---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Mon 02/25/08: 22 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 1. 07:37 AM - Re: Re: The Kolb drop (pj.ladd) 2. 09:01 AM - Re: Re: Kolb videos (KOLB AIRCRAFT) 3. 09:19 AM - Re: Re: Firestar Videos and VG's (KOLB AIRCRAFT) 4. 09:49 AM - Re: Firestar Videos and VG's (R. Hankins) 5. 12:05 PM - videos (william sullivan) 6. 04:43 PM - Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (BMWBikeCrz@aol.com) 7. 04:55 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (John Hauck) 8. 05:00 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (KolbFlyerJim@aol.com) 9. 05:13 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (knowvne@aol.com) 10. 05:19 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (Ralph B) 11. 05:19 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (ElleryWeld@aol.com) 12. 05:23 PM - Sales tax (Lanny Fetterman) 13. 05:30 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (olendorf) 14. 07:33 PM - Re: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (gary aman) 15. 07:54 PM - Engine cowlings (Nelson, Craig) 16. 09:03 PM - Re: M3X, 912uls prop choices (icrashrc) 17. 09:23 PM - Re: Structural Failure (DAquaNut@aol.com) 18. 09:30 PM - M3X floor (icrashrc) 19. 09:47 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (Wade Lawicki) 20. 09:47 PM - Re: Engine cowlings (robert bean) 21. 09:59 PM - Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! (Dan G.) 22. 10:12 PM - Re: Structural Failure (WhiskeyVictor36@aol.com) ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 07:37:01 AM PST US From: "pj.ladd" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: The Kolb drop Hi Charlie the plane won't slow down until it hits something.>> That will do ut every time. Pat ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 09:01:33 AM PST US From: "KOLB AIRCRAFT" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Kolb videos YES THE VIDEOS ARE ON ; YOU TUBE. ----- Original Message ----- From: "huronflyer" Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 11:33 AM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Kolb videos > > Videos > Hi, I could not navigate to the video at the Kolb site. > There did not seem to be a place to register; do you need to be a registered Kolb owner from factory? > > In any regard are the videos on "You Tube" or could you suggest a similar video with comparable low and slow scenario? > > Dave > > -------- > DO NOT ARCHIVE > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=165750#165750 > > ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 09:19:59 AM PST US From: "KOLB AIRCRAFT" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Firestar Videos and VG's MICHAEL, THANKS FOR YOUR WISDOM ABOUT KOLB AIRCRAFT AND A GREAT AIRPLANE IT IS . WHAT YOU POSTED WILL HELP A LOT OF KOLB PEOPLE UNDERSTAND OUR PRODUCT. THANKS FOR THE KIND WORDS. DONNIE AT KOLB KOLB AIRCRAFT. Original Message ----- From: Michael Adams To: Kolb-List@matronics.com Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 4:22 AM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Firestar Videos and VG's Hello everyone! Normally I just read the messages posted to the board but today I decided it was time to post a message in order to help (hopefully) with the VG discussion. First, if you have seen the videos on YouTube that are being discussed, I am the pilot in the videos. (Michael Adams, age 36) My father built a Firestar 1 back around 1990 which is where I received my introduction to the Kolb aircraft. He has flown many airplanes in his 40 years of flying and to this day he will tell you hands down, the Firestar is the best airplane he has ever flown. After receiving my private pilot certificate, I got a chance to fly his airplane and it was a joy. It wasn't long after that I got a Firestar 2 for myself. In fact, the private airport where we fly has a small hangar (barn) with about 12 to 14 airplanes (approx). There have been 8 Firestars in the hangar. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that most of the Firestars are there because those people saw the performance of my fathers plane and just had to get a Firestar themselves. Now, I have around 500 hours in my firestar. This does not make me an expert but I feel I have enough experience with the airplane to know its flying characteristics. The Kolb is a wonderful airplane but as with all airplanes, it has characteristics that need to be learned. I would also say it's very possible that one Kolb may not perform exactly like another Kolb of the same model due to building methods, pilot weight, etc. With all that said, I'll tell you how my airplane flies. (Please read everything I'm about to say before jumping on my case) I believe the term "Kolb Drop" is really a tendency of not flying the airplane to it's true flight characteristics. When the airspeed get's slow enough or the angle of attack reaches that critical spot, a wing will stop flying. Now I'll admit, I've had the airplane drop on me when I wasn't expecting it. Was that the airplanes fault? Nope. I just had to learn the characteristics of the airplane. I did know that it wasn't my wing that was stalling but rather my stabilizer/elevator. Slow airspeed, cord line change, angle of attack during landing, ground effect, all play some small role. The solution at the time was to land the airplane like it wanted to be landed which meant two point landings. To me it actually felt like I had the nose pointed up high in the air but videos would show my tail was still up in the air. I really thought I had been making three points. Two point landings were very comfortable but three points could still be achieved if I really worked it and kept about 3,000 rpm's on landing. If I just landed two pointers, there would never be a problem. (Please remember, this was my Firestar... others may have no problems with three points) Now for the interesting stuff. I had been reading about VG's and figured, it probably would do no harm to at least test them. Wouldn't it be great if you could take a wonderful flying airplane and somehow make it even better? So I bought some VG's and installed them on the wing and stabilizer. Before hand I had done some cruise speed test and also side by side slow flight comparisons against my fathers Firestar 1. He was always able to fly just a little slower than me but only by about 2 mph. I'll come back to that comparison in a bit. With the VG's on the airplane, I took off and really didn't notice anything. I then applied full power and pulled the stick back. I wouldn't think a Firestar would climb any steeper than it had before. After all, how can one climb quicker than a home sick angel? Well, when you put on VG's, that angel now has a fire under its butt and the only place to find a bucket of water is in heaven. I then ran some cruise tests with a GPS. My cruise speeds were unaffected. The next test was slow flight against my fathers Firestar 1. I was now able to fly a couple a mph slower than him, but only a few. So far, the climb rate was the only big difference. I also did some stalls. Power off felt about the same but the recovery was quicker. The power on stall was impressive. The airplane didn't want to stall. It just wanted to mush a little and then keep flying. Boy, the nose was high. The overall stall speed dropped by about 4 mph. I was hoping for more. Now for the biggest difference. Landings!!! I kept shooting landings and with each one kept pulling more and more back stick. Eventually the tail wheel was rolling on the ground way before the mains touched. This could also be done at a throttle setting very close to idle. Before, the elevator would stall once you pulled the stick back past neutral (That was one of the things I learned to avoid when landing before - it's also amazing how little elevator deflection is needed to flare or even climb - take some video and you'll be surprised when you can't see any movement on the elevator - I digress) The airplane now has some new flying characteristic that I had to learn. The main thing is my landing speeds (once in ground effect) are much slower than I could have landed before. The elevator is effective all the way back. Why wouldn't anyone want to slow down their ground speed during landing if they could? The Kolb is one of the best planes out there without VG"s but WOW! With VG's... the difference cannot be put into words. I wanted my father to see what he thought of the VG's so he took my airplane for a flight. He has over 800 hours in his Firestar and has flown my airplane for many hours. When he landed, he just couldn't stop talking about the positive effect the VG's had on the airplane. He was very impressed. So impressed that he decided to put some on his Firestar. He only placed them on the horizontal stabilizer and he really didn't use that many. (Here's is a good tip - he purchased r/c airplane wing skids that look just like VG's that can be made or bought. They are very cheep but are a little thicker than VG's that can be purchased) He was amazed at the difference it made to his landing speeds and flare. It's really one of those things that has to be experienced. We then did the side by side slow flight comparison and he was now flying at my speed. I believe if he added them to the wings he might be able to fly a tiny bit slower, but probably not enough to make a huge difference. The big difference is the stabilizer. If you can keep it flying (applying downward force) at a slower airspeed, you can keep the nose the airplane up and slow down. So, here is my brief summary. The "Kolb Drop" is a result of the pilot not flying the airplane like it should be in it's current configuration. I did it until I learned better. VG's added to the stabilizer made a tremendous difference. The Kolb Firestar is a wonderful airplane just as it is. It's hard to believe but it can be better with VG's. VG's would probably improve any airplane when properly installed. For those of you that don't have a Firestar (or other Kolb aircraft), get one. For those of you that already have one of the wonderful airplanes from the Kolb company, place some VG's on your stabilizer. (and wing if you really want) About the videos. Most of the flying in the Firestar 1 and 2 video is without VG's. All of the other videos show the airplane with VG's. Long live KOLB!!! ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 09:49:28 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Firestar Videos and VG's From: "R. Hankins" > I would also say it's very possible that one Kolb may not perform exactly like another Kolb of the same model due to building methods, pilot weight, etc.... > > Eventually the tail wheel was rolling on the ground way before the mains touched.... > > The power on stall was impressive. The airplane didn't want to stall. It just wanted to mush a little and then keep flying. Michael, You did a great job of describing the characteristics of my KXP. I can drag the tail wheel on landing, hold the stick all the way back and not lose elevator control, and do full power, full back stick mushes with only a stall buffet. I do all of these with no VGs. I installed VGs a couple of years ago, but removed them because of the sharpness of power-off stalls. I can drag the tail on landing without them. With the VGs the tail would touch while the mains were still a good foot and a half in the air. The mains would then plop down a little harder then I wanted. If I ever get around to adding longer gear legs, I will try them again. Thanks for the great videos and information. -------- Roger in Oregon 1992 KXP 503 - N1782C Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166135#166135 ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 12:05:02 PM PST US From: william sullivan Subject: Kolb-List: videos Michael Adams- Thank you from a couple of recent Kolb Firestar buyers. We have not flown ours yet, and the videos are a great confidence builder. Bill and Tiny Sullivan Old Firestar do not archive ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 04:43:55 PM PST US From: BMWBikeCrz@aol.com Subject: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!! Any Suggestions ??? Thanks ! Dave ************** Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 04:55:41 PM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Suicide! Price the airplane as low as you think you can get away with. john h Any Suggestions ??? Thanks ! Dave ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 05:00:38 PM PST US From: KolbFlyerJim@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Hi Dave In Illinois you dont have to pay sales tax if you bought it as an ultralight and converted it to an E.S.L.A call the state about this subject.. Jim N2613M Kolb UltraStar 503 In a message dated 2/25/2008 6:44:41 P.M. Central Standard Time, BMWBikeCrz@aol.com writes: Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!! Any Suggestions ??? Thanks ! Dave ************** Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duff y/2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) (http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List) (http://www.matronics.com/contribution) **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/ 2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 05:13:51 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! From: knowvne@aol.com DAVE Hows about finding out were =C2-Gov. Bush lives and make a very low flyby around 5 AM on a SAT morning... That should bring home what=C2-TAXING some one is really all about.. =C2-hahahahahaha 8-)=C2- Mark -----Original Message----- From: BMWBikeCrz@aol.com Sent: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 7:40 pm Subject: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!!=C2- Any Suggestions ??? =C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2 -=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2- =C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2 -=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2- =C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2 -=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2-=C2- Thanks ! Dave ************** Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-cam pos-duffy/2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) ________________________________________________________________________ aol.com ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 05:19:11 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! From: "Ralph B" BMWBikeCrz(at)aol.com > Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!! Any Suggestions ??? > > ? ? ? ? Thanks ! Dave] In Minnesota they waived the sales tax if it was an ultralight-type aircraft purchased before September 1, 2004 (the day the SP rule became effective). If I were you, I would leave Florida and move to Minnesota [Laughing]. do not archive -------- Ralph B Original Firestar N91493 E-AB 21 years flying it Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166231#166231 ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 05:19:21 PM PST US From: ElleryWeld@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! What I did about taxes here in Maine I sent the state a pic of a bare firestar fusalage mine and I told them I bought this at a swap meet with a set of plans and I didn't have a receipt for it because the guy just figured it wouldn't ever fly again and I only met the guy once the only time I have ever gone to that aviation swap meet in another state then I told them I paid the guy 300.00 for the frame and the plans and they bought it and my Taxes was only 13.00 if you need a pic of a naked fusalage I am willing to send you a copy of mine if you need it good luck theres no sence paying a big tax the government is not capable to handle it wisely so keep it for your self Ellery in MAINE X- Firestar Owner Mk3 Xtra builder now In a message dated 2/25/2008 7:56:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, jhauck@elmore.rr.com writes: Suicide! Price the airplane as low as you think you can get away with. john h Any Suggestions ??? Thanks ! Dave (http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List) (http://www.matronics.com/contribution) **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/ 2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 05:23:01 PM PST US From: Lanny Fetterman Subject: Kolb-List: Sales tax Dave and all, Pennsylvania works the same way. Since I bought my FSII kit from old Kolb when they were based was in Pa. I paid the tax at the time of purchase. All I had to do is send the state copies of my receipts showing that I had paid the tax. If you never paid sales tax on your ELSA, you better get ready to draw leather! ( Pull out your wallet). Sad but true, I have several friends that had to pay this sales tax after registering in Pa. and they all had to ante up. Big brother wants his share. Hope someone else like a used car dealer can give you some ideas. Lanny N589LF ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 05:30:54 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! From: "olendorf" I'm in New York and I was told if you bought it a while ago, I think over 7 years ago) and they didn't get the sales tax then it's too late. Statue of limitations. Maybe Florida has the same rule. IF you bought it a while ago. -------- Scott Olendorf Original Firestar, Rotax 447, Powerfin prop Schenectady, NY http://KolbFirestar.googlepages.com Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166236#166236 ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 07:33:59 PM PST US From: gary aman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Don't you state, during the registration process,that you are the manufacturer,and have assembled this aircraft from parts you no longer can produce proof of their origin or cost?You don,t state you stole them,so you must have paid for them and the sales tax ,if any in this case. ----- Original Message ---- From: Ralph B Sent: Monday, February 25, 2008 5:16:49 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Ralph B" BMWBikeCrz(at)aol.com > Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!! Any Suggestions ??? > > ? ? ? ? Thanks ! Dave] In Minnesota they waived the sales tax if it was an ultralight-type aircraft purchased before September 1, 2004 (the day the SP rule became effective). If I were you, I would leave Florida and move to Minnesota [Laughing]. do not archive -------- Ralph B Original Firestar N91493 E-AB 21 years flying it Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166231#166231 - The Kolb-List Email Forum - Use the Matronics List Features Navigator to browse the many List utilities such as List Un/Subscription, Archive Search & Download, 7-Day Browse, Chat, FAQ, Photoshare, and much much more: --> http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List - MATRONICS WEB FORUMS - Same great content also available via the Web Forums! --> http://forums.matronics.com - List Contribution Web Site - Thank you for your generous support! -Matt Dralle, List Admin. --> http://www.matronics.com/contribution ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 07:54:26 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Engine cowlings From: "Nelson, Craig" <> <> <> <> <> <> <> -----Original Message----- From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com [mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Dana Hague Sent: Sunday, February 24, 2008 7:23 AM Subject: Kolb-List: engine cowlings Watching the videos recently posted made me wonder about one thing. The Kolbs are such clean looking designs... except for the uncowled engine sitting on top of the wing. Has anybody ever built a Kolb with a completely cowled engine? I have cowled my 912 I did it for my own taste I felt the kolb is such a great design and when I visited the factory my impression was little airplanes--- then when I saw John H's missP I had to have a kolb. To me there are a few things that look unfinished and a little ultra light looking-- but that's the roots of this bird-- and the excellent flying character. the fun of owning, building and then flying the dream is what Kolb ownership is all about--- as the credit card advertisement states priceless!!! I love the stance of John's landing gear---the seats from a piper tomahawk Boyd has adapted to his MK3 the custom fuse Possums has on his Fstar---old poops with the custom gas tank---there are so many ingenus things the guys on this lis have done to their planes---- it's about making a great design yours.The great thing about a Kolb is to see what every one is doing---even the chater about vg's--- I love the passion you all have for your plane!!!!!!!!!!!! My cowling looks good to me, I did it for the looks, not for any other reason--- the look to me-- and it is efficient to the point that I can sit on the ground and idle at 1112f and not boil the water out of it and fly at 40f with some tape across the radiator..... I just like the way it looks.... Uncle craig ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 09:03:39 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: M3X, 912uls prop choices From: "icrashrc" Thanks to both of you for the quick responses. I went ahead and bought the prop as is and will probably have nickle installed by Warp. They told me it was no problem to do and the cost would be the same as if i ordered it that way. Thanks again, -------- Scott www.ill-EagleAviation.com do not archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166279#166279 ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 09:23:14 PM PST US From: DAquaNut@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Structural Failure Fire Flyers, When pulling my engine through to get fuel to the carb , I noticed a metallic rattle I had not heard before. It was inside the wing. I isolated it to the trailing edge and outboard edge of the left wing as viewed from the seat. Further examination indicated the problem area was near the end of the wing spar. I removed the wing and brought it home. Reluctantly I cut through the fabric, To reveal the 5/16 " X. 035 alum tube running from the outboard trailing edge to the inside of the outboard end of the main wing spar had severed completely . This tube was possibly flattened too much by the factory as it broke where it was flattened. This was a quick build kit. This firefly has never had the wings to hit the ground or anything else. It has never been slightly wrecked. Apparently taxiing on those little four inch wheels, over stressed that 5/16" tube. Anyone heard of this happening to a Firefly? Ed FF # 62 **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. (http://living.aol.com/video/how-to-please-your-picky-eater/rachel-campos-duffy/ 2050827?NCID=aolcmp00300000002598) ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 09:30:17 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: M3X floor From: "icrashrc" Just a couple pics of the floor we laid up. I'll add a page with more details to the website in a few days. -------- Scott www.ill-EagleAviation.com do not archive Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166281#166281 Attachments: http://forums.matronics.com//files/dsc00857_small_130.jpg http://forums.matronics.com//files/dsc00850_small_446.jpg ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 09:47:12 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! From: "Wade Lawicki" Here in Tennessee, we have success telling them it was NOT a sale and a mandatory change by the FAA. If you have owned it for a long time or built from "Spare" parts is what they want to know. Tax division has no idea about what sport pilot is until you explain it to them, they just get n numbers and assume it is a change of ownership. Here in Nashville it is just 1 woman that handles it and is very understanding. Fly Safe, Wade Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=166283#166283 ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 09:47:43 PM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Engine cowlings On 25, Feb 2008, at 10:51 PM, Nelson, Craig wrote: > .. I just like the way it looks.... > > Uncle craig So do I. BB do not archive ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 09:59:31 PM PST US From: "Dan G." Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Holy Crap ! The Tax People !!! Listen to Ellery when he talks about taxes. I lived in Maine for 5 years and they have a high tax for everything you can think of - so he has earned the unfortunate honor of expert on this topic. In AZ there is no tax if it was a private party sale (no dealer). So, like the others said, do some checking before you pay the gov. Dan G. 503 F2 Tucson BMWBikeCrz@aol.com wrote: > Now that I have done the "right thing" and registered my Firestar the > State of Florida wants Sales Tax !!! Any Suggestions ??? > > > Thanks ! Dave ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 10:12:53 PM PST US From: WhiskeyVictor36@aol.com Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Structural Failure In a message dated 2/26/2008 12:24:06 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, DAquaNut@aol.com writes: To reveal the 5/16 " X. 035 alum tube running from the outboard trailing edge to the inside of the outboard end of the main wing spar had severed completely . Ed, This has happened to many Kolbs, including mine (both wings). Basically that tube just holds some tension on the trailing edge spar and wing tip bow to help keep them in position, so as not to have it bend back during rough handling or contact with the ground. It is not to serious and I continued flying for awhile, but kept checking on it to be sure it wasn't bending back. Finally, I elected to repair mine by using a larger, 3/8" diameter tube. The worst part was making the decision to cut an access hole in my nicely painted wing fabric :( Bill Varnes Original Kolb FireStar Audubon NJ Do Not Archive **************Ideas to please picky eaters. Watch video on AOL Living. 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