Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 07:45 AM - Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report (neilsenrm@comcast.net)
2. 07:55 AM - Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report (John Hauck)
3. 09:27 AM - Re: Re: Need advice on instruments (Clyde MacQuarrie)
4. 10:05 AM - Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report (JetPilot)
5. 04:59 PM - Re: Re: Need advice on instruments (Mike Welch)
6. 06:12 PM - Re: Re: Need advice on instruments (DAquaNut@aol.com)
7. 07:32 PM - W/B For MK III How Much Weight on Your Tialwheel ??? (JetPilot)
8. 08:03 PM - Re: Re: Need advice on instruments (Mike Welch)
Message 1
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report |
Hgraff
Do you have a MKIIIC or MKIIIX
It appears your plane has some problems that need to be fixed. First locate
a good static source. Most people fine a good source a few inches under th
e fuselage . The stall speed seems about right but it is a bit unusual to h
ave a wing drop. Cruise speeds are normally 70-75 for the MKIIIC and 75-80
for the MKIIIX but engine prop combinations can significantly effect these
speeds.
Then fix the roll trim. Make sure the wings are correctly aligned . As desc
ribed it is doubtful adjusting the flaps will be enough. At best performanc
e will be negatively impacted. There=C2-are optional brackets sold by New
Kolb that allows one to adjust the angle of attack on each wing. Get one f
or each wing you may need both.
Check the rudder pedal adjustment. They normally don't get tangled with the
brakes.
Assuming you used the stock trim springs they should be fine. Make sure the
tail cables are tight.
You may not be the best test pilot for this plane. High time GA pilots norm
ally have the most trouble flying these planes. Kolbs are very light high d
rag airplanes. The high thrust line causes large pitch changes with power c
hanges. They are not at all difficult to maintain level flight (pitch). Gro
und handling is normally closer to a good nose dagger than a tail wheel air
plane.
Don't attempt to fly at low levels without considerable experience with pow
er/pitch changes. Fly the plane off grass strips, it makes the plane even e
asier to control if you have numb feet.
As always worth what you paid for it.
Rick Neilsen
Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC
----- Original Message -----
From: HGRAFF@aol.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 10:45:09 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern
Subject: Kolb-List: Kolb Mark III first flight report
First flight is always interesting and I thought to share it with the gang.
A group of us built the standard Kolb Mark III, with a 65HP Hirth geared en
gine,=C2-=C2- I was selected as the test pilot for its first flight. So
mebody else had already taxied it elaborately and almost wiped it out. It c
ost a taxi light. I am a=C2-comm/instr 2000 hour guy in a variety of A/C.
So, I=C2-took to the task and here is how it went:
With the Kolb=C2-assembled at the airport=C2-and thoroughly inspected,
I first made=C2-a high speed taxi run that turned into a short flight. Ma
n, is that thing twitchy in pitch=C2-and I over-controlled most of the ti
me. pitch.=C2- The first run was 75%length of the runway at 10-20 feet, P
orpoising=C2-most of the way about 5+ feet. Deciding it was=C2-too risk
y to learn how to fly the thing=C2-near the ground, =C2-the next run wa
s a takeoff. I had planned at a 60MPH=C2-climbout, but couldn't get the a
irspeed and it quit climbing when I tried. I finally had to settle to climb
at 40MPH indicated. The left wing was heavy, requiring a constant fairly s
trong holding against it. If I could have found a stable trim position, I'm
sure it would have peeled off sharply to the left, if I let go.
When I reached 1500 on the climb out, I made a 180 back dead over the airpo
rt (A very safe place).=C2-Arriving at 2000 I leveled off=C2-to go=C2
-into=C2-power-off stall tests, which happened at 35 indicated. I did t
wo=C2-in succession. I followed that with power-on stalls, which also hap
pen at 35 indicated, There is not much warning prior to either of the stall
s, except a strong tendency to want to drop one or the other wing (spin tim
e). It took a little dance on the rudder=C2-to keep it straight through t
he action. These=C2-stalls were done clean, no flaps.
Next I wanted to see what cruise speed was and play with the trim. Well, at
level flight=C2-I indicated only 45. I lowered the nose and could hear t
he wind whistling furiously, despite I my head set on=C2-(it was competin
g,=C2-maybe=C2-=C2-louder than the engine) but I only indicated 50 MP
H !!!=C2- Something wacky there.=C2-That's when I decided to come back
in.=C2- In the descent I tried 3 notches of trim (that's where the spring
s take a hold), but really could not=C2-relax my grip on the control, bec
ause of the=C2-left roll tendency.=C2-I think=C2-trim would have caus
ed=C2-considerable nose up. =C2-The approach at 40 MPH was dandy, but I
plunked it down in a three point attitude despite carrying a little power.
It didn't bounce back up, but I got into a bit of=C2-over control on the
rudders, snaking down the runway, =C2-while tangling with those dang hea
l brakes which I really had no intention to use.=C2-An old habit dealing
with rudder bars was taking over, when the Kolb has only rudder tilts. Beca
use it got late, the A/C needs some attention first, =C2-I quit to also s
leep on the adventure. We therefore put the Kolb to bed at the tie-down.=C2
-=C2-
Prior to next flight,=C2-3 things need attention:.=C2-
1. =C2-Pitot/Static system=C2-exploration/fix
2. lateral trim correction,=C2-an easy fix=C2-with flap adjust (I think
)
3. Trim spring changes, they seem awful strong
Because of other commitments, a continuation report may have to wait two we
eks.
Herb,
Mark III, 246KT=C2-
==
Message 2
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report |
First thing I would do is install a correct rudder trim tab, after I instal
led a good slip/skid indicator or a yaw string.
A lot of roll problems can be corrected with a good rudder trim tab, on a m
kIII.
john h
mkIII
Do you have a MKIIIC or MKIIIX
It appears your plane has some problems that need to be fixed.
Rick Neilsen
Message 3
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Re: RE: Need advice on instruments |
Hi Mike. I like the looks of your air speed indicator. Could you give
me the model and source. Thanks, Clyde
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Welch
To: kolb-list@matronics.com
Sent: Monday, August 10, 2009 7:52 AM
Subject: Kolb-List: RE: Need advice on instruments
Clyde, all
With regard to gauges, this is likely the same unending argument
just like peoples' oil preference, VG usage, or Rotax/non-Rotax. Very
difficult to get a concensus......
But, the fact of the matter is BOTH have their virtues!!! Analog
style (often affectionately referred to as "steam gauges") are simple,
generally very dependable, and are easy to monitor. Nothing wrong with
a panel full of them!!
However, a few digital gauges, or a combination unit employing many
functions, is hard to beat. Many can be programmed to flash a light, or
sound an alarm if a parameter is exceeded.
For some pilots, an occational scan of the steam gauges is just
plain good piloting skills. Once you learn where a needle should settle
at, a quick glance every few minutes gives peace of mind. Other folks
like the comfort of knowing that if something is "brewing", and they
didn't happen to notice, a light/alarm will help them take early
actions.
Hey, I've got an idea! Why not a combination of both worlds?? For
some functions, why not count on some quality steam gauges? Fuel level,
oil temp, ammeter, etc. These tasks can easily be handled by gauges.
You can learn to scan them....you DO have a job to do sitting in the
pilot's seat, don't you??
Then, include a few sophistocated electronic gauges, the kind that
you know LEDs are gonna blare at you if troubles a'comin'.
Having a combination of analog AND digital gauges is what lead me to
build my panel.
Here is what I came up with;
A) digital Dynon D10A Electronic Flight information system, which
includes the following functions...airspeed, altitude, magnetic heading,
AOA, ROC, turn coordination, and an artificial visual view of outside
B) digital wideband O2 sensor, with programmable alarm for exceeded
air/fuel ratios
C) digital turbo charger boost gauge, with programmable excessive
boost alarm
D) analog fuel, oil, water temp, volts gauges
E) digital clock (Honda Civic, IIRC)
F) analog airspeed gauge
G) analog vertical airspeed
Each guy will have his or her own preferences, with regard to
gauges. None are wrong, just looked at from different angles.
Here's a photo of what I came with........
Mike Welch
MkIII CX, 90% done, 90% to go
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Express your personality in color! Preview and select themes for
Hotmail=AE. Try it now.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
08/10/09 06:10:00
Message 4
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Re: Kolb Mark III first flight report |
The description of your first flight seems downright scary, and not typical of
a nice flying Kolb. Your description of the Kolb being very pitch sensitive does
not seem right, the pitch is light, but not what I would describe as oversensitive,
my wife can hold my Kolb right over the runway level for 5000 feet without
porpoising, even when she was just learning to fly. It was always my
intention to replace the spring trim system with an electric servo trim tab system
on my Kolb, but the spring trim system is so perfect, it was just never worth
the time or the money to change it over. Your trim being so oversensitive
is not normal, as is the pitch being so oversensitive, I think you should check
the CG to make sure you are in limits.
The hard roll tendency is dangerous, you need to re rig the wings. Kolb can sell
you the adjustable rear wing attach brackets and your roll tendency can be
fixed with a few washers. It MAY be possible to fix a hard roll with flap adjustment
as you describe, but it will be a horrible way to fix your problem and
will result in a poor flying airplane. BTW - The way the flaps sit on the aileron
tubes cause the flap trim solution to be OPPOSITE of what most people think
it should be [Shocked] ... Be very careful to adjust them the correct way,
with hard roll forces the stick, the aileron tubes will spring twist and no
matter how far you move the stick over you could have an uncontrollable roll
on your next flight. I can overemphasize how dangerous this could be !!!!
Do not try to fix the roll by adjusting flaps, take the time to fix it as it should
be fixed. Only extremely small roll trims should be done with flaps once
the wings have been fixed as close as possible with rear attach brackets.
The stalls do not sound right to me, my Kolb does not drop a wing in the stall
no matter how badly my wife tried to screw it up during training. My wife tried
1. Pulling the stick all the way back once the nose started to drop 2. Putting
full power instantly once the nose started to drop 3. NEVER used the rudders
properly during her first stalls, she just corrected any roll with the stick
throughout the stall. The stall series in my kolb is so docile, my wife never
believes me when I tell her how dangerous accidental stalls can be... Your
description makes me wonder what is wrong, check that CG again !!! Check
out some videos of my Kolb MK III Xtra Stalls at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWMRUPH39gM
Lastly your speeds sound WAY off, check them with a GPS. 40 MPH is a dangerously
slow climb in a Kolb, as you said 60 MPH is perfect and what I use. I could
live with 55 MPH and not be to scared, but anything below that is just bad.
One last thing, that Hirth engine is a horrible and unreliable engine, it will
very likely get your hurt one day, you should have a Rotax on there, but that
is your choice....
I am glad you did not hurt yourself on the first flight, and very glad you did
not do a second flight ! You have some things to fix, properly setup, the Kolb
is a very stable, relaxing airplane to fly.
Mike
--------
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could
have !!!
Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=257155#257155
Message 5
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | RE: Need advice on instruments |
Clyde=2C
UMA Instruments:
Airspeed Model# 16-310-120=2C Vertical Speed Model#8-310-20
I purchased them from a guy on eBay that decided not to build an airplane
=2C after he had purchased many of the necessary parts. They were (and sti
ll are) brand new=2C and I paid $120 for the pair.
I also have a different airspeed indicator I bought on eBay. It's new=2C
too=2C but it says "CPS" (California Power Systems Logo) on the face. It
reads up to 100 mph. If I were to use it=2C I would take it apart and pain
t over the advertisement.
Since I found a different set (the UMA ones) I let the CPS unit sit on a
shelf.
Mike Welch
MkIII
From: clydemacquarrie@eastlink.ca
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: RE: Need advice on instruments
Hi Mike. I like the looks of your air speed indicator. Could you give me
the model and source. Thanks=2C Clyde
----- Original Message -----
From: Mike Welch
Sent: Monday=2C August 10=2C 2009 7:52 AM
Subject: Kolb-List: RE: Need advice on instruments
Clyde=2C all
With regard to gauges=2C this is likely the same unending argument just l
ike peoples' oil preference=2C VG usage=2C or Rotax/non-Rotax. Very diffic
ult to get a concensus......
But=2C the fact of the matter is BOTH have their virtues!!! Analog style
(often affectionately referred to as "steam gauges") are simple=2C general
ly very dependable=2C and are easy to monitor. Nothing wrong with a panel
full of them!!
However=2C a few digital gauges=2C or a combination unit employing many f
unctions=2C is hard to beat. Many can be programmed to flash a light=2C or
sound an alarm if a parameter is exceeded.
For some pilots=2C an occational scan of the steam gauges is just plain g
ood piloting skills. Once you learn where a needle should settle at=2C a q
uick glance every few minutes gives peace of mind. Other folks like the co
mfort of knowing that if something is "brewing"=2C and they didn't happen t
o notice=2C a light/alarm will help them take early actions.
Hey=2C I've got an idea! Why not a combination of both worlds?? For som
e functions=2C why not count on some quality steam gauges? Fuel level=2C o
il temp=2C ammeter=2C etc. These tasks can easily be handled by gauges.
You can learn to scan them....you DO have a job to do sitting in the pilot'
s seat=2C don't you??
Then=2C include a few sophistocated electronic gauges=2C the kind that yo
u know LEDs are gonna blare at you if troubles a'comin'.
Having a combination of analog AND digital gauges is what lead me to buil
d my panel.
Here is what I came up with=3B
A) digital Dynon D10A Electronic Flight information system=2C which include
s the following functions...airspeed=2C altitude=2C magnetic heading=2C AOA
=2C ROC=2C turn coordination=2C and an artificial visual view of outside
B) digital wideband O2 sensor=2C with programmable alarm for exceeded air/f
uel ratios
C) digital turbo charger boost gauge=2C with programmable excessive boost a
larm
D) analog fuel=2C oil=2C water temp=2C volts gauges
E) digital clock (Honda Civic=2C IIRC)
F) analog airspeed gauge
G) analog vertical airspeed
Each guy will have his or her own preferences=2C with regard to gauges.
None are wrong=2C just looked at from different angles.
Here's a photo of what I came with........
Mike Welch
MkIII CX=2C 90% done=2C 90% to go
Express your personality in color! Preview and select themes for Hotmail=AE
. Try it now.
- Release Date: 08/10/09 06:10:00
_________________________________________________________________
Get back to school stuff for them and cashback for you.
http://www.bing.com/cashback?form=MSHYCB&publ=WLHMTAG&crea=TEXT_MSHYC
B_BackToSchool_Cashback_BTSCashback_1x1
Message 6
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | Re: RE: Need advice on instruments |
Mike,
I hope you have better luck than I did with your UMA ASI I
tried making several different venturies all to no avail. Mounted static
source everywhere I could think. Nothing helped! It still read 20 mph
slow ! I finally gave in and bought a Winter ASI as John H. suggested. A
little bit pricey but money well spent as It was very accurate at the get go.
Just a thought if you have trouble.
Ed Diebel FF# 62 in Houston a measly 130 hours.
In a message dated 8/11/2009 6:59:24 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
mdnanwelch7@hotmail.com writes:
Since I found a different set (the UMA ones) I let the CPS unit sit on a
shelf.
Mike Welch
MkIII
Message 7
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | W/B For MK III How Much Weight on Your Tialwheel ??? |
I want to compare the weight and balance of my MK III against some others... How
much weight do you have on the tailwheel when sitting on the gear, and how
much when you put it in flight attitude ? Did anyone have to add weight anywhere,
or move anything to get the weight and balance within limits ?
Mike
--------
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could
have !!!
Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=257236#257236
Message 8
| INDEX | Back to Main INDEX |
| PREVIOUS | Skip to PREVIOUS Message |
| NEXT | Skip to NEXT Message |
| LIST | Reply to LIST Regarding this Message |
| SENDER | Reply to SENDER Regarding this Message |
|
| Subject: | RE: Need advice on instruments |
Thanks for the tips=2C Ed. I'm not so worried about pricey=2C since the Dy
non was well over $2500. Plus=2C I'm not going to rely on just one instrum
ent=2C hence the analog UMA airspeed indicator=2C the Dynon airspeed indica
tor=2C and my Garmin 296 GPS.
If my UMA A/S indicator doesn't do it's job properly=2C it'll go into the "
round file"=2C el rapido!!
Your advice is welll noted=2C and appreciated. We'll see how it performs..
.
Mike Welch
MkIII
From: DAquaNut@aol.com
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: RE: Need advice on instruments
Mike=2C
I hope you have better luck than I did with your UMA ASI I t
ried making several different venturies all to no avail. Mounted static s
ource everywhere I could think. Nothing helped! It still read 20 mph slow
! I finally gave in and bought a Winter ASI as John H. suggested. A litt
le bit pricey but money well spent as It was very accurate at the get go. J
ust a thought if you have trouble.
Ed Diebel FF# 62 in Houston a measly 130 hours.
In a message dated 8/11/2009 6:59:24 P.M. Central Daylight Time=2C mdnanwel
ch7@hotmail.com writes:
Since I found a different set (the UMA ones) I let the CPS unit sit on a sh
elf.
Mike Welch
MkIII
_________________________________________________________________
Windows Live=99: Keep your life in sync.
http://windowslive.com/explore?ocid=PID23384::T:WLMTAGL:ON:WL:en-US:NF_BR
_sync:082009
Other Matronics Email List Services
These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.
-- Please support this service by making your Contribution today! --
|