Kolb gear legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
Ray & All,
Your criticize the gear but there are still two things that impact the
gear, gross weight and pilot error. Over time the planes have gotten
fatter, bigger engines, larger fuel tanks, more toys, increased
pilot/passenger loads. The Kolb lands a little different that most planes,
until new pilots get that down they often fly them in too slow and drop
them in and bend one or both gear legs. Unless bent really bad they can be
straightened. Sure they could make them carrier landing proof but it would
require beefing up the basic structure thus adding much weight - myself I
feel it is better to sacrifice a gear leg than bend the cage. Small
companies don't necessarily have a huge amount of surplus engineering
talent to draw upon. Keep in mind 9-11 hurt most of these companies with
sales also being impacted as customers sat on the fence until the Sport
Pilot issue was adapted. Customers can help invoke change and
improvements. When something is tried and field proven to work well,
submit it for them to consider or offer as an upgrade option. Or better
yet, offer it your self and make a small fortune.
jerb
At 12:51 PM 3/4/05 -0800, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson <rsanoa@yahoo.com>
>
>Dale,
> As one fighting cancer now ( 2 melanomas) I applaud your
> attitude. Hang in there. I too have an UltraStar, my second one. Now to
> the Kolb deficiencies. Basically they are using Homers design. However,
> New Kolb obviously haven't done sufficient, up to date engineering on
> gear legs and some other points. No excuses should be made. Reading the
> posts here for a year or so indicate that for the weight of the new
> planes, they are not capable of handling the loads that the AVERAGE pilot
> with perhaps low time and experience place on them. If they require
> delicate handling and near perfect landing techniques for every landing,
> the advertisements should state that certain models are not recommended
> for beginners and low time pilots.
> It doesn't matter how much the plane weighs, it is possible to
> design gear and cage and attach points that will absorb safely ANY
> average hard landings. There are dozens of homebuilt designs out there
> that never have landing gear failures under the most severe
> circumstances. There is no excuse for the New Kolbs to be different when
> proper R&D development could overcome that. Others have done it. snip....
>
Message 27
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| Subject: | Re: Landing Gear Legs |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
Dale,
You yourself say your placing side loads on the gear, that says more likely
there is some thing to do with pilot technique in play here - your not
compensating for the wind keeping the nose of the plane and the flight path
in line with the runway or flying in too windy conditions, exceeding the
cross wind component the aircraft is capable of handling. Some people drag
them in too slow and don't have any energy left to compensate. Since you
have experience in a Luscomb which will eat some pilots lunch, it may be
the latter. Not sure about the US but the FF slows down real quick once
you start rounding out.
jerb
At 07:24 PM 3/4/05 -0500, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dale Sellers" <dsel1@bellsouth.net>
>
>Ellery,
>
>My US doesn't have the round tapered gear legs. The gear is rigid and the
>only cushion is the 8 lbs of air I run in the tires. Although I've been
>flying for 35 years, this is my first ultralight and there is quite a
>difference, especially in the effect of wind on the light airframes. Many
>times I have been set up for a greaser and a slight gust would push me off
>the runway.
>You can't take dual in an Ultrastar so I had to discover all the
>differencies hands on. And even now, after 10 hours of flying the US, most
>of which was shooting TO's and landings, I find that the original gear was
>much too light weight to handle the loads that changing winds can cause.
>I've been flying taildraggers for 30 years, Luscombs, Taylorcrafts, a
>Volksplane II I built and a Sonerai II I built and as squirreley as the
>Sonerai was, the ultralight is a totaally different aircraft. I do know how
>to land a plane!
>After wiping the origional gear out on the US caused by side loads, I built
>a new set of gear using .120" wall 4130 and so far, I've put some pretty
>heavy loads on it and no problems. The original gear legs were .035".
>
>DS
>----- Original Message -----
>From: <ElleryWeld@aol.com>
>To: <kolb-list@matronics.com>
>Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Landing Gear Legs
>
>
> > --> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com
> >
> > I am a welder and a machinist self employed and I have purchased a set of
> > main gear legs when I first purchased My FS previous owner already beat me
> > to the
> > bending part, and I thought the price was cheap I wouldn't use my time to
> > make them my self and I haven't needed another set yet knock on wood
> > maybe, but
> > maybe there are some people on here that just need to learn how to land,
> > add
> > vortex generators, do what it takes to make your landings as smooth as
> > possible
> > your not flying a hammer to beat the rocks into your runway, there are
> > rollers
> > to do that for you.
> > Take it easy on your plane your life is in it, and support the TNK
> >
> > Ellery Batchelder Jr
> > Maine Original Firestar
> >
> > DO NOT ARCHIVE
> >
> >
> >
>
>
Message 28
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| Subject: | Cracked windscreens |
--> Kolb-List message posted by: jerb <ulflyer@verizon.net>
John,
Being around the RV aircraft builders, they re-drill the holes for the
canopy material over size, if not they crack @%& $$$. 3/16 would give your
1/32 clearance on each side of the rivet which sounds about right. If you
don't you will crack the windscreen when you start installing the
rivets. Almost guaranteed.
jerb
At 06:20 PM 3/4/05 -0600, you wrote:
>--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" <kolbrapilot@comcast.net>
>
>Fellow Kolb enthusiasts,
>
>Here are some of the responses I got back reference my cracked windscreens:
>
> >>I enlarged the holes & that seemed to do it, maybe a small flat washer
>between tube & polycarbonate would work better still?
>
> >>I have read that the holes for screws or rivets should have a
>little extra clearance to allow for some movement.
>
> >>Oversize the hole for a nylon sleeve/bushing that is a bit thicker than
>the poly.
>
> >>Enlarge the holes in the lexan. As a pop rivet mandrel is pulled, the
>rivet crushes and expands into the hole.
>
> >>I drilled and tapped holes in the cage so I could use a machine screw. I
>can't remember what size, but it was about a 6-32 with a finer pitch thread
>and may have been metric. A large washer on the outside of the lexan will
>spread the load under each screw.
>
> >>weld on a tab and use a bolt...... do not tighten it too tight as the
>constant pressure will cause it to crack.... or wrap the tube with an
>adel clamp and then bolt the windscreen to that. another option keep the
>vibration spread over the entire surface instead of localizing on the rivit
>points is to put a very small bead of silicone between the windscreen and
>tubing.
>
> >>I oversized the mounting holes in my short FSII windshield appropriately
>to fit rubber grommets that I selected...shaped like Cheerios with a little
>groove around the OD and snap into a proper-sized hole. I drilled the
>windshield, snapped the grommets in place, and used 1/4 x 28 button head
>stainless allen bolts and thin stainless flat washers to secure the
>windscreen to the tabs on the fuse with nutserts.
>
> >>Try drilling the holes in the Lexan first oversize greater than 1/8" or
>whatever size rivet you are using. Give it some room to expand and contract.
>Tony Bingelis said that a 24" square sheet of Plexiglas would expand and
>contract by 1/8" over a 100 degree temp range, so it's something to think
>about.
>
>The most often repeated words were: "oversize the hole in the plastic."
>
>I went back and read my Kolbra construction manual about installing the
>windows, which is just a reprint of what is in the MarkIII Xtra manual. It
>says to oversize the holes to 3/16" for a 1/8" rivet.
>
>It seems that each time I have replaced my windows, I have decrased the
>amount I was oversizing the holes. I have now drilled all my holes up to
>3/16" and will install the new windows with large diameter head rivets. I'll
>let you know how it turns out.
>
>
>John Williamson
>Arlington, TX
>
>Kolb Kolbra, Rotax 912UL, 714 hours
>http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot
>
>
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