---------------------------------------------------------- Kolb-List Digest Archive --- Total Messages Posted Tue 11/15/11: 31 ---------------------------------------------------------- Today's Message Index: ---------------------- 0. 12:19 AM - What's Your Contribution Used For? (Matt Dralle) 1. 02:21 AM - Re: Re: Nauga 2011 (video link inside) (Eugene Zimmerman) 2. 05:34 AM - Link to Nauga 2011 Pics (John Bickham) 3. 05:39 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (John Hauck) 4. 06:05 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Herb Gayheart) 5. 06:18 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (John Hauck) 6. 06:28 AM - Re: Firefly landing gear dimensions, please? (russ kinne) 7. 06:33 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Pat Ladd) 8. 07:16 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Michael Welch) 9. 07:31 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Rick Neilsen) 10. 07:57 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (b young) 11. 08:24 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Michael Welch) 12. 09:00 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (John Hauck) 13. 09:04 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (John Hauck) 14. 09:05 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Herb Gayheart) 15. 09:36 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (John Hauck) 16. 09:40 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Michael Welch) 17. 10:09 AM - Joy Of Flying A Kolb (John Hauck) 18. 10:24 AM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (robert bean) 19. 10:24 AM - Re: Ultralight History (Rick Neilsen) 20. 10:36 AM - Re: Rotax 912 for sale... (EdgePerformance) 21. 01:49 PM - Re: Rotax 912 for sale... (Ralph B) 22. 03:57 PM - Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Rick Lewis) 23. 04:59 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (pcking) 24. 05:16 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (robert bean) 25. 05:26 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Richard Girard) 26. 06:15 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (pcking) 27. 07:16 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Richard Girard) 28. 07:30 PM - Re: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X (Richard Girard) 29. 07:38 PM - Re: Firefly landing gear dimensions, please? (Dan Breitigam) 30. 08:43 PM - Some success at last (Richard Girard) ________________________________ Message 0 _____________________________________ Time: 12:19:07 AM PST US From: Matt Dralle Subject: Kolb-List: What's Your Contribution Used For? Dear Listers, You might have wondered at some pointd, "What's my Contribution used for?" Here are just a few examples of what your direct List support enables... It provides for the expensive, commercial-grade Internet connection used on the List. It pays for the regular system hardware and software upgrades enabling the highest performance possible for List services such as the Archive Search Engine, List Browser, and the Web Forums. It pays for over 21 years (yeah, I really said *21* years) worth of on line archive data available for instant search and access. And, it offsets the many hours spent writing, developing, and maintaining the custom applications that power this List Service such as the List Browse, Search Engine, Forums, and Wiki. But most importantly, your List Contribution enables a forum where you and your peers can communicate freely in an environment that is free from moderation, censorship, advertising, commercialism, SPAM, and computer viruses. It is YOUR CONTRIBUTION that directly enables these aspects of Matronics List services. Please support it today with your List Contribution. Its one of the best investments you can make in your Sport! List Contribution Web Site: http://www.matronics.com/contribution or, you can send a personal check to the following address: Matronics / Matt Dralle 581 Jeannie Way Livermore, CA 94550 Thank you for your support! Matt Dralle Email List Administrator ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________ Time: 02:21:19 AM PST US From: Eugene Zimmerman Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nauga 2011 (video link inside) On Nov 14, 2011, at 10:26 PM, Dennis Souder wrote: > Gene, > > I do remember landing at SNF one time with the seat belt not fastened, but I think that was in a FS. > But even if I did that in an UltraStar and that was the most stupid thing I ever did =85 I=92d feel much better. > Fact is, I did far more stupid things than that ' there just wasn=92t a camera pointing at me. > > Dennis Dennis, Hey man trust me, I know what you mean about "stupid" and the pointing camera also. Ain't God good! Gene ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________ Time: 05:34:06 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Link to Nauga 2011 Pics From: "John Bickham" For those that are interested, here is a link to pics I took through the weekend: http://kolbadventures.shutterfly.com/506 Just press the button on the camera and hope for the best! -------- Thanks too much, John Bickham Mark III-C w/ 912UL St. Francisville, LA I know many pilots and a few true aviators. There is a distinct difference that I have the greatest respect for. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=357991#357991 ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________ Time: 05:39:29 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Folks: Right off hand I can think of a couple things that a nose gear might affect on a MKIIIx or a MKIIIc. -The nose wheel and mount will add a lot more weight and drag than a tail wheel. -We already have an inherent problem with a high mounted pusher configuration. The high thrust line wants to push the nose of the aircraft down. Takes a lot of nose up trim to keep it happy. If we add a nose wheel, it will add to the nose down trim problem. Low drag up front will combine with a high thrust line to try and push the nose down even more. The standard main gear on Kolb aircraft places most of the weight on the main gear with a light tail wheel. It is very easy to handle on the ground. As easy, or more so, than tricycle gear. That is why Homer designed it that way. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 4 _____________________________________ Time: 06:05:16 AM PST US From: Herb Gayheart Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X John Valid points...but---- Looks as if we already have a similar configuration with the Tri Firestar....The interview that I saw with Brian, indicated good flying qualities.. Maybe Travis will give us some feedback on the ground handling qualities and your concerns? Herb At 07:37 AM 11/15/2011, you wrote: > > > Folks: > >Right off hand I can think of a couple things that a nose gear might affect >on a MKIIIx or a MKIIIc. > >-The nose wheel and mount will add a lot more weight and drag than a tail >wheel. > >-We already have an inherent problem with a high mounted pusher >configuration. The high thrust line wants to push the nose of the aircraft >down. Takes a lot of nose up trim to keep it happy. If we add a nose >wheel, it will add to the nose down trim problem. Low drag up front will >combine with a high thrust line to try and push the nose down even more. > >The standard main gear on Kolb aircraft places most of the weight on the >main gear with a light tail wheel. It is very easy to handle on the ground. >As easy, or more so, than tricycle gear. That is why Homer designed it that >way. > >john h >mkIII >Titus, Alabama > > ________________________________ Message 5 _____________________________________ Time: 06:18:25 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Looks as if we already have a similar configuration with the Tri Firestar....The interview that I saw with Brian, indicated good flying qualities.. Herb Herb/Kolbers: I've never seen the new tri-gear Firestar, nor have I talked with the designer and test pilot. Know virtually nothing about it. I have flown a MKIIIx and am familiar with it. I think that is what we are talking about here, adding a nose gear to the MKIIIx. I am a tail wheel guy and partial to that configuration. This doesn't change the inherent problems mounting a nose gear on a MKIIIx will generate. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 6 _____________________________________ Time: 06:28:32 AM PST US From: russ kinne Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Firefly landing gear dimensions, please? Phil Nice bird! -- but what do it say under your right wing? do not archive Russ K On Nov 14, 2011, at 8:12 PM, Phil wrote: > Thanks. That's my 1988 Twinstar. No canopy, nosecone, enclosure, just bugs-in-the-teeth flying. I miss it very much. I'm at a point in my life now that I have my own little home in Tennessee, I'm totally gearing up my garage into a shop (on the dirt-cheap), and it's time to fly again. I live RIGHT next to Dallas Bay Skypark - 1A0 - and I have my Firefly on order; my 2nd Kolb - I get it in a couple of weeks. > > But right now I sure could use some Firefly dimensions! The plans have none for the cage or landing gear. > > I keep my ICON IC-A5 on in the garage and listen to the guys out at the field. The Kolb is, hands-down, the winner in my book. > > I'm keeping my new Firefly 103 legal. I get the kit(s) sometime around Thanksgiving weekend. At some point later I might fab my own nosecose and fairing. > > Phil > http://phactor.com/222.jpg > http://phactor.com/i/f1.jpg > http://phactor.com/i/f3.jpg > > --- On Mon, 11/14/11, Eugene Zimmerman wrote: > > From: Eugene Zimmerman > Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Firefly landing gear dimensions, please? > To: kolb-list@matronics.com > Date: Monday, November 14, 2011, 7:21 PM > > Hey Phil, > > Nice wing walker. ; ) > > Gene, > > > On Nov 14, 2011, at 5:15 PM, Phil wrote: > >> Much obliged! >> Phil H. >> http://phactor.com/i/f2.jpg >> > > > > ollow target=_blank>www.aeroelectric.com > /" rel=nofollow target=_blank>www.buildersbooks.com > ofollow target=_blank>www.homebuilthelp.com > llow target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution > =nofollow target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > et=_blank>http://forums.matronics.com > llow target=_blank>http://www.matronics.com/contribution > > > > ________________________________ Message 7 _____________________________________ Time: 06:33:35 AM PST US From: "Pat Ladd" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X We have machines here that started out as taildraggers, I had one. The change to the nose wheel option has happened without any drama and although I have no figures I would guess that the tricycle is now in the majority. I think you are wrong in describing the Xtra as `light on the tail`, mine certainly is not, although you are right in saying that it would require a major trim change to accommodate a front wheel. That would have to be a redistribution of weight rather that just trimming it out. I would certainly be interested in a trike gear but under our rules I suspect that I would have to jump through quite a few hoops to get it accepted on the register. I don`t think that I will bother. Pat ________________________________ Message 8 _____________________________________ Time: 07:16:49 AM PST US From: Michael Welch Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > I don`t think that I will bother. > > Pat Pat, others, I suspect the nosewheel/tailwheel argument is a lot like VGs, Mystery Oil, Seafoam, and a host of other unending discussions. Whether pro-tailwheel guys like it or not, there are probably lots of other guys who 'might' prefer a nosewheel. That doesn't make either side wrong, it just may be what we are used to, or have a preference for. Much like VGs, or NO VGs. That being said, without a doubt, to install a nosewheel on an Xtra would certainly require a heckava lot more than simply bolting on a ready-made front wheel. (IMO) The main gear's present location, which is designed for a taildragger weight distribution, would be a very poor place to adapt for a nosewheel. It should be placed several inches rearward (after proper design calculations). Plus, the added stresses a nosewheel would place on the very front portion of the fuselage would likely require some beefing up. In other words....done properly, a nosewheel Xtra would need a signifcant re-design, strengthening the front end and relocating the main gear mounts, maybe about 30" rearward or more. There may also be other design considerations...I would imagine. If Kolb Aircraft were to seriously tackle this concept; a) I would think the fuselage would require the appropriate modifications and new shape. b) there darn sure would be a market for a nosewheel Xtra c) it should be renamed, to clarify the distinction between nosewheel and tailwheel models. The idea that a high thrustline doesn't make for a good nosewheel airplane seems a little weak, to me. If I had to guess, I'd bet there are FAR more nosewheel/high engine lightplanes than there are tailwheel/high engine lightplanes. Titan Tornado, Quicksilvers, Carlsons, Rans S12, to name just a few. Whether there are more of one or the other, doesn't mean the opposite style won't work, especially when designed correctly. Just my humble little opinion. Mike Welch MkIII ________________________________ Message 9 _____________________________________ Time: 07:31:16 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: Rick Neilsen I started flying nose dragging airplanes and may still have more hours in them than tail daggers. With all the stories around I was also concerned about the Kolb before I flew it. Bottom line it isn't as much the nose verses tail as it is the overall aircraft design. Of the planes that I have flown there is one nose wheel airplane that is much more difficult to fly (drive on the ground) than my Kolb and that is a Piper Saratoga. The higher landing/take off speeds with the weight of the plane makes this nose wheel airplane a challenge. Another plane I now rent in the winter, a Sport Cruiser has differential braking with no link to the castering nose wheel. This configuration took more adjustment than a Kolb. I will say that I once landed down wind on a paved runway and my Kolb was a challenge. The Kolb flying off grass is the easiest to handle of any airplane I have ever flown. So with that said get a flight in a Kolb before you add the weight, drag, and complexity to a perfectly fine airplane. Rick Neilsen 1st Redrive VW Powered MKIIIC On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 8:37 AM, John Hauck wrote: > > > Folks: > > Right off hand I can think of a couple things that a nose gear might affect > on a MKIIIx or a MKIIIc. > > -The nose wheel and mount will add a lot more weight and drag than a tail > wheel. > > -We already have an inherent problem with a high mounted pusher > configuration. The high thrust line wants to push the nose of the aircraft > down. Takes a lot of nose up trim to keep it happy. If we add a nose > wheel, it will add to the nose down trim problem. Low drag up front will > combine with a high thrust line to try and push the nose down even more. > > The standard main gear on Kolb aircraft places most of the weight on the > main gear with a light tail wheel. It is very easy to handle on the > ground. > As easy, or more so, than tricycle gear. That is why Homer designed it > that > way. > > john h > mkIII > Titus, Alabama > > ________________________________ Message 10 ____________________________________ Time: 07:57:02 AM PST US From: "b young" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X the entire time i was building my mkiii, my brother kept telling me that it needed a nose wheel... it needs a nose wheel,,, it needs a nose whee... so when it was done i took him for a ride, when i showed him some slow s turns down the runway with the tail in the air,,, and told him that this was the hardest part of flying a tail dragger, he said,,," guess it dont need a nose wheel, this dosent seem as bad as i had been led to believe." many pilots when starting with a tail dragger, get a bit behind what is going on and end up "stomping on snakes" when making adjustments to the rudder. if , or should i say when, you learn that you should use a constant steady pressure, and only enough to get the desired results, the tail dragger tames down and is no longer a scary monster. ask me how i know about the "stomping on snakes" my first few flights in a super cub,,, well i am glad the runway was 75 ft wide. and now landing on a 2 track road is doable. my 2 cents boyd young mkiii utah ________________________________ Message 11 ____________________________________ Time: 08:24:30 AM PST US From: Michael Welch Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > the tail dragger tames down and is no longer a scary monster. > > boyd young > mkiii utah Boyd, I suspect you are hitting the nail on the head the best. For those of us with little, or NO tailwheel time, I think all we want is a stable, unscary plane. Whether it is nosedragger, or taildragger, we mostly prefer non-wingdragger. Like Rick N. suggested, maybe we should just get a flight in a MkIII and relax. By all accounts, evidently Kolbs are some of the best taildraggers around. Mike W ________________________________ Message 12 ____________________________________ Time: 09:00:42 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X The idea that a high thrustline doesn't make for a good nosewheel airplane seems a little weak, to me. If I had to guess, I'd bet there are FAR more nosewheel/high engine lightplanes than there are tailwheel/high engine lightplanes. Titan Tornado, Quicksilvers, Carlsons, Rans S12, to name just a few. Whether there are more of one or the other, doesn't mean the opposite style won't work, especially when designed correctly. Just my humble little opinion. Mike Welch MkIII Mike W/Folks: No argument here. I simply tried to contribute the effects of adding a nose wheel to a MKIIIx, probably with the big nose (I am assuming the gentleman has an older model MKIIIx). I didn't say, "a high thrust line doesn't make for a good nose wheel airplane." There is no comparison between a MKIIIx and "Titan Tornado, Quicksilvers, Carlsons, Rans S12, to name a few," when comparing nose and tail wheel aircraft. If and when you ever fly a MKIIIx, you will probably be immediately aware of the high thrust line and how it affects flight characteristics and performance, especially in cruise. Add a nose wheel to this characteristic and it will only add to the high thrust line effect. Sort of like riding a bicycle with one pedal. Then getting the other foot on a pedal and riding with two. Suddenly there is a lot more force being applied. The drag on the nose wheel will tend to compound the high thrust line and its characteristic of pushing down on the nose. I have no argument for or against, either nose or tail wheel, as I have no argument with or without VGs. I have been there and done that, with experience to back up my thoughts. My MKIII and the couple other MKIII's with Hauck mods are "real" tail draggers. Thom Riddle talks of his heavy tailed Slingshot. I can assure you the Hauck/MKIII has more weight and much longer arm than a Slingshot. I have flown both, many times, and can give a good comparison between my airplane and a Slingshot. It will be much harder for a low time Kolb pilot, or high time pilot of a standard built Kolb to adjust to my MKIII. However, once you get the hang of it, in a short time it becomes normal, and the benefits of not having to worry about getting your Kolb up on its nose, either from power application or terrain surface or taxiing in a tail wind will become quite apparent. In over 3,100 hours I have never had my MKIII attempt to get the tail high and the nose low while maneuvering on the ground in all types of terrain. I have put the Firestar, Firefly, and the factory MKIII on their noses at one time or the other. john h MKIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 13 ____________________________________ Time: 09:04:20 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Like Rick N. suggested, maybe we should just get a flight in a MkIII and relax. By all accounts, evidently Kolbs are some of the best taildraggers around. Mike W Mike W/Kolbers: Maybe get some "actual pilot time" in a MKIII will help get a better picture of that aircraft's handling characteristics. I find it difficult to make effective changes to a proven aircraft design without having actual experience flying that aircraft. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 14 ____________________________________ Time: 09:05:27 AM PST US From: Herb Gayheart Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X my extra two cents.... I do not think it is about liking one design or the other...It is what sells...and allows one to stay in business... Innovation shows that Kolb is a viable company... I suspect that they could have sold many times as many planes had the nose dragger been in the stable... Most people train in that miserable straight jacket of a plane, the cessna 150, and most of the time their instructor has no tail time....It is during this stage that the tail dragger fear is instilled in the neophyte... Too...Kolb has to be concerned about what engines will be available in the near future... no 447 or 503 I hear... imho again Herb At 10:21 AM 11/15/2011, you wrote: > > > the tail dragger tames down and is no longer a scary monster. > > > > boyd young > > mkiii utah > > >Boyd, > > I suspect you are hitting the nail on the head the best. For > those of us with little, or NO >tailwheel time, I think all we want is a stable, unscary >plane. Whether it is nosedragger, or taildragger, >we mostly prefer non-wingdragger. > > Like Rick N. suggested, maybe we should just get a flight in a > MkIII and relax. By all accounts, >evidently Kolbs are some of the best taildraggers around. > >Mike W > ________________________________ Message 15 ____________________________________ Time: 09:36:17 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: RE: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X my extra two cents.... I do not think it is about liking one design or the other...It is what sells...and allows one to stay in business... imho again Herb Herb G/Kolbers: Yes, I agree "staying in business" is of primary concern to Kolb Aircraft. Another reason for all of us that build and fly Kolbs to give Kolb Aircraft as much support as we can. Every little bit we use Travis Brown to supply our parts, even if they cost a dollar or more, is a little bit more insurance we are going to have Kolb Aircraft when we need them. If we fly long enough, we are going to need repair and replacement parts. I fly and have been flying my mkIII for nearly 20 years because I like my airplane, I like what it does and what it doesn't do. If I didn't, I'd either change it to suit "me" or I would sell it and build something else. This flight to Starhill, LA, last weekend was great for refreshing my memory of how much I enjoy the mkIII and my friends and folks that fly Kolbs. When the mkIII sits in the hanger for months on end, I get those feelings I probably need to sell it because of the cost of insurance, etc. Then I get over to the airstrip, break ground, and I know why I still have it. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 16 ____________________________________ Time: 09:40:02 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: Michael Welch > > If and when you ever fly a MKIIIx > john h > MKIII > Titus, Alabama John, I'd say we're pretty much on the same page on this debate. Re; the "if and when", at the moment, that and a few other things is the question. The latest glitch is a recent episode of glaucoma in my left eye. My vision was down to about 30% at it's worst. I can see shapes and colors, but zero detail. Glaucoma usually causes irreversible nerve damage. This is likely the case for me, too. I've been back and forth to the Eye Doc in the last couple of months. I had the laser surgery on the last visit, gawd that hurt like hell!! Progress is slow, if at all. The super expensive eye drops to lower my excessively high internal eyeball pressure have finally began to work. Now the IOP (inter-occular pressure) is within acceptable ranges...and maybe 'some' healing can begin. I'd guess my left eye vision has improved to about 70% of normal. Certainly better than it was. The internal retina photographs do show a significant degree of permanent eye loss. Most of my tunnel vision is here to stay. Regarding my plane, it's REALLY close to being done. I only have a couple of days of tinkering with odds and ends to wrap it up! At the moment, it's on hold. Apologies to all about the Sad Sack dribble. Mike Welch Here's a shot of my plane last June. ALL Lexan has been installed since this photo was taken. ________________________________ Message 17 ____________________________________ Time: 10:09:55 AM PST US From: "John Hauck" Subject: Kolb-List: Joy Of Flying A Kolb Kolbers: Sorry to hear about Mike W's medical problems. I was already aware of them through correspondence a couple weeks ago. A reminder of why we put all the hours of work and sweat into building a Kolb. John Bickham took these photos at False River Airport, LA, as we were getting ready and departing for Alabama. Don't think he was using a telephoto lens for the aerial shots. ;-) john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 18 ____________________________________ Time: 10:24:31 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: robert bean The only good reason for a nose wheel is to avoid having to S turn a blind ship down the taxiway. That isn't a problem in a Kolb. You would have to try hard to ground loop one too. BB MkIII, suzuki Scottsville, NY Floral City, FL On Nov 15, 2011, at 12:02 PM, John Hauck wrote: Like Rick N. suggested, maybe we should just get a flight in a MkIII and relax. By all accounts, evidently Kolbs are some of the best taildraggers around. Mike W Mike W/Kolbers: Maybe get some "actual pilot time" in a MKIII will help get a better picture of that aircraft's handling characteristics. I find it difficult to make effective changes to a proven aircraft design without having actual experience flying that aircraft. john h mkIII Titus, Alabama ________________________________ Message 19 ____________________________________ Time: 10:24:32 AM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Ultralight History From: Rick Neilsen John I really wanted to say that was before my time but... I was there and remembered seeing that four engine Lazair. I was flying a Weedhopper nose dragger at that point. I now enjoying flying my relatively ultra reliable VW Powered MKIIIC. Thanks for the memories. Rick Neilsen On Mon, Nov 14, 2011 at 12:30 PM, John Hauck wrote: > > Folks: > > Never thought I would see this Lazair on floats fly again, but found it > after watching the Ultrastars fly at S&F 1984. > > http://www.youtube.com/user/OldChuckie#p/a/u/2/CaVLBrv4eQQ > > At the same S&F 1984, there was an ultralight ditch filled with water that > served at the UL Seaplane Base in the UL area. One of the prettiest of the > float equipped ULs was an Ultrastar, red and white sunburst, on fiberglass > floats. > > There was also this 4 engine Lazair on floats. As you will see, the pilot > flew barefooted with his britches legs rolled up. He must have had a > little > of Dick Rahill's (Kolb Firestar Factory Pilot) blood in him because he flew > almost continually. Take off, very short circuit and plop back down in the > ditch, just to take off again. > > Those were extremely good days. > > john h > mkIII > Titus, Alabama > > ________________________________ Message 20 ____________________________________ Time: 10:36:56 AM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Rotax 912 for sale... From: "EdgePerformance" Hi, I am looking for a 912UL, but I cant manage to acsess to this site. Can you please forward a direct link ? Thomas -------- Kitfox IV w\ Jabiru 2200 Turbo\Aerocarb Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358038#358038 ________________________________ Message 21 ____________________________________ Time: 01:49:27 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Rotax 912 for sale... From: "Ralph B" Gees, I hope it's not mine (the one that was stolen on 5/17/11) ... (serial #4400582) Ralph B -------- Ralph B Original Firestar 447 N91493 E-AB 1000 hours 24 years flying it Kolbra 912UL (engine and avionics stolen on 5/17/11. Hanger break-in) N20386 done flying it 150 hrs Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358057#358057 ________________________________ Message 22 ____________________________________ Time: 03:57:42 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: "Rick Lewis" Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. Rick Lewis -------- Rick Lewis (VW Watercooled Engine) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 ________________________________ Message 23 ____________________________________ Time: 04:59:09 PM PST US From: "pcking" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > > Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this > information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I > will probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide > to put one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time > for me to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I > only hope I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. > Years ago I test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it > really wasn't very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next > week I will be going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and > Brian. They have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take > pictures. > > Rick Lewis > > -------- > Rick Lewis > > (VW Watercooled Engine) > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 > > > ________________________________ Message 24 ____________________________________ Time: 05:16:06 PM PST US From: robert bean Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X or from here? do not archive On Nov 15, 2011, at 7:56 PM, pcking wrote: Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > > Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. > > Rick Lewis > > -------- > Rick Lewis > > (VW Watercooled Engine) > > > > > Read this topic online here: > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 > > > > > > > > > > ________________________________ Message 25 ____________________________________ Time: 05:26:10 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: Richard Girard Actually that nose wheel on the Lazair started life as a wheel for hang gliders. You slipped them over the base tube and used a stop collar on one side only. That's why the funny shape, so they wouldn't rub on the down tube should you happen to use them. Rick Girard On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM, pcking wrote: > > > Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built > with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was > in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in > if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the > wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic > wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM > Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > > >> >> Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this >> information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will >> probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put >> one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me >> to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope >> I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I >> test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't >> very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be >> going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They >> have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. >> >> Rick Lewis >> >> -------- >> Rick Lewis >> >> (VW Watercooled Engine) >> >> >> >> >> Read this topic online here: >> >> http://forums.matronics.com/**viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > -- Zulu Delta Mk IIIC Thanks, Homer GBYM It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. - Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 26 ____________________________________ Time: 06:15:49 PM PST US From: "pcking" Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Could something like that be an alternative to a nose wheel? You would have a taildragger with a fat tire in the nose just in case. ----- Original Message ----- From: Richard Girard To: kolb-list@matronics.com Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:23 PM Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Actually that nose wheel on the Lazair started life as a wheel for hang gliders. You slipped them over the base tube and used a stop collar on one side only. That's why the funny shape, so they wouldn't rub on the down tube should you happen to use them. Rick Girard On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM, pcking wrote: Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" To: Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. Rick Lewis -------- Rick Lewis (VW Watercooled Engine) Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 om" target="_blank">www.aeroelectric.com ooks.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com et="_blank">www.homebuilthelp.com ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution le, List Admin. arget="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List http://forums.matronics.com le, List Admin. ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution -- Zulu Delta Mk IIIC Thanks, Homer GBYM It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. - Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 27 ____________________________________ Time: 07:16:29 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: Richard Girard For what it's worth, I hadn't flown a tail wheel in 38 years when I hopped in my Mk III and took off. It was probably not the wisest thing I've ever done, but it came out just fine. I did have the advantage of never being allowed to do crabbed landings by my instructor and I'd had a lot of practice at crosswind landings, too. But the biggest part of it was the fine handling built into the Mk III. Rick Girard On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 7:15 PM, robert bean wrote: > or from here? > do not archive > [image: The Original Big Wheel Spin Out Racer with Stickers] > > > > On Nov 15, 2011, at 7:56 PM, pcking wrote: > > > > Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built > with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was > in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in > if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the > wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic > wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. > > > ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" > To: > Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM > Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > > > > > Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this > information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will > probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put > one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me > to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope > I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I > test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't > very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be > going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They > have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. > > > Rick Lewis > > > -------- > > Rick Lewis > > > (VW Watercooled Engine) > > > Read this topic online here: > > > http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 > > > http://www.matronics.com/co -Matt Dralle, > List - The Kolb-List --> > http://www.matronics========================** > http://www.matronics.com/co================ > > > > > -- Zulu Delta Mk IIIC Thanks, Homer GBYM It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. - Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 28 ____________________________________ Time: 07:30:45 PM PST US Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X From: Richard Girard Well, it worked for the Barling Bomber, not. Rick Girard On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 8:13 PM, pcking wrote: > ** > > Could something like that be an alternative to a nose wheel? You > would have a taildragger with a fat tire in the nose just in case. > > > ----- Original Message ----- > *From:* Richard Girard > *To:* kolb-list@matronics.com > *Sent:* Tuesday, November 15, 2011 8:23 PM > *Subject:* Re: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X > > Actually that nose wheel on the Lazair started life as a wheel for hang > gliders. You slipped them over the base tube and used a stop collar on one > side only. That's why the funny shape, so they wouldn't rub on the down > tube should you happen to use them. > > Rick Girard > > On Tue, Nov 15, 2011 at 6:56 PM, pcking wrote: > >> >> >> Back in the day a Canadian ultralight called the Lazair could be built >> with a wheel in the nose, but you would hardly call it a nosewheel. It was >> in front of the pilot's feet. It was there to keep the nose from digging in >> if the tail came up on landing. No steering. No brakes. The bottom of the >> wheel hung below the fairing, or the front tubes. It was a fat plastic >> wheel that might have started life on an all terrain garden cart. >> >> >> >> >> >> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rick Lewis" >> To: >> Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 6:55 PM >> Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Nose wheel on a Kolb MK3X >> >> >> >>> >>> Thank you all for the replies on this subject. I've taken in all this >>> information and thoughts on the idea of a nose wheel for my MK3X and I will >>> probably weld in extra support needed in case in the future I decide to put >>> one on. My cage has not been covered yet so this is the ideal time for me >>> to do this. I definitely will NOT test fly with a nose wheel. I only hope >>> I can get a little flight time with Brian before I test fly. Years ago I >>> test flew my Cozy III without instruction and did ok but it really wasn't >>> very smart, very fast airplane. If the weather is good next week I will be >>> going to the Kolb factory to visit with Travis, Dennis, and Brian. They >>> have a prototype cage for me to look at and I will take pictures. >>> >>> Rick Lewis >>> >>> -------- >>> Rick Lewis >>> >>> (VW Watercooled Engine) >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> Read this topic online here: >>> >>> http://forums.matronics.com/**viewtopic.php?p=358065#358065 >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >> >> ====**==============================**= >> om" target="_blank">www.aeroelectric.com >> ooks.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com >> et="_blank">www.homebuilthelp.com >> ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/**contribution >> le, List Admin. >> ====**==============================**= >> arget="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/**Navigator?Kolb-List >> ====**==============================**= >> http://forums.matronics.com >> ====**==============================**= >> le, List Admin. >> ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/**contribution >> ====**==============================**= >> >> >> >> > > > -- > Zulu Delta > Mk IIIC > Thanks, Homer GBYM > > It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. > - Groucho Marx > > > * > > href="http://www.aeroelectric.com">www.aeroelectric.com > href="http://www.buildersbooks.com">www.buildersbooks.com > href="http://www.homebuilthelp.com">www.homebuilthelp.com > href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/chref="http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List > href="http://forums.matronics.com">http://forums.matronics.com > href="http://www.matronics.com/contribution">http://www.matronics.com/c* > > * > > * > > -- Zulu Delta Mk IIIC Thanks, Homer GBYM It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. - Groucho Marx ________________________________ Message 29 ____________________________________ Time: 07:38:46 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Firefly landing gear dimensions, please? From: "Dan Breitigam" Hey Phil, Sorry, I don't have the dimensions you need. I do have one of those mid 80's vintage Twinstars with no canopy or nosecone over at the Collegedale airport. You should come check it out sometime. Dan [quote="phactor9"]Thanks. That's my 1988 Twinstar. No canopy, nosecone, enclosure, just bugs-in-the-teeth flying. I miss it very much. Read this topic online here: http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=358081#358081 ________________________________ Message 30 ____________________________________ Time: 08:43:21 PM PST US Subject: Kolb-List: Some success at last From: Richard Girard After my neighbor offered the observation that I seemed to need an awful lot of rudder to keep the Mk IIIX flying straight on take off I started investigating and found that the vertical stabilizer was off ever so slightly. See picture 1. I removed the rudder trim tab and flew the airplane. You can see from picture 2 that the airplane flew a bit sideways. The Yaw string is about 8" long and I'd guess it is deflected about 2.5" giving a side slip of a little over 18 degrees. If you look carefully at picture 3 you can see how much the rudder is deflected to keep the airplane flying straight in level flight. Sorry, I've never tried to take a picture over my shoulder while trying to fly an airplane straight and level. After the vertical stabilizer was moved to align it straight down the tail boom, I flew it again, still without a rudder trim tab. Under power, there was no change in the results shown in picture 2. Pull the engine back to idle and yaw string flows right down the line on the windscreen and the ball is centered. Where the improvement really shown was in the power off stall characteristics. Before removing the trim tab, the airplane had a bad break to the left almost immediately at the onset of buffeting and it took rapid application of forward stick and right rudder to break it. Now with the trim tab removed, the airplane flies straight with the engine at idle and my feet off the rudder peddles. The stall is much more like that of my Mk III, no wing drop and recovery only requires releasing the back pressure on the stick. I still have no idea why P factor is so strong in this airplane. I've checked the engine alignment and it is straight down the centerline of the airplane as best as I can measure it. Because Ken's prop no longer fits after I lowered the engine mount to the factory recommended height, I'm using my prop, adjusted for the difference in the gearbox ratios of Ken's engine (2.62) and mine (4.00). So, I'm taking heart in the fact that the airplane no longer wants to break into a spin when stalled without power. I did not do a departure stall with it, if the weather is nice again tomorrow, I may work up my courage and give it a try. My airplane would not do a departure stall, it would just hang on the prop until I release back pressure. Somehow I don't think I'll get the same results with this airplane, but I've been wrong before. Anyway, I think the airplane is much safer, although I can only fly it for about 30 minutes before I get a cramp in my left calf. Rick Girard -- Zulu Delta Mk IIIC Thanks, Homer GBYM It isn't necessary to have relatives in Kansas City in order to be unhappy. - Groucho Marx ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other Matronics Email List Services ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Post A New Message kolb-list@matronics.com UN/SUBSCRIBE http://www.matronics.com/subscription List FAQ http://www.matronics.com/FAQ/Kolb-List.htm Web Forum Interface To Lists http://forums.matronics.com Matronics List Wiki http://wiki.matronics.com Full Archive Search Engine http://www.matronics.com/search 7-Day List Browse http://www.matronics.com/browse/kolb-list Browse Digests http://www.matronics.com/digest/kolb-list Browse Other Lists http://www.matronics.com/browse Live Online Chat! http://www.matronics.com/chat Archive Downloading http://www.matronics.com/archives Photo Share http://www.matronics.com/photoshare Other Email Lists http://www.matronics.com/emaillists Contributions http://www.matronics.com/contribution ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- These Email List Services are sponsored solely by Matronics and through the generous Contributions of its members.