---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 04/24/05:22 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 12:54 AM - Re: firestar 2 trim help (ElleryWeld@aol.com) 2. 05:00 AM - Re: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (Beauford) 3. 05:48 AM - Re: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (bryan green) 4. 06:45 AM - Re:MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (Mike Pierzina) 5. 06:55 AM - Re: Tail Wheel (J carter) 6. 11:30 AM - Re: Droop tips (Don Gherardini) 7. 11:40 AM - Kolb Fire Star II For Sale..Reduced price (Pat Lavigne) 8. 02:17 PM - Door handles for Kolb Mk III (John Raeburn) 9. 02:50 PM - Re: Tail Wheel (FyrFlyr0V5@aol.com) 10. 02:52 PM - Re: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (HShack@aol.com) 11. 03:16 PM - Re: Tail Wheel (HShack@aol.com) 12. 04:21 PM - Rechargeable AAs & AAAs (Bob N.) 13. 04:38 PM - Gear legs comma how to test (Bob N.) 14. 05:07 PM - Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS (John Jung) 15. 06:33 PM - Re: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (woody) 16. 06:40 PM - Re: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS (Christopher Armstrong) 17. 07:09 PM - Re: John Williamson's webpage (James and Cathy Tripp) 18. 07:17 PM - Re: Droop tips (Jerry Curtin) 19. 07:23 PM - Re: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? (Billie Futrell) 20. 07:41 PM - Re: firestar 2 trim help (David L. Bigelow) 21. 09:37 PM - Re: q (Don Martin) 22. 09:40 PM - Re: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS (Robert Laird) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 12:54:58 AM PST US From: ElleryWeld@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: firestar 2 trim help --> Kolb-List message posted by: ElleryWeld@aol.com Wade you can get VG's at Land shorter.com I am in the process of redesigning my tail feathers and I will be building in a trim controll into the elevator that I can change from the seat I can post pics when I make it that far along rebuilding Original Firestar Ellery Batchelder Jr Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:00:01 AM PST US From: "Beauford" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Beauford" Brother Don... In addition to the handling (control authority and harmony) and beefy chromoly fuselage cage anready mentioned, look inside the wings and compare structure there... The Kolbs have a massive tubular main spar, 5 or 6 inch diameter, depending on model, which is anchored into a 4130 chromoly steel attachment ring... 4130 lift strut attachments. It is a full 3 spar wing-- main spar plus leading and trailing edge spars... Then take a peek inside the wings of the others...notice the abundance of nothing in there, particularly where one would expect to find a main spar? A man tends to reflect about this sort of thing when bouncing from thermal to themal in the good 'ol summertime... I ain't much, but I'm all I got.... worth what ye paid fer it.... Do not archive Beauford FF #076 Brandon, FL ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? > --> Kolb-List message posted by: DonMorrisey@netscape.net > > Hello list members. I joined several weeks ago and have been soaking up > the info. Lot's of good advice. I've made the decision to build my own > airplane and am leaning toward the Kolb MK III. I have also looked into > the Challenger and CGS Hawk Arrow. I know I might be asking this question > to an audience that has a special interest (since you all built and fly > Kolb aircraft) but I am sure that each of you went thorugh the same > process that I'm going through right now. What made you decide on a Kolb? > In your opinion what were the most important characteristics of the Kolb > when comparing it to competitors? Any info and insight would be greatly > appreciated by this novice would-be builder. As a point of information I > am a licensed pilot with 150+ hours in primarily piper warriors and cessna > 172's. Thanks so much. Don... > > > Switch to Netscape Internet Service. > As low as $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at > http://isp.netscape.com/register > > Netscape. Just the Net You Need. > > New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer > Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups. > Download now at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/search/install.jsp > > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:48:32 AM PST US From: bryan green Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: bryan green Good morning Don and all, I took my Ultralight training in a Challenger II clip wing special it was a fun flying plane. I originally bought my Firestar because the wings were so easy to fold and I keep it in an enclosed trailer. After flying the Firestar for awhile I noticed how much sturdier the plane is than the Challenger with the cage being built from chromolly steel instead of aluminum. You have to be careful with the Challenger on ruff fields because with two up (heavy ones) you can damage the nose wheel very easily also there is a lot of flex in the Challenger tail when flying you don't get with the Kolb. I can not speak about the Hawk because I have not flown one yet. Most of the guys in my flying club fly Challengers day after day and love them but when I go to a two place plane it will be a Kolb. Bryan Green Elgin SC Original Firestar 447 BRS Powerfin USUA BFI 38 Hrs. Cessna 150 Do not archive DonMorrisey@netscape.net wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: DonMorrisey@netscape.net > >Hello list members. I joined several weeks ago and have been soaking up the info. Lot's of good advice. I've made the decision to build my own airplane and am leaning toward the Kolb MK III. I have also looked into the Challenger and CGS Hawk Arrow. I know I might be asking this question to an audience that has a special interest (since you all built and fly Kolb aircraft) but I am sure that each of you went thorugh the same process that I'm going through right now. What made you decide on a Kolb? In your opinion what were the most important characteristics of the Kolb when comparing it to competitors? Any info and insight would be greatly appreciated by this novice would-be builder. As a point of information I am a licensed pilot with 150+ hours in primarily piper warriors and cessna 172's. Thanks so much. Don... > > >Switch to Netscape Internet Service. >As low as $9.95 a month -- Sign up today at http://isp.netscape.com/register > >Netscape. Just the Net You Need. > >New! Netscape Toolbar for Internet Explorer >Search from anywhere on the Web and block those annoying pop-ups. >Download now at http://channels.netscape.com/ns/search/install.jsp > > > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:45:59 AM PST US From: Mike Pierzina Subject: Kolb-List: re:MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Mike Pierzina Reasons that I choose my Firestar II : 1. Good flying airplane 2. The materials that it's constructed with....all weather/ humidity 3. Wings fold , no hanger 4. Price..... Low cost , but what was ideal was that I could pay for it in 3 - $3,500 (or so) kits Tail/ Wings , being paid while I was building them , Then Cage and Assories,more building while paying it off , then Fabric & Paint ( $ 1,500 ) Then Engine and Prop.... I couldn't see where I was going to get the money.....You can see my signiture below.... It sez, Sometimes you just have to take the LEAP, and build your wings on the way down. Gotta Fly... Mike in MN N381PM do not archive My Web Site: http://www.geocities.com/planecrazzzy/Planecrazzzy.html Sometimes you just have to take the leap and build your wings on the way down... ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:55:20 AM PST US From: "J carter" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail Wheel --> Kolb-List message posted by: "J carter" Is there a Part number on the Razor tail wheel setup you have. I have a KXP and find the tail wheel not just what I would like. Any additional info be of help, J carter East L:iverpool Oh. Thanks for any additional ----- Original Message ----- From: Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail Wheel > --> Kolb-List message posted by: FyrFlyr0V5@aol.com > > Re; tailwheels.I have been using 4" wheels from the "RAZOR" childs scooter > with high speed roller blade bearings. Both are rated for high speed asphalt > use...and the wheels even come in colors! Two years of grass and asphalt runway > use. > > DO NOT ARCHIVE > > FyrFlyr0V5 > > ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 11:30:25 AM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Droop tips --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Richard, Lookiing forward to seeing how you are going to space and attach the VG's.... I am going to replace mine sometime soon, as the original method of 2 sided tape is not as secure as I had hoped. I seem to loose one every month or so, and several seem to be getting looser. Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 11:40:29 AM PST US From: "Pat Lavigne" Subject: Kolb-List: Kolb Fire Star II For Sale..Reduced price --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Pat Lavigne" FOR SALE Kolb Firestar Rotax 447 with 42 Hrs. total time on engine and airframe Ivo 3 blade ground adjustable prop EIS Icom IC-A4 radio w/ headset and helmet Lowrance GPS Lexan wing gap seal full encloser plus semi-shorty wind shield, and shorty windshield drum brakes many,many extra's Check barnstormer's for pictures.....click on experimental.........click on Kolb.. Priced Reduced for Faster Sale $10,500 contact: Pat LaVigne Rochester,N.Y. (585)426-5463 e-mail:pjl53@hotmail.com ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 02:17:14 PM PST US From: John Raeburn Subject: Kolb-List: Door handles for Kolb Mk III --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Raeburn I'm replacing the Lexan on the doors of my Mk III. At the moment the door handles consist of pieces of aluminum bent in the shape of a "Z". Has any one come up with some door handles that are on the market that can be used on a Mk III that look good? ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 02:50:41 PM PST US From: FyrFlyr0V5@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail Wheel --> Kolb-List message posted by: FyrFlyr0V5@aol.com go to www.razorama.com. Since I have red stripes on my wings, I got the red wheels. Couldn't find black ones anywhere. I upgraded the bearings to the "high speed" roller blade bearings and bought those at Sports Authority, but I would think that any sporting goods store would carry the bearing..maybe even the Razor Scooter wheels. I cut the axle tube off the tailwheel asembly where the horizontal tube was welded to the vertical tube, drilled a 1/4" hole through the vertical tube and inserted an AN5 bolt, placed a thin bushing around the bolt to keep it from wobbling, placed a washer on each side of the wheel bearing and tightened a Nylok. Work great for me! ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 02:52:38 PM PST US From: HShack@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: HShack@aol.com In a message dated 4/24/2005 12:17:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, pelletier@cableone.net writes: > In your opinion what were the most important characteristics of the Kolb > when comparing it to competitors? Any info and insight would be greatly > appreciated by this novice would-be builder. To me, the first thing was can I get in & get out without too much trouble [I'm big, old, & fat]? I could. And will it haul a 270 lb. guy? It will [and outclimbs most othe UL's at our field]. Yeah, probably the strongest wing [& everything else] on the market. Find a Challenger judge for yourself. Same for the rudder. Also, there is some kind of yaw problem the the Challenger has; the Challenger drivers at our field say you get used to it............... Most Challengers do seem to be about 10 mph faster than a Firestar II. Howard Shackleford FS II SC ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 03:16:07 PM PST US From: HShack@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Tail Wheel --> Kolb-List message posted by: HShack@aol.com In a message dated 4/24/2005 5:51:30 PM Eastern Standard Time, FyrFlyr0V5@aol.com writes: I cut the axle tube off the tailwheel asembly where the horizontal tube was welded to the vertical tube, drilled a 1/4" hole through the vertical tube and inserted an AN5 bolt, placed a thin bushing around the bolt to keep it from wobbling, placed a washer on each side of the wheel I pretty much did the same thing, but the bolt should be an 8 mm. I had my bolt welded in Doesn,t have to be "Razor"; almost any brand will do. There are 100 mm & 120 mm dia. wheels; you'll want the 120's. The ones I have look like a little "mag" wheel. I got mine at Walmart; usually caome two to the pak for about $10. Howard Shackleford FS II SC ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 04:21:48 PM PST US From: "Bob N." Subject: Kolb-List: Rechargeable AAs & AAAs --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob N." Costco has a deal on the NiMH rechargeables and charger: $17 for chgr, six 2100mah AAs and two AAAs. Bob N. do not archive ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 04:38:44 PM PST US From: "Bob N." Subject: Kolb-List: Gear legs comma how to test --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Bob N." Snitched this from the vula list: "Russian Test Device While this pushes the limits of good taste, I would suggest that it does challenge the belief that exotic and expensive devices are required to test the adequacy of landing gears. And while some might find this test fixture "exotic" it likely exceeds the weight restrictions of part 103. BTW, this company also makes some very nice props in addition to landing gears." Ron http://www.aero.lg.ua/pic/sumo.jpg Bob N. do not archive ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 05:07:57 PM PST US From: John Jung Subject: Kolb-List: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Jung John and Group, If you are considering an ANR headset, you may want to consider the DRE-6000. it is only $300., and from what I've read, it has been rated with the most expensive. Mine ships on Monday. I have been using DRE headsets and intercom for 6 years, but not ANR. I recently learned of there reasonably priced DRE-6000. My reason for changing now is that I am tired of listening to prop noise. And changing props and/or gearboxes can be even more expensive. I'll report to the group about it's effectiveness after I start using it. John Jung Firestar II Surprise, Az ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 06:33:10 PM PST US From: "woody" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "woody" I bought my first Kolb when I saw a line drawing of it in Sport Pilot. I thought it looked great. That was the original Kolb Flyer. I have since owned a Kolb Twinstar and a Mk111. I have actively participated in the construction of 6 Kolbs. My scariest moment in an airplane was last winter in a Challenger. I was asked to test fly it. I figured flying a Kolb was good enough practice. Take off was good but a bit less than my Mk111. I turned right to go around the pattern and stayed in that turn for probably 10 minutes It felt like hour. I was seriously giving thought to the last minutes of my life. At the very least it was going to hurt bad. Nothing I did would straighten it up. I finally really kicked the rudder pedal and it straightened up. Aileron alone will not straighten up a Challenger and the one I was flying had very very stiff rudder pedals.Lesson learned. After I got things flying straight I had difficulty keeping the nose going straight. It kept wandering. Not a pleasant flying experience. When I got down I reported my feelings to the owner. A friend of his asked me to try his Challenger. Rudder pedals were not as stiff but the nose still wandered. Challenger is an apt named aircraft in my opinion. > > Hello list members. I joined several weeks ago and have been soaking up the info. Lot's of good advice. I've made the decision to build my own airplane and am leaning toward the Kolb MK III. I have also looked into the Challenger and CGS Hawk Arrow. I know I might be asking this question to an audience that has a special interest (since you all built and fly Kolb aircraft) but I am sure that each of you went thorugh the same process that I'm going through right now. What made you decide on a Kolb? In your opinion what were the most important characteristics of the Kolb when comparing it to competitors? Any info and insight would be greatly appreciated by this novice would-be builder. As a point of information I am a licensed pilot with 150+ hours in primarily piper warriors and cessna 172's. Thanks so much. Don... > ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 06:40:36 PM PST US From: "Christopher Armstrong" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Christopher Armstrong" I have the DRE headsets with ANR and really like them. (I have been working around rotary powered aircraft for about 8 years and they are about as loud as anything.) The thing that I think is most important is that it will not only let your hear your communications but it will keep you from loosing any more hearing due to the incredible noise levels of these planes. Bumping up the volume of the radio just adds more damage to your ears, you gotta stop the noise or before you know it you won't be able to hear no matter what volume you have on the headsets. Once the ears are gone your outa luck. Get the best headsets you can find, and where hearing protectors for every other loud activities you do, lawn mowing, chainsawing, riding the dirt bike, whatever. Time to start that is when you're a kid but even us middle aged and older guys starting now will really make a big difference in what we can hear 10 or 20 years from now. Topher -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of John Jung Subject: Kolb-List: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Jung John and Group, If you are considering an ANR headset, you may want to consider the DRE-6000. it is only $300., and from what I've read, it has been rated with the most expensive. Mine ships on Monday. I have been using DRE headsets and intercom for 6 years, but not ANR. I recently learned of there reasonably priced DRE-6000. My reason for changing now is that I am tired of listening to prop noise. And changing props and/or gearboxes can be even more expensive. I'll report to the group about it's effectiveness after I start using it. John Jung Firestar II Surprise, Az ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 07:09:44 PM PST US From: " James and Cathy Tripp" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: John Williamson's webpage --> Kolb-List message posted by: " James and Cathy Tripp" Definitely a fine picture of a great flying machine. BTW Will, John Williamson took the picture. James Tripp DO NOT ARCHIVE -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com]On Behalf Of John Williamson Subject: RE: Kolb-List: John Williamson's webpage --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" Hi Will, The photo is of James Tripp and his FireStar over the factory airfield at last September's Fly-In. It was taken at sunrise on Friday. John Williamson Arlington, TX Kolb Kolbra, Rotax 912ULS, 748 hours http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot do not archive ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 07:17:32 PM PST US From: "Jerry Curtin" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Droop tips --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jerry Curtin" Hello Don and All, I totally understand about what you are talking about when it comes to landing a plane. I consider myself a pretty good pilot and have flown many different types, but the toughest by far was my lancair. Fast, unforgiving, and a very short wheel base. Add those up and there was very little room for error when it came to landing. I like most pilots would pull the throttle to slow down, just like driving a car. A friend of mine (F-15 pilot) taught me a different way to approach to landing. Pitch controls speed, and throttle controls decent. This was opposite to what I was used to but I listened, learned the technique and was able to control the lancair like a pet. It takes some getting used to changing our habits but once you master this technique there will be no more bounces and shorter roll outs. Hope to be of some help, Jerry ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Droop tips > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" > > Brother Pike, > > Thx for the kind words, I am not deserved. > > I do have VGs on my fly...and it did the same thing for me...about 4 or 5 > mph on the stall.... > > On the firefly..I generally bring it in over the fence at 50...then level > off slowly at about 45...then pull the throttle sloooowly back,,,still...the > sink rate gets fast below 45....so at my home airfield which is plenty > long...I usually let it touch down at 40 to 45 ...especially if anybody is > watching....if I try and get it slower than that...I usually bounce it. This > come from being kinda heavy I believe..... > The droop tips are only a thought that upon rumination I believed might > generate some discussion and possibly be worth starting a topic. > It would be alot of trouble to make them thats for sure...need another > outboard rib to attach em to...and it would likely need be a stamped style > rib instead of the tubing style for a good mateing ...also all the trouble > making 2 plugs...then 2 molds...and so on..... > > I remember how much they helped the airbike....and although I have never > piloted any of the MAX series...(V-max, z-max, eros etc.)...I do envy their > apparant low speed handleing when I watch them. > > Don Gherardini > FireFly 098 > http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm > > ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 07:23:19 PM PST US From: " Billie Futrell" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? --> Kolb-List message posted by: " Billie Futrell" Hello Woody, That is the same experience I had, one hour flying that plane left me with cramps in both legs. The one I was flying had the long wing. The first flight I was all over the sky, until I figured out what was going on. You could give it right aileron to make a correction and it would go left first long before it would start to go right. I flew it enough to know I did not want one. Bill Futrell MK111 Brooksville Fla Do Not Archive----- Original Message ----- From: "woody" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: MK III versus Challenger; CGS Hawk Arrow???? > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "woody" > > > I bought my first Kolb when I saw a line drawing of it in Sport Pilot. I > thought it looked great. That was the original Kolb Flyer. I have since > owned a Kolb Twinstar and a Mk111. I have actively participated in the > construction of 6 Kolbs. My scariest moment in an airplane was last winter > in a Challenger. I was asked to test fly it. I figured flying a Kolb was > good enough practice. Take off was good but a bit less than my Mk111. I > turned right to go around the pattern and stayed in that turn for probably > 10 minutes It felt like hour. I was seriously giving thought to the last > minutes of my life. At the very least it was going to hurt bad. Nothing I > did would straighten it up. I finally really kicked the rudder pedal and it > straightened up. Aileron alone will not straighten up a Challenger and the > one I was flying had very very stiff rudder pedals.Lesson learned. After I > got things flying straight I had difficulty keeping the nose going straight. > It kept wandering. Not a pleasant flying experience. When I got down I > reported my feelings to the owner. A friend of his asked me to try his > Challenger. Rudder pedals were not as stiff but the nose still wandered. > Challenger is an apt named aircraft in my opinion. > > > > > > Hello list members. I joined several weeks ago and have been soaking up > the info. Lot's of good advice. I've made the decision to build my own > airplane and am leaning toward the Kolb MK III. I have also looked into the > Challenger and CGS Hawk Arrow. I know I might be asking this question to an > audience that has a special interest (since you all built and fly Kolb > aircraft) but I am sure that each of you went thorugh the same process that > I'm going through right now. What made you decide on a Kolb? In your > opinion what were the most important characteristics of the Kolb when > comparing it to competitors? Any info and insight would be greatly > appreciated by this novice would-be builder. As a point of information I am > a licensed pilot with 150+ hours in primarily piper warriors and cessna > 172's. Thanks so much. Don... > > > > ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 07:41:12 PM PST US From: "David L. Bigelow" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: firestar 2 trim help --> Kolb-List message posted by: "David L. Bigelow" A simple adjustable pitch trim for your firestar can be made with a length of bungee cord, a small pulley, and a small marine jam cleat: Attach the bungee cord to the top elevator cable attachment point on the front of the turnbuckle where it pins to the stick. Attach the pulley to the stub where the front of the rudder pedal springs attach. Rivet the jam cleat to the floor pan between your legs a few inches in front of the stick. Run the bungee forward along the floor pan between the rudder pedals through the pulley, and then back through the jam cleat. The tighter you pull the bungee through the jam cleat, the more nose down trim you get. Works well for me. Dave Bigelow Firestar 2 Kamuela, Hawaii ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 09:37:25 PM PST US From: "Don Martin" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: q --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Martin" Hi Russ, Sorry that I won't be able to get the chance to meet you. Will be gone for a couple of days. Don't know of any kolbers on the net around here but here's the name of an older guy who's not on the net. Good man, built a Firestar and had couple hundred flights on it. Sold it and built a Firefly. George Daum (360) 389-1520 250 N Goodrich Dr Camano Island. Camano island is about 30 miles NW of Seattle. Enjoy your stay in the Northwest. Blue Skies! Don >From: russ kinne >Reply-To: kolb-list@matronics.com >To: kolb-list@matronics.com >Subject: Kolb-List: q >Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 17:47:16 -0400 > >--> Kolb-List message posted by: russ kinne > >Are there any Kolbers in the Seattle area who'd have time for little >gab-fest this Friday (4/29) or over the weekend? >Russ Kinne > > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 09:40:32 PM PST US From: Robert Laird Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: VAL COM 760 XNSVR WITH HARNESS --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Laird John -- I've been using the Lightspeed Cross Country ANR for about 2 years... they are the least expensive ANRs out there (by a name-brand), and they are very effective. My brother and friends have Dave Clarks (non-ANR) and they all prefer my Lightspeed when they fly in my plane. In their GA planes, they prefer the DCs. I think it's because the Lightspeed have a better passive reduction, but also thrown in some of the ANR reduction, so it works out quite well for my open-cockpit plane with 912ULS engine. I've been very tempted to try the Panther in-ear type of "headsets" but they are awfully expensive. I noticed that Lightspeed just came out with an in-ear headset and since I've had such good luck with the Cross Countrys, I will probably buy a pair of the new in-ear type when they become widely available. -- Robert