---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 04/24/06: 30 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 02:07 AM - Re: ETHANOL AS A FUEL ADDITIVE (Dave Bigelow) 2. 05:34 AM - Re: Re: Dangerous or just scary (John Hauck) 3. 06:59 AM - Re: Re: Dangerous or just scary (Richard Pike) 4. 07:21 AM - opinion (robert bean) 5. 07:48 AM - Re: opinion (David Lehman) 6. 07:49 AM - Re: Re: Ultralight crash in Baldwin County Alabama/Florida (rap@isp.com) 7. 08:20 AM - A rant about inspection and expectations (Richard Girard) 8. 08:23 AM - Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (jimhefner) 9. 08:35 AM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (John Hauck) 10. 08:42 AM - Re: A rant about inspection and expectations (John Hauck) 11. 09:03 AM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (jimhefner) 12. 09:36 AM - Re: A rant about inspection and expectations (ray anderson) 13. 10:05 AM - Re: Dangerous or just scary (Gherkins Tim-rp3420) 14. 10:08 AM - Re: Re: Dangerous or just scary (Gherkins Tim-rp3420) 15. 10:24 AM - Swaging Nicos (skyrider2) 16. 10:51 AM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (John Williamson) 17. 11:26 AM - Re: A rant about inspection and expectations (George E. Thompson) 18. 12:14 PM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (jimhefner) 19. 12:33 PM - Re: ETHANOL AS A FUEL ADDITIVE (Jim Ballenger) 20. 01:59 PM - Re: Shorting the bow tips (Kirby Dennis Contr MDA/AL) 21. 04:56 PM - Re: opinion (Larry Bourne) 22. 07:32 PM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (Steven Green) 23. 07:47 PM - Throttle Cables (frank & margie) 24. 07:51 PM - Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies (John Hauck) 25. 08:28 PM - Re: A rant about inspection and expectations (possums) 26. 08:36 PM - Re: Throttle Cables (Richard Pike) 27. 08:47 PM - Re: Throttle Cables (Richard Pike) 28. 09:48 PM - One last humourous blast about Nicos (Richard Girard) 29. 10:09 PM - Some advise about old "Kolb Drivers" (possums) 30. 10:27 PM - Re: Dangerous or just scary (Craig Nelson) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:07:58 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: ETHANOL AS A FUEL ADDITIVE From: "Dave Bigelow" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Dave Bigelow" Here in Hawaii, all fuel (except avaiation) sold in the state is mandated by law to contain up to 10% ethanol (E-10). There is no source of standard gasoline available in the State. I did quite a bit of research on the subject. It's not a big deal with four stroke engines built within the last ten years or so. Earlier engines may have deterioration of fuel system components, if operated with E-10. It's a different story for two stroke engines. Rotax has a service bulletin out that cautions against using gasoline with more than 5% ethanol. I called Lockwood Aviation and spoke to one of their techs. The problem is that the ethanol eats up the crankcase seals over time. They recommend using 100 octane low lead aviation gasoline if standard auto gas is not available. There can be problems with premix if E-10 is used. In general, synthetic oils don't mix well with an ethanol/gas blend. A gallon of E-10 contains less energy than a gallon of gasoline, and also runs slightly leaner with the same jetting than gasoline. Also, E-10 can absorb much more water than standard gasoline. -------- Dave Bigelow Kamuela, Hawaii FS2, Rotax 503 DCDI Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30296#30296 ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:34:40 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Dangerous or just scary --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" all | you wish, but I know how I will be doing it... | | Richard Pike You didn't mention if you checked your single nico with a proper "go-no go gauge". There is more than one way to screw up a good nico press sleeve connection. john h mkIII ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 06:59:12 AM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Dangerous or just scary --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike I didn't have one. This was during my "ignorant beginner" days. Building Quicksilver's from plans, and buying used Easy Risers from Glen Rinck. If you live long enough, you find ways to screw up more than nico connections. Amazing that any of us survived... Anyway- Had assumed that if the nico tool (large bolt cutter style) came from the aircraft factory, it must be good, right? (Ass - u - me... oh, yeah, right) The Rockwell guy took it back to the factory to have it checked, and I don't remember what the outcome was. The squeeze connection that failed looked good, but that obviously was worth nothing. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) do not archive John Hauck wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" > > | Feel free to use as many nicos as you want, and do it by the book > all > > > You didn't mention if you checked your single nico with a proper > "go-no go gauge". > > There is more than one way to screw up a good nico press sleeve > connection. > > john h > mkIII > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 07:21:13 AM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Kolb-List: opinion --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean -speaking of early ultras.... A neighbor has, among other toys, what appears to be a perfect Robertson B1RD hanging in his rafters. A couple years ago, while I was feverously attempting to get the elusive last 5% needed to fly my Kolb, he generously offered to let my fly it, provided I fixed its dormant ignition. -I imagine the offer is still valid. Question: would it be worth while? Is it a decent plane? Sure looks like a good design and the covers still look good. -BB do not archive ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 07:48:49 AM PST US From: "David Lehman" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: opinion --> Kolb-List message posted by: "David Lehman" Robert, it doesn't get much better than a B1-RD for slow flying... I've had two of them, the first I bought at the factory in 1982... Very well built, fun to fly, stalls at 15 mph... DVD do not archive On 4/24/06, robert bean wrote: > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean > > -speaking of early ultras.... A neighbor has, among other toys, what > appears > to be a perfect Robertson B1RD hanging in his rafters. A couple years > ago, > while I was feverously attempting to get the elusive last 5% needed to > fly > my Kolb, he generously offered to let my fly it, provided I fixed its > dormant > ignition. -I imagine the offer is still valid. Question: would it be > worth while? > Is it a decent plane? Sure looks like a good design and the covers > still look > good. > -BB do not archive > > -- =F4=BF=F4 "I started with nothing... And I still have most of it left!"... ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 07:49:13 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Ultralight crash in Baldwin County Alabama/Florida From: rap@isp.com --> Kolb-List message posted by: rap@isp.com > We had a Chinook crash a few years ago at Chanute Ks, The airport oper. was test flying it for a guy. The whole outer 1/3 of the wing just folded down and he spun in from 500 ft. He was just flying the pat. Doing nothing to cause a structal failure. He survived with no injuries other than a bad back ach. --> Kolb-List message posted by: Flycrazy8@aol.com > > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "cspoke" > > It was a Chinook two seat. It had been rebuild and test flown about two > weeks > prior to the accident. It is suspected that there was some type of engine > failure or power loss. > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30106#30106 > > > Thanks Guys for the info....This what I found out too... > > > Elberta man is killed in plane crash > Thursday, April 20, 2006 > By DANIEL JACKSON > Staff Reporter > > LILLIAN -- An Elberta pilot died on his 50th birthday Wednesday when the > experimental aircraft he was flying with a friend crashed in a pasture in > this eastern Baldwin County community. > > Scott Hanft died immediately after the plane went down about 9 a.m., just > north of a pond at a residence on Sunset Drive in Lillian, the Baldwin > County Sheriff's Office reported. > > His passenger, Charles Bingle, 61, of Elberta, was airlifted to > Pensacola's > Baptist Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition after surgery > Wednesday evening, said Stephanie Young, the hospital's assistant director > of nursing. > > As members of the Lite Blue Angels, a group of about 40 pilots that fly > experimental and ultralight aircraft from a private airstrip nearby, Hanft > and Bingle had plenty of flying experience, according to several who knew > them. > > James Clark, an investigator with the Federal Aviation Administration, who > started searching through the plane's wreckage about 5 p.m., said he had > not > yet determined the cause of the accident. > > Larry Nix, who owns the property where the plane fell, said his wife, who > was home ill, heard the crash. > > "She said it sounded like it was going to hit the house," Nix said. "She > got > on a golf cart and drove out to them, but by the time she got out there, > some of the guys that were watching them fly at the airstrip had come over > the fence to help." > > Ian Garnham, a member of the Lite Blue Angels since about 1996, said Hanft > flew three or four circles solo on a flight path around the airstrip at > Shield's Field, then landed and went up again with Bingle, who owns the > aircraft. > > Garnham said experimental aircraft like the one that crashed -- a Chinook > two-seater, single-engine pusher -- do not meet FAA regulations, but they > are proven designs that have been in the air worldwide for years. > > An average flight in the plane is about 30 to 40 miles at an altitude of > about 1,000 feet, according to club members. > > ----------------------------------------- Join ISP.COM today - $8.95 internet , less than 1/2 the cost of AOL Try us out, http://www.isp.com/ ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 08:20:54 AM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Girard" In Richard Pike's story one important detail was left out so, I have to ask. Did you check the swaged nico sleeve to see that it met the spec for that size cable? I've been a machinist and inspector in the aerospace industry since I started working 35 years ago. Relying on certs to perform a job is a damn good way to get yourself, or your customer killed. In aerospace, all critical equipment must not ony be certified, it must be calibrated. Without calibration of the tool, you have no idea what it does. If it was dropped, misused, or in some other way impaired from performing its function, this is where it is caught. After that the job is inspected. In the case of cable, a sample is tested to limit load and checked for stretch and damage. Even after that, each cable is visually inspected by the operator, the inspector, and the mechanic who installs it. While you did the load limit test and got a failure, that's all you know. If you didn't do the inspection step, and this applies to every builder, shame on you for not finishing the job. What truly appals me is the reccurring theme of two wrongs give more security that one right. A nico sleeve is no different than any other process done to build an aircraft. It has a procedure and it has a specification to which it can be inspected and certified. You don't even have to buy the tool recommended by the company, although a go nogo gauge is deadhead simple, you can use a caliper, just as well. With the cheap Chinese copies of swaging tools on eBay and other consumer outlets, the need for inspection is greater, not less. If you start off with a second best is good enough attitude, what else are you going to overlook or let slide by? Burt Rutan, said it best when he talked about the level of workmanship required to build an airplane, "your best is barely good enough". Major accidents are almost always caused by the accumulation of minor ills. Does it matter which one tips the scales? End of rant. -- Rick Girard "Pining for a home on the Range" ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 08:23:39 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies From: "jimhefner" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "jimhefner" Julie Viramontes, Front Desk/ Group Sales Manager at Goulding's Lodge sent an email to me, approving my request to use their private airstrip and in the email she attached a document of their ultralight policies and asked if others in our group had seen it. I told her I would post it here for all to see. I know AZDave authored something similar, but I wanted everyone that will be attending this year's gathering with an airplane to see the document authored by Gouldings. As you will see, the Indians are still wanting their $5 / day, but are not being forceful about it. Hopefully noone will be forced to land out there on their land and get to find out what happens if we don't pay for admission... Sounds like the Lodge and Campground is booked up solid from 5/18 - 5/20. Hopefully there will be plenty of places to put tenters, but RV's slots with hookup's and rooms at the Lodge are all booked. I got my normal spot just beyond the playground, since I don't need hookups. The Airstream group is there again this year while we are there. Perhaps we should consider moving our gathering one week in either direction next year to avoid the extra congestion of the Airstream group that is dialed in on the same timeframe we are. Looking forward to seeing lots of Kolbs in MV soon! -------- Jim Hefner Tucson, AZ Firefly #022 447, 2 blade IVO, BRS-750 Do Not Archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30349#30349 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/ultrlightpolicies_142.doc ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 08:35:45 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" As you will see, the Indians are still wanting their $5 / day, but are not being forceful about it. | -------- | Jim Hefner Thanks for the info Jim. Reading the rules, looks like Goulding's is saying the Navajos want $5.00 for us to fly the Valley, however, there is no info on who, what, when, or where, we should make our payment. I will do as I did last year. Fly my experimental, enjoy the park. If I am confronted by a representative of the Park, I will be glad to pay my $5.00 fee. To me, it is worth much more than that to have the privilege to fly such a magnificent area. Right now, I don't have any idea of who or where to pay, and I am not going looking. john h mkIII DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 08:42:39 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" I | started working 35 years ago. | -- | Rick Girard Good words. However, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics do not have an aerospace industry inspector and machinist to back up our work. We have to rely on what is available to us, and do the best we can to make our aircraft as flyable and safe as possible. As pertains to nicopress sleeves, one can get the measurements from the AC, stick them in a $10.00 caliper, and check, those sleeves to insure they are compressed as recommended. For the most part, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics have a darn good track record based on many hours of safe, fun flight. john h mkIII ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 09:03:17 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies From: "jimhefner" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "jimhefner" John, I agree the Navajo's didn't give any specifics, but there is only one place to pay where you enter the MV tribal park, so it's not hard to figure out where to go to pay, just like if you were driving a car in there. That's probably why there are no specifics. The other reason is their wishes are being relayed to us 2nd hand via Gouldings Lodge, so I'm sure some details get lost in the process.... I plan to stop by the park entrance and talk to them. If they will assure me that I can get my plane out with no strings attached if I am forced to land, having paid my $5, I'll gladly pay up... cheap insurance and as you said, it's worth a lot more to me than that to be able to fly in such a beautiful place year after year. Look forward to seeing you in MV soon! DO NOT ARCHIVE -------- Jim Hefner Tucson, AZ Firefly #022 447, 2 blade IVO, BRS-750 Do Not Archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30359#30359 ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 09:36:00 AM PST US From: ray anderson Subject: Re: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations --> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson Many, many years ago when I built my first Benson Gyro, he enclosed with the kit, material and instructions to assemble your own nico press tool. It was a simple device that screwed two sections, containing proper cutouts for three different sizes sleeves, together with the aid of a wrench. Fool proof in that if you had the proper size sleeve in the proper hole, if you screwed down till the two parts of the tool touched, you had a perfect squeeze. In the intervening years I have built five more homebuilts using that tool on all cables. About two years ago, one of our local fixed base operators, who also had the only repair facility, was an FAA approved repair station for all classes of aircraft, called me to to borrow my tool for a week of repairs in his FAA approved facility because his 'store bought tool' was broken. Slower and not as convenient, but he used it with results he found satisfactory and what he could sign off on. I've seen these tools offered somewhere at a very reasonable price. Maybe you have a local Gyro builder who would loan you one. Ray UltraStar Tenn. Do not archive John Hauck wrote: --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" | I've been a machinist and inspector in the aerospace industry since I | started working 35 years ago. | -- | Rick Girard Good words. However, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics do not have an aerospace industry inspector and machinist to back up our work. We have to rely on what is available to us, and do the best we can to make our aircraft as flyable and safe as possible. As pertains to nicopress sleeves, one can get the measurements from the AC, stick them in a $10.00 caliper, and check, those sleeves to insure they are compressed as recommended. For the most part, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics have a darn good track record based on many hours of safe, fun flight. john h mkIII --------------------------------- ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 10:05:42 AM PST US Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Dangerous or just scary From: "Gherkins Tim-rp3420" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Gherkins Tim-rp3420" Rick and gang, Rick, thank you for the kind comments about our kolbs. Just logged on to my computer this morning to see this thread and thought I would share my thoughts on swegded nicos. Double nico swedging practice came from the early ultralight craze starting back in mid 70's. These early pioneers would swedge a nico and the cable end would snag and tear sails when setting up and breaking down the ese early ultralights. One soulution was to nico the very end of the cable so no cable was protruding to do such sail damage. Then over the years the thought evolved as redundancy. Go look at any general aviation aircraft, they only have one swedged nico. Yes, we tested the swedges with a "go" and "no go" gauge. And we also tested the same way Richard did, but with 300 plus pounds. Uncle Craig even cut a swedged nico open to show me the effects of the nico swedge squeeze. It is amazing to see how the copper will inandate into the finest twines of the cable. One swedge, done correctly and to specification is more than enough, the cable will break before the swedge. Yes, I did only use one swedge on rudder- I loose rudder, the machine still flies. Yes, I did use two on my elevator- I loose elevator, well, that is the only flight control that I must have. Because of this reason, and maybe for my own mental health, I doubled up on swedges. Again, for my own mental thoughts- five little kids w/o father thoughts....... As we built on both of our Kolb projects we were litterly sometimes like the Wright bros. Fighting over exactly how things should be done, engineered, or have been done. With these synergestic moments we would come up with a or test that none of us would have engineered or tested alone. Uncle Craig and a very close friend who is an A&P and master craftsman, and I mean "master craftsman"- we call him weird Larry. When you see uncle Craigs Xtra in person, ask me what weird Larry did on it and I will show you, it puts my uncle and myselfs custome work to shame. To this day I still look at some of the details Larry did and wonder how he did it. Larry is constantly approached by airplane restoration groups and museums to restore WWI, WWII, golden age and classic aircraft back to flying condition. You give Larry a 4x4' sheet of 2024-T3 and he will place any type of bend, joggle, curl, compound curve, twist, you name it......it's mind boggling! -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Richard & Martha Neilsen Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 8:28 AM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dangerous or just scary --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard & Martha Neilsen" --> I put two nicropress sleeves on all my cables for the same reasons Mr. Pike talks about but... Engineering data suggests that these joints a much stronger than the cables so if they are done right there is no problem. Some times us backyard engineers do things to our planes that we think makes them stronger but in fact crates a weakness where there was none. The single sleeve is normal aircraft practice. I have seen Tim's work up close and it is shows some of the best craftsmanship I have ever seen. I for one would not think twice of flying anything he has worked on. Rick Neilsen Redrive VW powered MKIIIc ----- Original Message ----- From: "Richard Pike" Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 11:18 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dangerous or just scary > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike > > I would like to see the nicopress sleeves doubled up. On every wire > pictured. Nicos are cheap for the benefit that redundancy provides. > Maybe the factories have enough quality control that they can get by > with just one... we are amateurs, nicos are cheap, and redundancy is a > good thing. > > Richard Pike > MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 10:08:46 AM PST US Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Dangerous or just scary From: "Gherkins Tim-rp3420" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Gherkins Tim-rp3420" OOOPS! Accidentaly sent rough draft reply without spell check or going over real well--Im sure you catch my drift.??? Tim Gherkins -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Thom Riddle Sent: Sunday, April 23, 2006 11:41 AM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Dangerous or just scary --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Thom Riddle" According to 43-13 one, done correctly, is plenty strong. I'd rather have one done correctly than two done poorly. Thom in Buffalo Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30190#30190 ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 10:24:07 AM PST US From: "skyrider2" Subject: Kolb-List: Swaging Nicos --> Kolb-List message posted by: "skyrider2" In regards to the ongoing discussion on swaging NICO's, I noted that one thing hasn't been discussed. The plastic coating found on a lot of aircraft quality SS cable MUST be removed before crimping the NICO's. There was a kit manufacturer in the early days of ultralights that failed to do this and people died. Always use a "check" guage (Go/Nogo) after swaging cables. Later, Doug ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 10:51:13 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies From: "John Williamson" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Williamson" Jim and All, You will be doing a disservice to everyone by driving to the MV Tribal Park Entrance and talking about "Flying Rights" over their land. We had this same discussion last year. They can charge to drive on their land but can't charge to fly over it at FAA minimum safe altitudes. If you tell them that you are paying the $5 for the opportunity to retrieve your downed ultralight, if the occasion should occur, that is different. I will do as I did last year, fly, enjoy and have fun. If the need arises, I will approach them as any other landowner in this country to retrieve my property. If the Tribe were to come to the airport and collect the fee, I would gladly pay it and safely buzz the heck out of the place. Only 26 mor days to wait. -------- John Williamson Arlington, TX Kolbra, 912ULS http://home.comcast.net/~kolbrapilot1 Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30377#30377 ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 11:26:53 AM PST US From: "George E. Thompson" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations --> Kolb-List message posted by: "George E. Thompson" I got mine from the old Kolb Co. when I built my first Firestar. Az. Bald Eagle ----- Original Message ----- From: "ray anderson" Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 9:34 AM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations > --> Kolb-List message posted by: ray anderson > > Many, many years ago when I built my first Benson Gyro, he enclosed with > the kit, material and instructions to assemble your own nico press tool. > It was a simple device that screwed two sections, containing proper > cutouts for three different sizes sleeves, together with the aid of a > wrench. Fool proof in that if you had the proper size sleeve in the proper > hole, if you screwed down till the two parts of the tool touched, you had > a perfect squeeze. In the intervening years I have built five more > homebuilts using that tool on all cables. About two years ago, one of our > local fixed base operators, who also had the only repair facility, was an > FAA approved repair station for all classes of aircraft, called me to to > borrow my tool for a week of repairs in his FAA approved facility because > his 'store bought tool' was broken. Slower and not as convenient, but he > used it with results he found satisfactory and what he could sign off on. > I've seen these tools offered somewhere > at a very reasonable price. Maybe you have a local Gyro builder who would > loan you one. > Ray > UltraStar Tenn. > Do not archive > > John Hauck wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" > > I > > > Good words. > > However, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics do not have an > aerospace industry inspector and machinist to back up our work. We > have to rely on what is available to us, and do the best we can to > make our aircraft as flyable and safe as possible. > > As pertains to nicopress sleeves, one can get the measurements from > the AC, stick them in a $10.00 caliper, and check, those sleeves to > insure they are compressed as recommended. > > For the most part, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics have a > darn good track record based on many hours of safe, fun flight. > > john h > mkIII > > > --------------------------------- > > > -- > > ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 12:14:38 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies From: "jimhefner" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "jimhefner" John, you are exactly on the right point. I will talk only about the right to retrieve my downed plane if I pay the fee. No discussion about rights to fly over their land at FAA altitudes. If they won't grant me that assurance, I won't pay their fee. See you there! Jim -------- Jim Hefner Tucson, AZ Firefly #022 447, 2 blade IVO, BRS-750 Do Not Archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30397#30397 ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 12:33:49 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: ETHANOL AS A FUEL ADDITIVE From: "Jim Ballenger" --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Jim Ballenger" Thanks to all for the feedback on the ethanol. Jim MK3X Virginia Beach, VA Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=30403#30403 ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 01:59:41 PM PST US From: Kirby Dennis Contr MDA/AL Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Shorting the bow tips --> Kolb-List message posted by: Kirby Dennis Contr MDA/AL << Been there, done that, on my Firestar II. I would not recommend it. I thought that I would gain some speed but I could not see that it did that but slowed the take off a bit ( Not that that hurt anything). I shortened the bow about 8 inches on each side. In my opinion, you will not gain anything worthwhile. Az Bald Eagle >> Here's another story that corroborates this exact point: In the mid-90s, at the little airport I fly out of near Albuquerque, a fellow arrived with a newly-purchased Mark-III that he bought from someone in Arizona who built it with shortened wingtips. In the attempt to "make it a little more agile," the builder truncated the wing at the end of the spar, essentially eliminating the tip bow altogether. Our hapless buyer had no Kolb experience, so he talked one of the local ultralight instructors into doing a few test flights in the Kolb, to better evaluate how the plane flew. This instructor was experienced, including time in Kolbs, but he was not prepared for the drastic decrease in available lift at low speeds in this modified Mark-3. On the first test flight, the engine quit just after departure, at about 300' AGL. At this altitude, most normal light sport airplanes in this weight class are able to execute a 90 degree turn and glide safely to a landing on this airport's crossing runway. My instructor friend tells us that, while trying to do this, it stalled at nearly 60 mph in a slight turn. Spun it in from nearly 80 feet. Totaled the Mark-3, but he survived with only a charley horse in his thigh. Aside from taking away the message that you should leave Homer's wings alone, this story speaks volumes about the crash worthiness of these Kolb airplanes! Dennis Kirby Mark-3, 912ul Cedar Crest, NM ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 04:56:38 PM PST US From: "Larry Bourne" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: opinion --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Larry Bourne" The Bird (B1RD) is one of the nicest flying old planes around. Just be sure to check it out real well, and do a thorough punch test on it. One day at Arlington, WA in....'94....??, I watched a young female pilot of about 150 lb hit the throttle of one and almost levitate. Wasn't real windy - barely breezy - and the takeoff roll was only about 50 ft. Barely rolling and it was in the air. When she came back, she flared, touched, stopped. It was almost comical to watch. I was taking lessons in a 2 seat Beaver (another excellent little plane) and we'd roar past (at 60 mph) her and her husband in their matching Birds. Talk about low and slow. Lar. Larry Bourne Palm Springs, CA Building Kolb Mk III N78LB Vamoose www.gogittum.com ----- Original Message ----- From: "robert bean" Sent: Monday, April 24, 2006 7:20 AM Subject: Kolb-List: opinion > --> Kolb-List message posted by: robert bean > > -speaking of early ultras.... A neighbor has, among other toys, what > appears > to be a perfect Robertson B1RD hanging in his rafters. A couple years > ago, > while I was feverously attempting to get the elusive last 5% needed to > fly > my Kolb, he generously offered to let my fly it, provided I fixed its > dormant > ignition. -I imagine the offer is still valid. Question: would it be > worth while? > Is it a decent plane? Sure looks like a good design and the covers > still look > good. > -BB do not archive > > > ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 07:32:49 PM PST US From: "Steven Green" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Steven Green" As you will see, the Indians are still wanting their $5 / day, but are not being forceful about it. Hopefully noone will be forced to land out there on their land and get to find out what happens if we don't pay for admission... I own a (very) small portion of the state of Tennessee. So I am offering a deal to anyone who flys over this great state. For only $20 you get a lifetime membership to execute an emergency landing on my property. I will help you secure your aircraft, fold the wings, store it in the dry, and maybe even haul it home for you if need be. Meals and a place to stay overnight are also included if desired. Contact me off list for membership registration. Steven :<) do not archive ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 07:47:13 PM PST US From: "frank & margie" Subject: Kolb-List: Throttle Cables --> Kolb-List message posted by: "frank & margie" Ref: "Ive always been concerned about the stock throttle cable ends coming loose. Has anyone on the list heard of that happening?" Ed (Firefly #062) ----------------------------------------- Ed, A friend of mine will never fly again (as PIC) as a result of a throttle cable breaking. He spent 6 months in a 3/4 body cast, and the gasoline in his eyes finished off the problem he was starting to have with eyesight. He can finally walk again, and can see a little with magnifiers. Rotax 2 cycle carbs are spring loaded to idle (I think the 912 is the opposite). My buddy's cable broke on takeoff, just over the trees at the end of the runway. We've been looking for a fix for awhile now, but so far no one has come up with any good ideas. Frank Clyma do not archive ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 07:51:23 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Gouldings Lodge ultralight policies --> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" | registration. | | Steven :<) That's an offer that is hard to refuse. Best deal I have seen lately. Do we get a refund of our $20.00 if we don't have an engine failure and land on your part of Tennessee, after a reasonable period of time? Like when we retire from flying? john h mkIII DO NOT ARCHIVE ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 08:28:07 PM PST US From: possums Subject: Re: Kolb-List: A rant about inspection and expectations --> Kolb-List message posted by: possums At 11:41 AM 4/24/2006, you wrote: >--> Kolb-List message posted by: "John Hauck" > > | I've been a machinist and inspector in the aerospace industry since >-snip--- >For the most part, most of us "shade tree" aircraft mechanics have a >darn good track record based on many hours of safe, fun flight. > >john h Some advise about "Kolb Drivers" Kolb people are notorious, not only for their skill, but for their attitude. Most of them have built more than one Ultralight, many have built more than one Kolb. Some have paid the price for their arrogance, if you want to call it that. We push it a little bit. Whether you consider that good or bad...presumptuous maybe? But then again..(into the gin) ..you got to fly that thing at the end of the day. That pile of tubes and fabric, that is what is was, this is who we are. What we get is a certain amount of tolerance for a certain amount of risk. What am I talkin bout Beauford?? ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 08:36:20 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Throttle Cables --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike I make all my own cables. Here is a way to positively prevent the cable ends coming off. The attachments show typical CPS cable ends, and then show it slid over a cable. Note that they have a beveled and an unbeveled end. The beveled end is to make it easier to slip it over the cable, but you don't care about that, you are going to use the bevel for the opposite reason - to make it impossible to get the cable to come out of the swedge end, so you slip it on the cable backwards. You want the swedge with the beveled end towards the end of the cable. Slide the swedge over the cable Rat tail the end of the cable. Screw it up good. You want a cable that is too buggered up to fit back out through the swedge anymore. The goal is to make it impossible to pull back out. Now pull it down into the swedge until it you have 1/16" to 3/32" sticking out. Lay some solder on it, do it right, let it cool. You especially want the solder to fill all the rat tailed ends of the cable, and be well attached. Now you have a cable that is expanded just past the bevel, it is too big to go through any more, plus the solder filling the end makes it too big to go through, plus the adhesion of the solder to the swedge. Test it. Pull it through if you can. If your solder job is any good at all, you can't. Richard Pike MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) frank & margie wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "frank & margie" > > Ref: "Ive always been concerned about the stock throttle cable ends coming loose. > Has anyone on the list heard of that happening?" > > > Ed (Firefly #062) > ----------------------------------------- > > Ed, > A friend of mine will never fly again (as PIC) as a result of a throttle cable breaking. He spent 6 months in a 3/4 body cast, and the gasoline in his eyes finished off the problem he was starting to have with eyesight. He can finally walk again, and can see a little with magnifiers. > > Rotax 2 cycle carbs are spring loaded to idle (I think the 912 is the opposite). My buddy's cable broke on takeoff, just over the trees at the end of the runway. > > We've been looking for a fix for awhile now, but so far no one has come up with any good ideas. > > Frank Clyma > do not archive > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 08:47:34 PM PST US From: Richard Pike Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Throttle Cables --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike Richard Pike wrote: > --> Kolb-List message posted by: Richard Pike > > I make all my own cables. Here is a way to positively prevent the cable > ends coming off. > attachments didn't go through- will try again tomorrow. > Richard Pike > MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) > > > ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 09:48:49 PM PST US From: "Richard Girard" Subject: Kolb-List: One last humourous blast about Nicos --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Girard" In 1974, ultralights didn't exist as a recognized class of aircraft, and hang gliders were darn scarce. Hang gliders in Kansas were very rare indeed. I had just finished my first homebuilt aircraft, a Seagull III, and had taught myself to fly it. My wife and I were driving back home from Wichita when we were passed by a Datsun 510 with a long roll of plastic on the roof. I didn't give it much thought until I found the Datsun pulled over to the side of the road. I stopped and found a young couple like ourselves, introduced myself and was told, why, yes, indeed it was a hang glider on the roof. I told him about the Seagull, how I had bought the tubing kit last year, built all the other parts and rigged it, and had finally been able to afford a sail for it just a few months ago. I invited them to stop by on their way south. When Stan arrived I suggested we set up our gliders and check them out. Ah, the days of no ribs, battens, or zippers in sails, bags or harnesses. We were both set up in five minutes. I showed him some of the finer points of the Seagull, especially all the parts I had made from block since I couldn't get the extrusions called out in the plans. Stan was especially puzzled by the nico press sleeves on the wires. "How'd you get them all nice and smooth like that?" I explained how I had been lucky and found just the right tool in the tool crib at work and they had signed it out to me so I could do the wires. "There's a tool for that? I just used vice grips." We had begun to work our way over to his glider. Sure enough, the vice grips left big tool marks on the nico sleeves. On the sides of the nicos at that. My eye was caught by the printing on the aluminum tubing, 5052-0, in bright red letters. The swing seat was a piece of 2 X 6 with ropes nailed on. "Have you flown this, yet?", I asked. "Oh, yeah, I couldn't wait to get out to a hill, so we just towed it behind the car." "I've got pictures." Documentary evidence of the whole design iteration process of getting his glider to fly was contained in those twenty photos. "It wouldn't balance right so my brother came up with the idea to cut these slits in the sail and it worked great." The picture showed two foot long gashes extending forward from the trailing edge. The next showed the glider and pilot 30 to 40 feet in the air at a surreal angle of attack. "Yeah, it won't fly much below 35, we had to run like hell to take off." I thought about my options, and began to tell him that I didn't think his aircraft was airworthy, and why. In the end, I gave him my copy of Dan Poynter's book "Hang Gliding" and let him go to draw his own conclusions. The next time I saw him he was flying a factory built glider called a "Pliable Moose". He had never flown the plastic sailed glider again after that day in my back yard. We flew together for the next four years before I left for Washington. The last summer before I moved, Stan, his friend, Don, and I found we could get a dealership for a thing called a Soarmaster, if we bought three. But that's another story altogether. Folks, I swear this story is true in every detail except Stan's name. -- Rick Girard "Pining for a home on the Range" ________________________________ Message 29 ____________________________________ Time: 10:09:24 PM PST US From: possums Subject: Kolb-List: Some advise about old "Kolb Drivers" --> Kolb-List message posted by: possums > >Some advise about "Kolb Drivers" > >What we get is a certain amount of tolerance for a certain amount of risk. >What am I talkin bout Beauford?? Can I reply to myself ? Don't listen to me... I'll be in therapy for the rest of my life - 503 x 700 hrs = ? Times approximate. List was current at time of printing. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. I don't have a single "nico" --- on my whole plane - mine are all "machined swagged". I've had them on my old 1983 "Hawk", my old 1990 "FireStar", I've even own a press - etc. - but I don't like them. I feel like Forrest Gump - "That's a lot to dooo.." At least with these I've got at least 1/2 inch + - adjustment each way. Lot's of measuring - one chance to get it right (an old Irish custom) so don't be afraid!! Most of your local aerodromes have access to one of these machines - I'm sure. It only cost an extra $200 total - if you get it right the first or 2nd time? Trust me - OK. As far as Ethanol (which is basically wood grain alcohol) - up in the hills here in N. Ga, we don't just put it in the cars..we drink it. ________________________________ Message 30 ____________________________________ Time: 10:27:44 PM PST US From: "Craig Nelson" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Dangerous or just scary --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Craig Nelson" Yes the other milow has only one nicco. It is because of me milow has only one nicco on his plane. again if you look at general aircraft there is not one example where I have seen two nicco's I have not seen two nicco's on any commercial aircraft and I have not seen two nicco's on any helicopters. if the press is calibrated one nicco is as strong as the cable and Old poops I don't know what you are using to swedge your nicco's to have a cable fail with only 150 lbs you must be swedging with your hands.I engineered built and test flew an airplane with a boxed and cable braced airframe 15 years ago, it was at that time I did my research on nicco's. Again one is as strong as the cable! the only time I have seen two is on hang gliders and ultralights. the reason has allready been referred to in a post yesterday.If you are so unsure of your building abilities and the aircraft you fly then maybe two nicco's will keep you in the air!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is because of the stupidity of people like Planecrazy,(not going to pass airworthy inspection with one nicco) and remarks from old poops and some others on this list after my friend's with my plane, that I am content to just look at what others are doing. and keeps me from commenting on anything I do, or making suggestions on the list, and have asked milo to stop posting anything about my plane. sorry but with this comment I had to speak my mind. (all spelling courtesy of Webster) Uncle Craig MkIII EX 912 ULS Warp DO NOT ARCHIVE DO NOT ARCHIVE DO NOT ARCHIVE DO NOT ARCHIVE DO NOT ARCHIVE DO NOT ARCHIVE