Kolb-List Digest Archive

Wed 09/21/05


Total Messages Posted: 19



Today's Message Index:
----------------------
 
     1. 02:20 AM - Re: Second Chantz 'chute & Rotax engines (pat ladd)
     2. 04:57 AM - Re: Flyin Driving Directions (John Hauck)
     3. 05:33 AM - Flyin Driving Directions (Rex Rodebush)
     4. 05:46 AM - Re: Flyin Driving Directions (Don Gherardini)
     5. 09:41 AM - Re: Kolb Flyin Pics! (Gherkins Tim-rp3420)
     6. 11:00 AM - Dave and Ed's landing opinions (JUDD LYNN)
     7. 11:46 AM - Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (guy truex)
     8. 12:01 PM - singing wings (pat ladd)
     9. 01:11 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Richard & Martha Neilsen)
    10. 01:34 PM - Re: singing wings (Dave & Eve Pelletier)
    11. 01:44 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Michael Sharp)
    12. 03:41 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Robert Noyer)
    13. 05:01 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Dennis Souder)
    14. 05:38 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Chuck Stonex)
    15. 05:44 PM - Re: singing wings (robert bean)
    16. 05:48 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Denny Rowe)
    17. 06:14 PM - Re: Dave and Ed's landing opinions (Mike Schnabel)
    18. 06:15 PM - Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee (Mike Schnabel)
    19. 07:18 PM - Kolb MkIII - Lakeland Bush Plane (guy truex)
 
 
 


Message 1


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    Time: 02:20:25 AM PST US
    From: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com>
    Subject: Re: Second Chantz 'chute & Rotax engines
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com> is there a difference between those installed on, say, a snowmobile and an aircraft? >> Hi, for what its worth all Rotax engines in the UK have a sticker on them saying that they are not approved for use in aircraft. At a guess I would think they are all the same. Cheers Pat do not archive --


    Message 2


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    Time: 04:57:46 AM PST US
    From: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com>
    Subject: Re: Flyin Driving Directions
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" <jhauck@elmore.rr.com> KY but | neither mapping service recognizes this address. Anyone have detailed | directions coming from the south, say around the Knoxville, TN area? | | Also, do they have any showers on site or a creek nearby? ; | ) Might get a little rank after a few days in this heat. | | Hoping to see all ya'll real soon. | | Fly Safely, | | Doug Lawton Morning Doug/Gang: Here's the driving directions: http://www.tnkolbaircraft.com/contact_us.html After you click on "contact" and Mapquest, the following page will pull up the map. Then zoom out on the map in clude I-75. The factory is on the south side of Hwy 80 about 5 or 6 miles west of London and I-75. Any problems finding it, call the factory and they can give you detailed instructions. There is a shower available plus food and free camping. I think food will be available starting Friday through Sunday morning breakfast. John W and I are departing for Steven Green's in Etowah, TN, this morning. RON at Steven's, then do a nice low and slow tour of Smokie Mountain National Park, among other places, and finally TNK Thursday evening. Hope everyone has a safe journey to the Kolb Homecoming. Take care, john h DO NOT ARCHIVE


    Message 3


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    Time: 05:33:22 AM PST US
    Subject: Flyin Driving Directions
    From: "Rex Rodebush" <rrodebush@tema.net>
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Rex Rodebush" <rrodebush@tema.net> ....Time: 10:22:00 PM PST US ....From: "skyrider2" <skyrider2@earthlink.net> ....Subject: Kolb-List: Flyin Driving Directions Coming North on I-75 take 80 (just north of London) West. Follow 80 for about 8 to 9 miles and you will see a Kolb mailbox (red I think) on the left side. Follow the road (bear right) up to the airport/factory. Do not archive


    Message 4


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    Time: 05:46:53 AM PST US
    From: "Don Gherardini" <donghe@one-eleven.net>
    Subject: Re: Flyin Driving Directions
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Don Gherardini" <donghe@one-eleven.net> Doug, Lemme try this.. From Knoxville go north on 75 to London...at the main street that will goes uptown, (cant remember the name..maybe highway 80?) turn west an drive..several miles, look for a sign on the south side just before a going down a big ,big hill...this will be a small gravel lane...UPHILL...if you have bald tires..dont go there...when you get up this Hill ..or mountian, depending on where you are from, you will find the top of the mountian shaved off flat and the Kolb strip and hangars. I am sure there is a creek just west of the strip...but you cannot see it cause it is about 1/4 mile about straight down..if you ever got down there you would probably need a rope to get back! You cannot see the strip or any buildings from the highway...tall timber everywhere and you would never believe there is anywhere within 5 miles to land a chopper..let alone an airplane..so just trust the signs! IF you like chicken..this is the weekend to be there..some sort of World chicken fest going on when TNK has their flyin...Colonel Sanders was from there or something...Not to mention the and good food at Kolb...and awful good company. These people really know how to put on a good time. More homemade desserts than a church social, so bring your loose britches!! Motel space is thin around there, due to the chicken gig... If you cannot figure out which road goes west...just stop an ask...about everybody knows where it is. Don Gherardini OEM.Sales / Engineering dept. American Honda Engines Power Equipment Company CortLand, Illinois 800-626-7326


    Message 5


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    Time: 09:41:07 AM PST US
    From: Gherkins Tim-rp3420 <rp3420@freescale.com>
    Subject: : Kolb-List:Kolb Flyin Pics!
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: Gherkins Tim-rp3420 <rp3420@freescale.com> John/John and gang, Sure wish we could go to the Kolb fly-in, but not this year. Take lots of photos to share with us less unfortunate on the list. Be safe and have fun, Tim Gherkins & Uncle Craig -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of John Hauck Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Flyin Driving Directions DO NOT ARCHIVE


    Message 6


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    Time: 11:00:42 AM PST US
    From: JUDD LYNN <juddlynn@sbcglobal.net>
    Subject: Dave and Ed's landing opinions
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: JUDD LYNN <juddlynn@sbcglobal.net> Dear Dave, Ed, and all... I've been reading your exchanges regarding the various ways to land an ultralight. I'm sorry to see the comments getting kind of personal. Nevertheless, just wanted to say that I learned a lot from reading both of your viewpoints, and I'd be happy to take a lesson from either one of you! Judd Lynn Do not archive Smoggy Los Angeles Firestar just about together Another Firestar kind of disassembled Mk III thoroughly in pieces


    Message 7


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    Time: 11:46:43 AM PST US
    From: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com> My name is Guy Truex. I built many Kolbs when I worked at Lakeland Ultralights back in the early 90's. A friend and current Kolb list member recently sent me a copy of a discussion on this list about Lakeland Ultralights, Jim Lee, his aircraft and his accident. Last night I wrote several pages about some aircraft we built at Lakeland Ultralights. I intended to post it here today, but it's very long and I didn't want to make it my first post. With permission from the list owner or moderator, I will post it. It's basically a short history of the Kolb aircraft we built and how they were modified. -- Guy --------------------------------- Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.


    Message 8


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    Time: 12:01:03 PM PST US
    From: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com>
    Subject: singing wings
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com> Hi all, Quote from my newspaper today. Aeroplane wings work better if they hum gently, according to University of South Wales in Sydney. Pumping sound waves across them made planes wings produce up to 22% more lift Flexible plastic panels that vibrate to make sounds at the flick of a switch were built into wing surfaces. Pure tones produced the best results. The engineer also tested the effects of playing music. "While I have not tested a large selection of music, I can say that Spiderbait is more effective than Radiohead" Interesting Huh? As I have never heard of either Spider bait or Radiohead I assume the they are bands. I wonder why they didn`t try some bands that actually play music. Louis Armstrong, Goodman,Miller, Dorsey... Cheers Pat do not archive


    Message 9


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    Time: 01:11:12 PM PST US
    From: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" <NeilsenRM05@comcast.net>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" <NeilsenRM05@comcast.net> Guy I'm NOT the list moderator or owner but I think I speak for everyone by saying that we would very much like to here all you have to say. Rick Neilsen Redrive VW powered MKIIIc Do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "guy truex" <airbosss@yahoo.com> Subject: Kolb-List: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee > --> Kolb-List message posted by: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com> > > My name is Guy Truex. I built many Kolbs when I worked at Lakeland > Ultralights back in the early 90's. A friend and current Kolb list member > recently sent me a copy of a discussion on this list about Lakeland > Ultralights, Jim Lee, his aircraft and his accident. > > Last night I wrote several pages about some aircraft we built at Lakeland > Ultralights. I intended to post it here today, but it's very long and I > didn't want to make it my first post. With permission from the list owner > or moderator, I will post it. It's basically a short history of the Kolb > aircraft we built and how they were modified. > > -- Guy > > > --------------------------------- > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. > > >


    Message 10


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    Time: 01:34:22 PM PST US
    From: "Dave & Eve Pelletier" <pelletier@cableone.net>
    Subject: Re: singing wings
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dave & Eve Pelletier" <pelletier@cableone.net> > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com> I wonder why they didn`t try some bands that actually play music. Louis Armstrong, Goodman,Miller, Dorsey... > > Cheers > > Pat > Pat & All, I read the same report. On page two it says they did indeed try different kinds of music. Seems that Miller and Dorsey increased the glide ratio by 19%, Fifties Rock n' Roll increased speed by 21%, and Rap "music" caused the wings to fall off. AzDave Do Not Archive > > >


    Message 11


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    Time: 01:44:44 PM PST US
    From: Michael Sharp <kolbdriver@mlsharp.com>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: Michael Sharp <kolbdriver@mlsharp.com> Post Post Post!! I look forward to reading them... Do Not Archive... guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com> wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: guy truex My name is Guy Truex. I built many Kolbs when I worked at Lakeland Ultralights back in the early 90's. A friend and current Kolb list member recently sent me a copy of a discussion on this list about Lakeland Ultralights, Jim Lee, his aircraft and his accident. Last night I wrote several pages about some aircraft we built at Lakeland Ultralights. I intended to post it here today, but it's very long and I didn't want to make it my first post. With permission from the list owner or moderator, I will post it. It's basically a short history of the Kolb aircraft we built and how they were modified. -- Guy --------------------------------- Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.


    Message 12


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    Time: 03:41:04 PM PST US
    From: Robert Noyer <ronoy@shentel.net>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Noyer <ronoy@shentel.net> I vote YES for the story. A big change from some of the argle-bargel of late. regards, Bob N. ronoy@shentel.net http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/ronoy do not archive


    Message 13


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    Time: 05:01:54 PM PST US
    From: "Dennis Souder" <flykolb@pa.net>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dennis Souder" <flykolb@pa.net> Guy, I for one would like to hear more about the LA story. And what are Rick and Annette doing these days? And Paula, what is she doing, the girls Brittany and ____ I guess they are about grown by now. And what became of the amphib trike - I think it was a trike wasn't it that Jim displayed at SNF the last year? I think there was a pretty amazing story about a 2nd Chantz chute mishap. Funny, all I can remember is was an interesting story - but no details come to mind any more. Even as I was writing this, I am recalling a time when I was flying with Jim at Conneaut Lake. We landed and then went to take off. Well the TS just couldn't get its speed up. Jim looks around trying to figure out why it won't accelerate. Here it turns out the gear was down. On one of my visits, Jim prodded me in attempting to barefoot ski. I made several attempts, but didn't make it up. When I got home, my legs were almost one large bruise and I don't bruise easily. He took a video of my ackward attempts and big splashes and had some great laughs afterward. Yes ... please refresh my memory. Dennis ----- Original Message ----- From: "guy truex" <airbosss@yahoo.com> Subject: Kolb-List: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee > --> Kolb-List message posted by: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com> > > My name is Guy Truex. I built many Kolbs when I worked at Lakeland Ultralights back in the early 90's. A friend and current Kolb list member recently sent me a copy of a discussion on this list about Lakeland Ultralights, Jim Lee, his aircraft and his accident. > > Last night I wrote several pages about some aircraft we built at Lakeland Ultralights. I intended to post it here today, but it's very long and I didn't want to make it my first post. With permission from the list owner or moderator, I will post it. It's basically a short history of the Kolb aircraft we built and how they were modified. > > -- Guy > > > --------------------------------- > Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. > >


    Message 14


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    Time: 05:38:34 PM PST US
    From: "Chuck Stonex" <cstonex@msn.com>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Chuck Stonex" <cstonex@msn.com> I know and have spoken to Ron Marshall. He has told me some of the story, mostly as it related to N28JL. It was a Mk-III. LEBTF Chuck S --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Noyer <ronoy@shentel.net> I vote YES for the story. A big change from some of the argle-bargel of late. regards, Bob N. ronoy@shentel.net http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/ronoy do not archive


    Message 15


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    Time: 05:44:01 PM PST US
    From: robert bean <slyck@frontiernet.net>
    Subject: Re: singing wings
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean <slyck@frontiernet.net> Pat, I had a plane that I had applied minimal paint to the wings during a recover. It flew like magic. I decided a few years later to change the paint scheme and shot some more on. -Lost the magic, just flew like ordinary. I believe that vibration thing might be valid. People say paint adds weight.. Out of a gallon of paint, the vast majority evaporates. The paint film on a kolb would be insignificant in weight but the flexibility changes with thickness. -BB do not archive On 21, Sep 2005, at 2:55 PM, pat ladd wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "pat ladd" <pj.ladd@btinternet.com> > > Hi all, > Quote from my newspaper today. > > Aeroplane wings work better if they hum gently, according to > University of South Wales in Sydney. Pumping sound waves across them > made planes wings produce up to 22% more lift > Flexible plastic panels that vibrate to make sounds at the flick of a > switch were built into wing surfaces. > Pure tones produced the best results. > The engineer also tested the effects of playing music. "While I have > not tested a large selection of music, I can say that Spiderbait is > more effective than Radiohead" > > Interesting Huh? > As I have never heard of either Spider bait or Radiohead I assume the > they are bands. I wonder why they didn`t try some bands that actually > play music. Louis Armstrong, Goodman,Miller, Dorsey... > > Cheers > > Pat > > do not archive > >


    Message 16


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    Time: 05:48:12 PM PST US
    From: "Denny Rowe" <rowedl@highstream.net>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Denny Rowe" <rowedl@highstream.net> Ditto do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Noyer" <ronoy@shentel.net> Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Noyer <ronoy@shentel.net> > > I vote YES for the story. A big change from some of the argle-bargel > of late. > regards, > Bob N. > ronoy@shentel.net > http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/ronoy > > do not archive > > > > > > > > > > -- > >


    Message 17


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    Time: 06:14:40 PM PST US
    From: Mike Schnabel <tnfirestar2@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Re: Dave and Ed's landing opinions
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: Mike Schnabel <tnfirestar2@yahoo.com> Judd, (Dave, Ed and all), I second Judd's comments word for word! Its good to see such conviction for ones believe on flying technique, and learning. This is how we all can learn. Thanks to all for the honest expressions, and I too would happily take lessons from either... anyone nere middle Tennessee?? Mike Schnabel FSII 503 (0.5 hrs on the Hobbs) do not archive JUDD LYNN <juddlynn@sbcglobal.net> wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: JUDD LYNN Dear Dave, Ed, and all... I've been reading your exchanges regarding the various ways to land an ultralight. I'm sorry to see the comments getting kind of personal. Nevertheless, just wanted to say that I learned a lot from reading both of your viewpoints, and I'd be happy to take a lesson from either one of you! Judd Lynn Do not archive Smoggy Los Angeles Firestar just about together Another Firestar kind of disassembled Mk III thoroughly in pieces --------------------------------- Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.


    Message 18


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    Time: 06:15:55 PM PST US
    From: Mike Schnabel <tnfirestar2@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Re: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: Mike Schnabel <tnfirestar2@yahoo.com> Guy, I think your getting our attention, and interests peaked... if and when you can, please share your story. Thanks do not archive Denny Rowe <rowedl@highstream.net> wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Denny Rowe" Ditto do not archive ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Noyer" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Former Lakeland Ultralight Employee > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Robert Noyer > > I vote YES for the story. A big change from some of the argle-bargel > of late. > regards, > Bob N. > ronoy@shentel.net > http://www.angelfire.com/rpg/ronoy > > do not archive > > > > > > > > > > -- > > --------------------------------- Click here to donate to the Hurricane Katrina relief effort.


    Message 19


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    Time: 07:18:30 PM PST US
    From: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Kolb MkIII - Lakeland Bush Plane
    --> Kolb-List message posted by: guy truex <airbosss@yahoo.com> The accident aircraft was registered as a Kolb MkIII, but there really wasnt much Kolb left in that aircraft. Jim used to refer to the design as the Lakeland Bush Plane although the three that flew were registered as Kolb MkIIIs. History of the design: I went to work for Jim Lee in February of 1993. He had a Kolb Twinstar that he regularly flew. It had a Full Lotus mono-float and retractable gear that he had developed. He was happy with the way it performed and he wanted to produce an amphibious version of the Kolb. The Twinstar was no longer in production so the MkIII was a natural place to start. He had a gear system that worked well so all we had to do was fit it to the MkIII frame, make float mounts and make sponson mounts. Jim purchased MkIII kits. We modified the frames to accept the retract system and we installed his quick install/quick release float mounts. It was a good system that allowed a person to install or remove the Full Lotus mono-float in about 30 seconds. There was also a quick install/quick remove sponson mount that worked just as well. We would modify the MkIII kits and ship them to the builders. There were builders that wanted fast build kits, so we provided fast builds if requested. We also built a few complete planes. Jim had an optional fuel tank mount that allowed three 5 gallon tanks to be installed behind the seats. All three tanks had quick-disconnects and could be removed very easily through a door. That option was popular. Sometime during 1993, we built a complete MkIII for Jim. He wanted a luggage compartment up front, so we made a new nose section. We thought it looked like a shoe, but it served the purpose. When he was flying by himself, he could carry items up front and still have the CG well within limits. Jim flew a Titan one day and decided he liked the aluminum wings. The roll response was quick and positive and he liked that. We built a set of aluminum wings for Jims MkIII that used the Titan airfoil. The wings were strut braced just like any MkIII. Jim was very happy with the handling. Of course, after Jim had them, someone else wanted a set of aluminum wings. Jim also wanted more room inside (I think I remember a tall customer) so we built a fuselage that was two inches taller and built aluminum wings. Jim wanted to get the horizontal tail surfaces up and away from the water. I designed a tail with full flying horizontal stabilators mounted about a third of the way up a swept aluminum vertical stabilizer. We shortened up the tail boom, which is okay as long as there is enough tail volume. The purpose was to make the structure stiffer which would provide more positive feel and control. Jim and I had discussed the project quite a bit. We discussed the positive and negative aspects of all design considerations. One of the design requirements right from the beginning was that the aircraft had to have folding wings and it had to fit in an enclosed trailer. The folding wing fittings were standard Kolb, but the tail was completely different. We decided to make each stabilator removable. The stabilators slid onto a round steel center section spar that rotated in bearings. One bolt held each stabilator from sliding off the spar- great so far. I dont remember what the horizontal span was. The aspect ratio was in the normal range and it had plenty of area to provide stability and control authority. For some unknown reason, right before we flew the first one, Jim decided that he wanted the planes to go into the trailer without removing the stabilators. I shortened the stabilators and increased the chord to provide the area needed. One of the results of that change was the necessity to provide more stabilator travel. I was more than a little concerned about stalling the stabilators in flight. Jim wasnt. He and I were the design team, but he was the boss, so he made final decisions. We flew with the short span horizontals. Three of the four kits were completed by June of 1995. At that time I resigned and opened my own business. Jim and I parted on good terms. In a conversation with Jim after I was no longer employed at Lakeland, he told me that a Bush Plane owner complained to him about an abrupt loss of pitch control at low speed. The pilot was able to recover, but it scared him. I told Jim what I thought about the short horizontals, but wed had that conversation before. Im sure Jim listened to me, but he chose to fly the Bush Planes the way they were. The crash: We had a customer in Texas that had a Bush Plane. The owner/pilot also had an ATV. After I left Lakeland Ultralights, this guy crashed his ATV and ended up in the hospital for a long time. His wife called Jim and told him she didnt want her husband doing anything else dangerous. Jim bought the plane back from her. She had a person that was unfamiliar with airplanes tow the plane in an enclosed trailer to Pennsylvania. The guy didnt tie the plane down very well or didnt tie it at all and it sustained substantial damage during the trip. I visited Lakeland Ultralights in February or March of 1997 and saw Jims crew working on the damaged plane. It had been almost completely disassembled and it was going back together with many new parts. Jim took the plane to Sun n Fun in 1997. Thats where it was crashed. The accident report can be seen at: http://www.ntsb.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20001208X07776&ntsbno=MIA97LA120&akey=1 There were three other Bush Planes. One never flew. Parts from that kit were used to repair the accident aircraft after the trip from Texas. I was told by a reliable source that one was converted to use a stock Kolb MkIII tail. I dont know where the other one is or if it is even flying. If it is, it shouldnt be. My opinion is that the horizontal tail surface design is bad. The easiest fix at this time would be to install a stock Kolb tail. There were many Lakeland Ultralight modified Kolb MkIIIs built. I have flown them and I think they are as safe as any MkIII. The addition of the mono-float and retractable gear makes them feel a little heavier, but as long as the weight and balance is within limits, all should be okay. Dont worry about those. Its that one Bush Plane that needs attention. Ill post a few shorter stories about Jim and the fun we had as I think of them. -- Guy




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