---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Sun 06/12/05: 22 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 04:51 AM - Re: Cockpit Noise? (Jack & Louise Hart) 2. 04:54 AM - Re: Cockpit Noise? (Richard Pike) 3. 05:49 AM - Re: Cockpit Noise? (John Jung) 4. 05:52 AM - Full enclosure (Jimmy) 5. 07:48 AM - Re: Alaska flying (Jeremy Casey) 6. 07:52 AM - Father's Day Fly-in (Terry Frantz) 7. 08:12 AM - Re: Cockpit Noise? (Terry Frantz) 8. 08:18 AM - Re: Alaska flying (John Hauck) 9. 08:26 AM - Re: Cockpit Noise? (John Hauck) 10. 10:24 AM - Re: Alaska flying (Kirk Smith) 11. 10:26 AM - Re: Naked SlingShot ? (PATRICK LADD) 12. 11:15 AM - Re: Naked SlingShot ? (robert bean) 13. 12:21 PM - Re: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange (Richard Swiderwski) 14. 12:39 PM - photo problem (PATRICK LADD) 15. 12:47 PM - Re: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange (Larry Bourne) 16. 02:30 PM - Xtra/Jab 2200 (Silver Fern Microlights Ltd) 17. 05:44 PM - Re: floats (GeoR38@aol.com) 18. 05:47 PM - Re: SlingShot; Fuel Tank: CG ing Without Wings (Rusty) 19. 05:51 PM - Re: Naked SlingShot ? (Rusty) 20. 07:07 PM - Re: floats (N27SB@aol.com) 21. 07:26 PM - Re: Naked SlingShot ? (dama) 22. 08:48 PM - Re: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange (Don Gherardini) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 04:51:47 AM PST US From: Jack & Louise Hart Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cockpit Noise? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Jack & Louise Hart At 11:10 PM 6/11/05 -0700, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Grageda" > >I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem and what means they might have used to reduce noise in the cockpit . > Carlos, I had a similar problem with my FireFly. With an open cockpit with the engine turning 5,200 rpm, I measured 111 db with the sound pickup pointed forward at the top of the stick. I tried to get rid of noise by cutting power tips on the two blade prop and the noise level dropped to 106 db. Then I added a third blade so I could flatten the pitch. Noise level measured 105 db. I added soft spacer bushings to the upper and lower strut ends so they could not rattle. To get a little more speed, I streamlined the struts and discovered that it kept them from strumming in flight like a bass viola. And last I modified the rear wing swivel joints to prevent them from rattling. None of these last things seemed to effect the db reading at cruise. This noise reduction makes it more fun/relaxing to fly the FireFly, but it did not help radio communications. I could hear, but others could not understand me and what I heard contained engine ignition noise. I got rid of the ignition noise by removing the mag grounding wire that leads from the engine and down underneath the seat. It radiates mag noise like crazy. One could use shielded wire to the mag but it is lighter and easy to mount a temp closing switch back on the engine and use woven fish line to activate the switch. This let me hear better, but it still did not help others to understand me. I never worried too much about transmitting but there are times when it would be very convenient. I have attended air shows and fly ins with the FireFly that were located at tower airports. I have gotten by with just listening and using a cell phone. Last year, I finally put out an effort to get the problem solved. I ended up with the throat microphone. The noise reduction is incredible. It eliminated all open cockpit wind, propeller, and engine noise. I was unable to find something off the self that I could plug in to my radio to get it to work. Info about how I did it can be seen at: http://www.thirdshift.com/jack/firefly/firefly110.html Jack B. Hart FF004 Winchester, IN Jack & Louise Hart jbhart@ldd.net ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 04:54:42 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cockpit Noise? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike Make sure the mike is touching your lips, and cup your hand around it if necessary. A prop shaft extension to get the prop further back and away will help. If you can enclose the rear part of your cockpit against the prop noise and then line it with soundproofing that will help a lot. So does an intake silencer and after muffler. I am using a two blade Ivoprop which is quieter than some others I have tried, I understand a Kiev Hot Prop is quieter yet, will have a chance to borrow one shortly and try it, will post results to the list. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) At 11:10 PM 6/11/2005 -0700, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Grageda" > >Hi All, > >I have a Firestar II that I fly and am having trouble being understood on >my com radio due to noise in the cockpit. I have a full windscreen due to >the colder weather we experience here in the Northwest. I'm running a >rotax 447 with a Tennessee 66 x34 prop and a stock muffler. I borrowed a >radio shack db meter and measured 117db at cruise. I use a helmet with a >headset and a mike muff. > >I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem and what means >they might have used to reduce noise in the cockpit . > >Thanks for your time >Carlos Grageda >grageda@innw.net > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:49:17 AM PST US From: John Jung Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cockpit Noise? --> Kolb-List message posted by: John Jung Carlos and Group, The short answer is: It is all in the archives. I have a Firestar II and I have "been there, done that". The first thing to do put an extension between the prop and the flange. IVO sells them and they make a big difference. it is very necessary to have a low gain mic. On some headsets, the mic can be changed. Next, your radio should have active noise reduction and be turned on. These things will make it possible be to be heard. If you want your ears to be more comfortable, add foam ear plugs and a DRE 6000 headset. John Jung Surprise, AZ On Jun 11, 2005, at 11:56 PM, Kolb-List Digest Server wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Grageda" > > I have a Firestar II that I fly and am having trouble being understood > on my com > radio due to noise in the cockpit. ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 05:52:14 AM PST US From: "Jimmy" Subject: Kolb-List: Full enclosure --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jimmy" There has been posted on the photo list pictures of a full enclosure that has been used since 1999. It is attached in the center with two bolts and is held open by a removable rod that is stored in the nose cone in flight. Easy to open upon landing. Also a picture of a tail dolly. Jimmy Hankinson 912-863-7384 Firefly 035 300 Hours JYL (Sylvania) Pegasus Field (Home) 2000 Feet X 100 Feet- Grass Rocky Ford, Georgia Do Not Archive ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 07:48:16 AM PST US From: "Jeremy Casey" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Alaska flying --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jeremy Casey" RE: bear story... Is at least partially true...read the WHOLE story at www.snopes.com http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/bearhunt.asp Jeremy Casey -----Original Message----- From: ray anderson [mailto:rsanoa@yahoo.com] Subject: Kolb-List: Alaska flying --> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson While this doesn't deal with a Kolb directly, John Hauk, and I believe one or two others regularly fly over the wilds of Alaska, and yes, it's possible one might have an emergency landing that would keep one in the wilds at least for a short time. This might interest those who fly their Kolbs there. I saw the pictures of the brute and he was BIG. Story from an Alaska paper. The downloaded pictures are of a man who works for the US Forest Service in Alaska and his trophy bear. He was out deer hunting last week when a large grizzly bear charged him from about 50 yards away. The guy emptied his 7mm Magnum semi-automatic rifle into the bear and it dropped a few feet from him. The big bear was still alive so he reloaded and shot it several times in the head. The bear was just over one thousand six hundred pounds. It stood 12' 6" high at the shoulder, 14' to the top of his head. It's the largest grizzly bear ever recorded in the world. Of course, the Alaska Fish and Wildlife Commission did not let him keep it as a trophy, but the bear will be stuffed and mounted, and placed on display at the Anchorage airport to remind tourists of the risks involved when in the wild. Based on the contents of the bears stomach, the Fish and Wildlife Commission established the bear had killed at least two humans in the past 72 hours including a missing hiker. The US F orest Service, backtracking from where the bear had originated, found the hiker's 38-caliber pistol emptied. Not far from the pistol was the remains of the hiker. The other body has not been found. Although the hiker fired six shots and managed to hit the grizzly with four shots (the Service ultimately found four 38 caliber slugs along with twelve 7mm slugs inside the bear's dead body), it only wounded the bear and probably angered it immensely. The bear killed the hiker an estimated two days prior to the bear's own death by the gun of the Forest Service worker. DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:52:06 AM PST US From: Terry Frantz Subject: Kolb-List: Father's Day Fly-in --> Kolb-List message posted by: Terry Frantz We are one week away from the second Father's Day Fly-in to Homer's farm. Actually we are doing it on that Saturday, June 18th., weather permitting. Sunday is a possible rain date Also, starting Friday the 17th., Shrevesport North in York County, PA is having it's UL Fly-in for the weekend. Several Kolber's used that as a stop over for their trip to Homer's last year. They then joined me at Smoketown Airport east of Lancaster to form up a flight to Homer's farm. I will again meet up with any and all that want to form a flight to Homer's. Will be there by 7:30 am and hope to depart by 8:15. I will need to contact Clara with a count of those coming by Tuesday at the latest so she can make arrangements for the picnic lunch. Please let me know if you are on the list below and can't make it or if not on the list and would like to join us. Otherwise, I will assume your good to go! Those that are attending: Steve Green Chuck Davis Charles Blackwell Gene Zimmerman Earl Zimmerman Tim Bob Pongracz Bill Varnes Tom Ohara Ken James George Alexander Gary Haley Wilmer Zimmerman Jeff Tshutte Joel Reed Rick Klebon Rick Hundley Dan Walter Bob Bennethum Jr. Sam & Susan Richard Bezzard & myself Looking forward to another great day at Homer's and meeting some of you for the first time, Terry - FireFly #95 ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 08:12:48 AM PST US From: Terry Frantz Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cockpit Noise? --> Kolb-List message posted by: Terry Frantz Grageda wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Grageda" > >Hi All, > >I have a Firestar II that I fly and am having trouble being understood on my com radio due to noise in the cockpit. I have a full windscreen due to the colder weather we experience here in the Northwest. I'm running a rotax 447 with a Tennessee 66 x34 prop and a stock muffler. I borrowed a radio shack db meter and measured 117db at cruise. I use a helmet with a headset and a mike muff. > >I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem and what means they might have used to reduce noise in the cockpit . > >Thanks for your time >Carlos Grageda >grageda@innw.net > > > Have a friend experiencing the same problem. I fly an open cockpit Firefly with a 447 behind me. To reduce noise I have cut my Tennessee wood prop tips to be Power Point tips which reduced the prop noise considerably. Then added an intake silencer an got more improvement. Using an Icom A5 with Flightcom headset and everyone tells me that I come through loud and clear. My friend has a 447 on his FireStar II with the same Tennessee prop but hasn't cut the tips nor does he have an intake silencer. Using same radio with a different headset and can't be heard clearly with lots of background noise. Even with the mike close to his lips he is barely audible. Have begun to suspect electrical interference also. He is using a rectifier/regulator that requires it to be grounded as part of the dc circuit. Wonder if that is not turning his fuselage into an antenna? Terry - Firefly #95 ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 08:18:44 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Alaska flying --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" | | While this doesn't deal with a Kolb directly, John Hauk, and I believe | one or two others regularly fly over the wilds of Alaska, and yes, it's | possible one might have an emergency landing that would keep one in the | wilds at least for a short time. This might interest those who fly their | Kolbs there. Good morning Ray/All: Maybe I should quit flying to Alaska??? The bear and the photos have been circulated around the internet for some time. Landing out in sparsely populated areas of Northern Canada and Alaska happen quite frequently for many reasons. Some of them are finding a place to relieve one's self, not dressed warmly enough or dressed too warmly, and, of course, weather. I have experienced all the above during my flights to Alaska. Last trip north, was required to RON along the Stewart-Cassiar Highway aprx'ly 25 sm south of Dease Lake, BC. The thought of bears did enter my mind, as I prepared to get in my tent and sleeping bag. My little .22 cal Marlin Papoose survival rifle would have done nothing but piss off a grizzly, had one decided to mess with me that night. However, I survived the night, stayed warm, despite the wind, rain, and mud, where I was camped. Actually, I was more concerned of being messed with by some drunk driving the Stewart-Cassiar Highway than I was of a bear encounter. During reasearch of Alaska and Northern Canada I have only read of a couple instances where there have been bear attacks on humans that resulted in death. I do not recall any of them being involved with people who found themselves in the bush because of an emergency landing. These things one must accept as part of the flight to and from Alaska, unless one flies commercially. Flying in a Kolb MKIII is a very basic way to fly. That is the reason I like to fly mine on long cross country flights. Like one guy, riding a dirt bike, shared with me on the Alvord Desert, Oregon, a few weeks ago, "What you guys do is like riding cross country on a motorcycle." I added, "Yes, with a third dimension." John Hauck Titus, Alabama MKIII/912ULS/Warp Drive DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 08:26:06 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Cockpit Noise? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" | using a rectifier/regulator that requires it to be grounded as part of | the dc circuit. Wonder if that is not turning his fuselage into an | antenna? | | Terry - Firefly #95 Terry/All: In my Firestar/447 days, I powered hand held King KX-99 and a STS radios straight off the reg/rec. However, I placed a large capacitor in line to soak up some of the electrical noise generated by the alternator and ignition. Without the capacitor I could not receive or transmit with success. Back then it was a no, no, to use anything was non-resistor type spark plugs. Said they would not operate with the point type ignition. I used WR4CP Bosch Spark Plugs, which did not degrade engine performance and did help reduce more electrical noise. Also used Bosch spark plug wires with metal connectors (shields) that housed the resisitors. Used to buy a set for a 1975 4 cyl Volvo. That would give me two sets of wires for the 447. Eventually, the metal caps/shields would crack and become unserviceable from engine vibration. john h titus, al ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 10:24:46 AM PST US From: "Kirk Smith" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Alaska flying --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Kirk Smith" I'd be more worried about the bugs than the bears...... Do not archive ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 10:26:56 AM PST US From: "PATRICK LADD" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Naked SlingShot ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" no covering on the fuselage cage at all. All it has is a nose pod, and windscreen. This is just incredibly cool to me. >> Hi Rusty, many years ago I was staying in Houston and was taken to Lake Conroe (I think) for the weekend. There was an airshow there and one of the features was an Auster and or a Cub which only had the flying and control surfaces covered. The pilot only had the panel and a little windscreen. Looked pretty strange in the air though. Cheers Pat do not archive -- ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 11:15:17 AM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Naked SlingShot ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean Research "breezy". Old experimental design, pusher, tandem, and used whatever off the shelf wings you had hanging in the rafters. Very slow but super fun. -BB do not archive On 12, Jun 2005, at 1:26 PM, PATRICK LADD wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" > > > no covering on the fuselage > cage at all. All it has is a nose pod, and windscreen. This is just > incredibly cool to me. >> > > Hi Rusty, > many years ago I was staying in Houston and was taken to Lake Conroe (I > think) for the weekend. There was an airshow there and one of the > features > was an Auster and or a Cub which only had the flying and control > surfaces > covered. The pilot only had the panel and a little windscreen. > Looked pretty strange in the air though. > > Cheers > > Pat > > do not archive > > > -- > > ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 12:21:32 PM PST US From: "Richard Swiderwski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" Lar, It is a major job to disassemble the redrive. I have a lathe & can make a centering dole that should keep things dead on. Nothing is ever cheap or easy. ...Richard -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Larry Bourne Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" I'd think long and hard about that, Richard. Would it be possible to remove the prop shaft and take it to a machine shop and have it done right ?? I know that on some drives (Vamoose') it would be a very big job, but maybe some are easier. If you do it yourself, and come up a few 1,000ths off, it could well make you very unhappy. I've watched a machinist friend do a similar job, and the level of precision is amazing. Lar. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Building Kolb Mk III N78LB Vamoose www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Swiderwski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" > > > Hello All, > > I am trying to adapt a 100mm rotax prop to a 75mm prop flange on a > SPG-2 redrive for my Turbo Suzuki Geo Metro conversion project. I don't > have an indexing table to drill 6 8mm holes on a 75mm prop shaft flange, & > I'm looking to use another prop flange that I can center on mine & use as > a > pattern. A prop spacer plate won't work. Anybody have a busted rotax > gearbox or just its propshaft, or any redrive prop flange that I can buy > cheap or barrow? > > Richard Swiderski > > > ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 12:39:30 PM PST US From: "PATRICK LADD" Subject: Kolb-List: photo problem --> Kolb-List message posted by: "PATRICK LADD" Hi All, pulled up Jimmy`s pics re enclosure and tail dolly. I clicked on the link on his post to the matronics page. Selected Jimmy`s post. Clicked on kolb pics Selected Jimmy`s link and clicked. Up came his text and the thumb nails. Clicked on thumbnail with the tail dolly.Great. Closed pic and tried to select another thumbnail. No joy. Backed up and repeated the whole process. No joy. Tried to select from the matronic list. No joy. I have had this problem before. My first selection works fine but I cannot then select anything further Any thoughts anybody? Cheers Pat do not archive ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 12:47:23 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" Go fer it. Sounds like you've got the set-up. Good luck. Do not Archive. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Building Kolb Mk III N78LB Vamoose www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Swiderwski" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" > > > Lar, > > It is a major job to disassemble the redrive. I have a lathe & can > make a centering dole that should keep things dead on. Nothing is ever > cheap > or easy. ...Richard > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com > [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Larry Bourne > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" > > I'd think long and hard about that, Richard. Would it be possible to > remove > > the prop shaft and take it to a machine shop and have it done right ?? I > know that on some drives (Vamoose') it would be a very big job, but maybe > some are easier. If you do it yourself, and come up a few 1,000ths off, > it > could well make you very unhappy. I've watched a machinist friend do a > similar job, and the level of precision is amazing. Lar. > > Larry Bourne > Palm Springs, CA > Building Kolb Mk III > N78LB Vamoose > www.gogittum.com > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Richard Swiderwski" > To: > Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange > > >> --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Swiderwski" >> >> >> Hello All, >> >> I am trying to adapt a 100mm rotax prop to a 75mm prop flange on a >> SPG-2 redrive for my Turbo Suzuki Geo Metro conversion project. I don't >> have an indexing table to drill 6 8mm holes on a 75mm prop shaft flange, >> & >> I'm looking to use another prop flange that I can center on mine & use as >> a >> pattern. A prop spacer plate won't work. Anybody have a busted rotax >> gearbox or just its propshaft, or any redrive prop flange that I can buy >> cheap or barrow? >> >> Richard Swiderski >> >> >> > > > ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 02:30:35 PM PST US From: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Subject: Kolb-List: Xtra/Jab 2200 --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Silver Fern Microlights Ltd" Hi all, I have finally got the Xtra/Jab approved pending a successful noise test which is booked the week starting the 20 june.Fingers crossed please, I am turning a 62" Prince P-Tip prop and boy it sure is a lovely prop. We have also been successful and got the vortex generators approved after a rigerous series of flight tests. yippee yippee Mike Xtra/Jab 2200 G-CDFA ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 05:44:38 PM PST US From: GeoR38@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: floats --> Kolb-List message posted by: GeoR38@aol.com In a message dated 6/2/2005 9:53:27 AM Eastern Standard Time, pj.ladd@btinternet.com writes: > ex A-10 pilot fly the Firefly on floats >>.. > > Hi Steve, > > I am still grieving missing the Quicksilver on floats down at your mate`s > place in Key West. > > Just have to go back! > > Pat > do not archive > are you referring to the fella that went down with a passenger a coupla years ago in key west waters? I stopped there one time just to see the operation, but no one was around the pontooned Quick, so I just looked around.....must have been 8 years ago....then a few years after that I heard that he went down with a passenger....both killed I think. sticks in my mind, cause I bought a 63 chevy from his dad in Ohio 25 years or so before that. Last name started with a B, I think. George Randolph Firestar driver from The Villages, Fl do not archive ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 05:47:04 PM PST US From: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Subject: RE: Kolb-List: SlingShot; Fuel Tank: CG ing Without Wings --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Hi Richard, You might not make it back before Big Lar when you consider how slowly I weld :-) And, if I charged you $1/hour for the tank, you probably couldn't afford it by the time it was done :-) Sorry, but it's not likely I'll be making two (good ones). I figure that I can make a tank that's 12" front to rear, 21" wide, and equal to the height of the seat tops (23" rear side, 16" front side). This computes to a volume of about 21 gallons. It could be made taller, but this seems like enough fuel, and it would only get in the way of stashing stuff in the stock tank location if it were taller. Thanks for the wing weight numbers. That will give me a good way to estimate the CG as well. I'm expecting the total engine system weight to be 220 lbs initially, but that will be reduced to about 190 if the aluminum housings ever become available. Add about 15 lbs for a turbo if you want insane, unsafe amounts of power :-) I won't do that to the poor SS though. I expect the single rotor to make 100 HP easy, and probably more like 120 HP once optimized. What do you expect from the turbo Geo? I had done some initial calculations, based on having 20 gallons of fuel in the stock location, and a chute mounted under the pilots seat. The plan was to use the chute as sort of a moveable ballast as needed. I'll have to get out the spreadsheet to figure what moving the fuel will do. I've also got to factor in a radiator, and oil cooler somewhere. Cheers, Rusty (I hate plain text) ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 05:51:18 PM PST US From: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Naked SlingShot ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> many years ago I was staying in Houston and was taken to Lake Conroe (I think) for the weekend. There was an airshow there and one of the features was an Auster and or a Cub which only had the flying and control surfaces covered. The pilot only had the panel and a little windscreen. Looked pretty strange in the air though. Cheers Pat do not archive ------------------------------------- Hi Pat, I've seen a number of planes that were just a skeleton, and flew just fine. I'm sure the SS will as well, as it's really very similar to the FS. I've had a couple days to think about this, and I think the idea is a go. I'm almost certainly going to leave the cage uncovered. Partly, this is due to the fact that I despise covering and painting :-) Cheers, Rusty ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 07:07:17 PM PST US From: N27SB@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: floats --> Kolb-List message posted by: N27SB@aol.com In a message dated 6/12/2005 8:45:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, GeoR38@aol.com writes: > are you referring to the fella that went down with a passenger a coupla > years > ago in key west waters? I stopped there one time just to see the operation, > but no one was around the pontooned Quick, so I just looked around.....must > have been 8 years ago....then a few years after that I heard that he went > down > with a passenger....both killed I think. > > sticks in my mind, cause I bought a 63 chevy from his dad in Ohio 25 years > or > so > before that. Last name started with a B, I think. > > George Randolph > Firestar driver from The Villages, Fl > do not archive > > > Must have been the prior owner, The story does not match up with EP ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 07:26:16 PM PST US From: "dama" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Naked SlingShot ? --> Kolb-List message posted by: "dama" That would be my Firestar, I believe. As far as I know it is the only Firestar (or Firefly, Slingshot, or Mk series) left uncovered. I had the blessings of the Pennsylvania factory and don't regret the decision at all. I do seem to be a bit slower than others though... Kip http://www.springeraviation.net/ ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> Subject: Kolb-List: Naked SlingShot ? > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rusty" <13brv3c@bellsouth.net> > > Catchy subject eh :-) > > I'm finally going to get started on the rework of the SS, and had an idea of > something I just might try. If you go to the Kolb page, and look at the > pics of the FireStar, you'll see that it has no covering on the fuselage > cage at all. All it has is a nose pod, and windscreen. This is just > incredibly cool to me. > > Anyone see a problem doing that with a SS, aside from the extra drag, and > reduced speed, and trying to keep stuff out of the prop? > > I've always wanted an open aircraft, and I've considered a number of > projects like that. For some reason, I never thought about leaving off the > covering on the fuselage of the SS until I saw those pics of the FireStar. > There's a very real chance that I'll decided the open cockpit isn't as much > fun as it looks, but all I have to do then is cover the cage and make a note > not to try that again :-) > > In other SS news, I'm planning to spend the week building my single rotor > engine mount, and making a custom 22 gallon (or thereabouts) aluminum fuel > tank. The mount will be easy, and the tank won't be that hard, if I can > decide where to put it. The choices are: > > - The stock location. This would require cutting and modifying the frame to > be able to get the tank in and out of the rear area. It's probably a bit > more crash resistant in that location, but it will also add to the CG > problems created by my heavier engine. > > - The rear seat area. I won't have a rear seat regardless. The tank could > be much simpler in shape, and would have a natural low corner for a fuel > pickup. It would not require any cutting of frame tubes, and would be > easily removable. CG would be much better, and using fuel would have almost > no effect on CG. The biggest drawback is when you need to carry stuff. I > could use the stock fuel area as a baggage area, but it would be a bit > harder to get stuff in and out of. > > Decisions, decisions... > > Cheers, > Rusty (home undamaged by Tropical Storm Arlene, check hanger tomorrow) > Mazda 13B rotary powered RV-3 (flying) > Kolb Slingshot (Mazda single rotor project) > Sonerai-IIL (almost gone on Ebay) > > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 08:48:52 PM PST US From: "Don Gherardini" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Wanted: Dead or Alive--75mm Prop Flange --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" Hey RSki... I have several prop adapters, spacers,a belt redrive hub (2SI) and other misc related parts not in use. Also have an rotary indexing table and I would loan ya any of it. Might cost more than its worth to ship the rotary table tho....any way....I dont know if I understand exactly what you need or just what you want to accomplish that a spacer plate wont work as a pattern. tell me more and I will see if I can help. I will be at OShKosh also...if you can wait that long, and I would bring what ever we decide you need , you could ship it back someday...or maybe we might cross paths sometime before I need the parts back. Cell num is 217-254-4110 Don Gherardini FireFly 098 http://www.geocities.com/dagger369th/my_firefly.htm DO NOT ARCHIVE