Today's Message Index:
----------------------
1. 02:38 AM - Re: Kolb-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 12/18/13 (Ted Cowan)
2. 03:54 AM - Re: Firefly/introduction (gliderx5@comcast.net)
3. 04:26 AM - Re: Firefly/introduction (Dennis Rowe)
4. 04:41 AM - Re: Firefly/introduction (tombaisley)
5. 04:49 AM - Re: Kolb-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 12/18/13 (Bob Green)
6. 05:48 AM - Re: Firefly/introduction (Beauford)
7. 09:00 AM - Re: Firefly/introduction (Jason Omelchuck)
8. 09:20 AM - Re: Re: Firefly/introduction (John Hauck)
9. 09:35 AM - Re: Re: Firefly/introduction (william sullivan)
10. 10:13 AM - Re: Re: Firefly/introduction (John Hauck)
11. 10:51 AM - Re: Re: Firefly/introduction (Dennis Rowe)
12. 01:59 PM - Re: Firefly/introduction (t41pilot)
13. 04:33 PM - Another "Kolb" Newby (sfrIII)
14. 05:45 PM - Re: Another "Kolb" Newby (John Hauck)
Message 1
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Subject: | Re: Kolb-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 12/18/13 |
I wouldnt put a hirth on a golf cart! I personally know of two that almost turned
the planes into scrap. One fried pistons twice and brought the plane down
and the other, hangered right here with me , cracked the casing next to the
head in flight. Metel seems to be too soft to hold bolts from what i hear. Do
a lot of ckecking. My buddy would be happy tp part with his very cheap. They
offered to fix it for abt a thousand
My opinions and observations. Ted Cowan slingshot 912 ul zoom zoom
Sent from my iPhone
On Dec 19, 2013, at 2:01 AM, Kolb-List Digest Server <kolb-list@matronics.com>
wrote:
> *
>
> =================================================
> Online Versions of Today's List Digest Archive
> =================================================
>
> Today's complete Kolb-List Digest can also be found in either of the
> two Web Links listed below. The .html file includes the Digest formatted
> in HTML for viewing with a web browser and features Hyperlinked Indexes
> and Message Navigation. The .txt file includes the plain ASCII version
> of the Kolb-List Digest and can be viewed with a generic text editor
> such as Notepad or with a web browser.
>
> HTML Version:
>
> http://www.matronics.com/digest/digestview.php?Style=82701&View=html&Chapter 13-12-18&Archive=Kolb
>
> Text Version:
>
> http://www.matronics.com/digest/digestview.php?Style=82701&View=txt&Chapter 13-12-18&Archive=Kolb
>
>
> ===============================================
> EMail Version of Today's List Digest Archive
> ===============================================
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> Kolb-List Digest Archive
> ---
> Total Messages Posted Wed 12/18/13: 3
> ----------------------------------------------------------
>
>
> Today's Message Index:
> ----------------------
>
> 1. 03:17 PM - Re: Tee wagon (Rick Lewis)
> 2. 05:27 PM - Firefly/introduction (Stuart Harner)
> 3. 09:06 PM - Re: Firefly/introduction (Larry Cottrell)
>
>
>
> ________________________________ Message 1 _____________________________________
>
>
> Time: 03:17:13 PM PST US
> Subject: Kolb-List: Re: Tee wagon
> From: "Rick Lewis" <cktman@wildblue.net>
>
>
> I like it, good job, thanks for the picture....
>
> --------
> Rick Lewis
>
> (VW Watercooled Engine)
>
>
> Read this topic online here:
>
> http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415831#415831
>
>
> ________________________________ Message 2 _____________________________________
>
>
> Time: 05:27:35 PM PST US
> From: "Stuart Harner" <stuart@harnerfarm.net>
> Subject: Kolb-List: Firefly/introduction
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
>
> My Firefly quick build kit arrived today. Partain Transportation delivered
> it from the factory. I must say, I don't think there was any way to get it
> here for less money and less hassle. The kit is excellent in workmanship
> and there is no way I could have done it as quickly or as well as the
> factory did. For me the quick build option is definitely the way to go.
>
>
> I would be most interested in hearing from other Firefly owners on any
> subject from the kit, covering, painting, or engine selection to flying
> characteristics.
>
>
> A little about me:
>
>
> I learned to fly in an Aeronca LB-65 Pre-War Chief as a teenager. I owned
> and flew a '63 Piper Cherokee 180 for a little over ten years and loved that
> airplane! Alas, it became too expensive to keep when my flying habits
> changed and cross country travel became a thing of the past. I flew the
> Chief for a few years, but life changes made that more difficult and the
> cost of owning a hanger and plane kept climbing, although my yearly logbook
> entries kept shrinking. I finally sold the Chief this spring and started
> looking for an ulta-light that I could keep and fly nearby. The hangar is
> gone too, so storage in a trailer was one of my prime requirements.
>
>
> Initially I was very intrigued by the BackYard Flyer. I contacted the
> company and was very excited to visit with them at Oshkosh, fully prepared
> to order one while there. I was greatly disappointed by the fact that they
> did not even bring a partially build unit to show off at Oshkosh. It seemed
> as though I was intruding on their family vacation by asking questions. I
> liked the design and the price, but wanted to see one fly and get a good
> firsthand look at the product. Delivery time was quoted at over a year and
> there were no versions near me to look at. I left my contact information
> with the company with promises to put me in touch with other owners so that
> I may find out more. I never heard a word from them.
>
>
> While walking the booths at Oshkosh, I found Kolb. I knew of them, but not
> about them. When I discovered they folded up, I got very interested.
> Visiting with Bryan and Travis was like a breath of fresh air, with a hint
> of used car salesman thrown in. But what the heck, that is their job. I
> found them to be friendly, and straight forward. I did not commit at
> Oshkosh, but thought about the Firefly all the way home and spent an entire
> day on the internet researching the plane and the company. I could not find
> any disparaging remarks AT ALL! I bit the bullet and ordered my kit.
>
>
> Kolb has been a delight to work with, and I expect to be in much closer
> contact with them as I get into the process of finishing the Firefly. Based
> on my experiences so far, I expect this is going to be fairly easy and lots
> of fun. I have no worries about getting support from the factory.
>
>
> I have not made an engine decision yet, but will be ordering the covering
> kit soon. I helped a friend cover and paint his Fisher Classic with
> Polyfiber products several years ago and was so impressed, I don't think I
> will use anything else. Anyone want to try and persuade me differently?
> Please let me hear from you.
>
>
> I am leaning towards the Hirth 2702 with a Warp Drive 3 blade, but again, I
> want to hear from others.
>
>
> One last note, I really liked the delivery service by Partain. I had not
> heard of them, but Travis at Kolb made all the arrangements. I could not
> have gotten the kit here by any other means for less $ and it was hassle
> free. I would definitely use them again. Thanks to Tony Partain and driver
> Michael!
>
>
> I have perused the forums and am hoping to start quite a lot of conversation
> about the Firefly.
>
>
> Thanks for your consideration.
>
>
> Stuart Harner
>
> Central North Dakota
>
>
> P.S. Anyone want a partially completed Loehle 5151 Kit? I certainly don't
> need it anymore, I have a FIREFLY!!!
>
>
> ________________________________ Message 3 _____________________________________
>
>
> Time: 09:06:33 PM PST US
> Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Firefly/introduction
> From: Larry Cottrell <lcottrell1020@gmail.com>
>
> It appears that all the experts are busy, so I will at least acknowledge
> that your question was seen at least by one. First congratulations on your
> smart choice. I believe that you will love the little bird. However unless
> there has been some serious changes with Hirth I would do a lot of checking
> before I committed to it. I have no solid evidence against them, other than
> the experiences of a couple of friends, which were not all that good.
> Good luck,
> Larry
>
>
> On Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 6:27 PM, Stuart Harner <stuart@harnerfarm.net>wrote
> :
>
>> Hello Everyone,
>>
>>
>> My Firefly quick build kit arrived today. Partain Transportation
>> delivered it from the factory. I must say, I don=92t think there was any
> way
>> to get it here for less money and less hassle. The kit is excellent in
>> workmanship and there is no way I could have done it as quickly or as wel
> l
>> as the factory did. For me the quick build option is definitely the way
> to
>> go.
>>
>>
>> I would be most interested in hearing from other Firefly owners on any
>> subject from the kit, covering, painting, or engine selection to flying
>> characteristics.
>>
>>
>> A little about me:
>>
>>
>> I learned to fly in an Aeronca LB-65 Pre-War Chief as a teenager. I owne
> d
>> and flew a =9263 Piper Cherokee 180 for a little over ten years and loved
>> that airplane! Alas, it became too expensive to keep when my flying habi
> ts
>> changed and cross country travel became a thing of the past. I flew the
>> Chief for a few years, but life changes made that more difficult and the
>> cost of owning a hanger and plane kept climbing, although my yearly logbo
> ok
>> entries kept shrinking. I finally sold the Chief this spring and started
>> looking for an ulta-light that I could keep and fly nearby. The hangar i
> s
>> gone too, so storage in a trailer was one of my prime requirements.
>>
>>
>> Initially I was very intrigued by the BackYard Flyer. I contacted the
>> company and was very excited to visit with them at Oshkosh, fully prepare
> d
>> to order one while there. I was greatly disappointed by the fact that th
> ey
>> did not even bring a partially build unit to show off at Oshkosh. It
>> seemed as though I was intruding on their family vacation by asking
>> questions. I liked the design and the price, but wanted to see one fly a
> nd
>> get a good firsthand look at the product. Delivery time was quoted at ov
> er
>> a year and there were no versions near me to look at. I left my contact
>> information with the company with promises to put me in touch with other
>> owners so that I may find out more. I never heard a word from them.
>>
>>
>> While walking the booths at Oshkosh, I found Kolb. I knew of them, but
>> not about them. When I discovered they folded up, I got very interested.
>> Visiting with Bryan and Travis was like a breath of fresh air, with a hin
> t
>> of used car salesman thrown in. But what the heck, that is their job. I
>> found them to be friendly, and straight forward. I did not commit at
>> Oshkosh, but thought about the Firefly all the way home and spent an enti
> re
>> day on the internet researching the plane and the company. I could not
>> find any disparaging remarks AT ALL! I bit the bullet and ordered my kit
> ..
>>
>>
>> Kolb has been a delight to work with, and I expect to be in much closer
>> contact with them as I get into the process of finishing the Firefly.
>> Based on my experiences so far, I expect this is going to be fairly easy
>> and lots of fun. I have no worries about getting support from the factor
> y.
>>
>>
>> I have not made an engine decision yet, but will be ordering the covering
>> kit soon. I helped a friend cover and paint his Fisher Classic with
>> Polyfiber products several years ago and was so impressed, I don=92t thin
> k I
>> will use anything else. Anyone want to try and persuade me differently?
>> Please let me hear from you.
>>
>>
>> I am leaning towards the Hirth 2702 with a Warp Drive 3 blade, but again,
>> I want to hear from others.
>>
>>
>> One last note, I really liked the delivery service by Partain. I had not
>> heard of them, but Travis at Kolb made all the arrangements. I could not
>> have gotten the kit here by any other means for less $ and it was hassle
>> free. I would definitely use them again. Thanks to Tony Partain and
>> driver Michael!
>>
>>
>> I have perused the forums and am hoping to start quite a lot of
>> conversation about the Firefly.
>>
>>
>> Thanks for your consideration.
>>
>>
>> Stuart Harner
>>
>> Central North Dakota
>>
>>
>> P.S. Anyone want a partially completed Loehle 5151 Kit? I certainly
>> don=92t need it anymore, I have a FIREFLY!!!
>>
>>
>> *
> ==========
> m>
> ldersbooks.com>
> .com>
> com>
> om/contribution>
> ==========
> onics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List>
> ==========
> ==========
>> *
>
>
> --
> *If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email
> address before sending.*
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
Message 2
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|
Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Stuart
Congrats on the Kolb. You're going to love it! I don't have any experience
with the Hirth engines, but I think a Rotax 447 would certainly be a great
fit, and they are available for very little money. Also, I preach the gospe
l of latex paint. Polyfiber is a great product, but if cost or health conce
rns are an issue you might have a look at latex. Here's a link to some info
rmation on it if you're interested. http://home.comcast.net/~mmorrison123/L
atex.htm . And, here's a link to my Kolb MKII page. You might find the trai
ler interesting. http://home.comcast.net/~mmorrison123/kolb.htm
Best of luck on the new project
Malcolm Morrison
----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Cottrell" <lcottrell1020@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 19, 2013 12:05:53 AM
Subject: Re: Kolb-List: Firefly/introduction
It appears that all the experts are busy, so I will at least acknowledge th
at your question was seen at least by one. First congratulations on your sm
art choice. I believe that you will love the little bird. However unless th
ere has been some serious changes with Hirth I would do a lot of checking b
efore I committed to it. I have no solid evidence against them, other than
the experiences of a couple of friends, which were not all that good.
Good luck,
Larry
On Wed, Dec 18, 2013 at 6:27 PM, Stuart Harner < stuart@harnerfarm.net > wr
ote:
Hello Everyone,
My Firefly quick build kit arrived today. Partain Transportation delivered
it from the factory. I must say, I don=99t think there was any way to
get it here for less money and less hassle. The kit is excellent in workma
nship and there is no way I could have done it as quickly or as well as the
factory did. For me the quick build option is definitely the way to go.
I would be most interested in hearing from other Firefly owners on any subj
ect from the kit, covering, painting, or engine selection to flying charact
eristics.
A little about me:
I learned to fly in an Aeronca LB-65 Pre-War Chief as a teenager. I owned a
nd flew a =9963 Piper Cherokee 180 for a little over ten years and lo
ved that airplane! Alas, it became too expensive to keep when my flying hab
its changed and cross country travel became a thing of the past. I flew the
Chief for a few years, but life changes made that more difficult and the c
ost of owning a hanger and plane kept climbing, although my yearly logbook
entries kept shrinking. I finally sold the Chief this spring and started lo
oking for an ulta-light that I could keep and fly nearby. The hangar is gon
e too, so storage in a trailer was one of my prime requirements.
Initially I was very intrigued by the BackYard Flyer. I contacted the compa
ny and was very excited to visit with them at Oshkosh, fully prepared to or
der one while there. I was greatly disappointed by the fact that they did n
ot even bring a partially build unit to show off at Oshkosh. It seemed as t
hough I was intruding on their family vacation by asking questions. I liked
the design and the price, but wanted to see one fly and get a good firstha
nd look at the product. Delivery time was quoted at over a year and there w
ere no versions near me to look at. I left my contact information with the
company with promises to put me in touch with other owners so that I may fi
nd out more. I never heard a word from them.
While walking the booths at Oshkosh, I found Kolb. I knew of them, but not
about them. When I discovered they folded up, I got very interested. Visiti
ng with Bryan and Travis was like a breath of fresh air, with a hint of use
d car salesman thrown in. But what the heck, that is their job. I found the
m to be friendly, and straight forward. I did not commit at Oshkosh, but th
ought about the Firefly all the way home and spent an entire day on the int
ernet researching the plane and the company. I could not find any disparagi
ng remarks AT ALL! I bit the bullet and ordered my kit.
Kolb has been a delight to work with, and I expect to be in much closer con
tact with them as I get into the process of finishing the Firefly. Based on
my experiences so far, I expect this is going to be fairly easy and lots o
f fun. I have no worries about getting support from the factory.
I have not made an engine decision yet, but will be ordering the covering k
it soon. I helped a friend cover and paint his Fisher Classic with Polyfibe
r products several years ago and was so impressed, I don=99t think I
will use anything else. Anyone want to try and persuade me differently? Ple
ase let me hear from you.
I am leaning towards the Hirth 2702 with a Warp Drive 3 blade, but again, I
want to hear from others.
One last note, I really liked the delivery service by Partain. I had not he
ard of them, but Travis at Kolb made all the arrangements. I could not have
gotten the kit here by any other means for less $ and it was hassle free.
I would definitely use them again. Thanks to Tony Partain and driver Michae
l!
I have perused the forums and am hoping to start quite a lot of conversatio
n about the Firefly.
Thanks for your consideration.
Stuart Harner
Central North Dakota
P.S. Anyone want a partially completed Loehle 5151 Kit? I certainly don
=99t need it anymore, I have a FIREFLY!!!
_blank">www.aeroelectric.com
.com" target="_blank">www.buildersbooks.com
="_blank">www.homebuilthelp.com
="_blank">www.mypilotstore.com
ank">www.mrrace.com
_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution
get="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List
tp://forums.matronics.com
--
If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email addres
s before sending.
===========
Message 3
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|
Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Welcome aboard and congrats on your new toy!
You'll love the sporty handling of the Firefly, I flew a friends 447 powered
Fly a couple years ago and it was a plane that made me want to stay up till
I ran out of gas. Stalls were so fun that my wife actually called me on the
radio and said to knock it off. Very responsive and nimble and speedy as an
ultralight can get. I hope to have one of my own someday.
As far as engine choice, I would have to say the 447 is a no brainer, makes i
f a real hotrod.
Of course a freshly rebuilt old 377 Rotax would also be tempting and very ec
onomical.
As always, make sure to do transition training in a two seat Kolb before you
r first flight as these light weight high drag types are a different animal t
han you are used to.
Enjoy the build.
And put me in the Poly Fiber camp. Jim and Dondi at aircraft tech support ar
e wonderful folks.
Dennis "Skid" Rowe
Mk3, 690L-70, Leechburg, PA
> On Dec 18, 2013, at 8:27 PM, "Stuart Harner" <stuart@harnerfarm.net> wrote
:
>
> Hello Everyone,
>
> My Firefly quick build kit arrived today. Partain Transportation delivere
d it from the factory. I must say, I don=99t think there was any way t
o get it here for less money and less hassle. The kit is excellent in workm
anship and there is no way I could have done it as quickly or as well as the
factory did. For me the quick build option is definitely the way to go.
>
> I would be most interested in hearing from other Firefly owners on any sub
ject from the kit, covering, painting, or engine selection to flying charact
eristics.
>
> A little about me:
>
> I learned to fly in an Aeronca LB-65 Pre-War Chief as a teenager. I owned
and flew a =9963 Piper Cherokee 180 for a little over ten years and l
oved that airplane! Alas, it became too expensive to keep when my flying ha
bits changed and cross country travel became a thing of the past. I flew th
e Chief for a few years, but life changes made that more difficult and the c
ost of owning a hanger and plane kept climbing, although my yearly logbook e
ntries kept shrinking. I finally sold the Chief this spring and started loo
king for an ulta-light that I could keep and fly nearby. The hangar is gone
too, so storage in a trailer was one of my prime requirements.
>
> Initially I was very intrigued by the BackYard Flyer. I contacted the com
pany and was very excited to visit with them at Oshkosh, fully prepared to o
rder one while there. I was greatly disappointed by the fact that they did n
ot even bring a partially build unit to show off at Oshkosh. It seemed as t
hough I was intruding on their family vacation by asking questions. I liked
the design and the price, but wanted to see one fly and get a good firsthan
d look at the product. Delivery time was quoted at over a year and there we
re no versions near me to look at. I left my contact information with the c
ompany with promises to put me in touch with other owners so that I may find
out more. I never heard a word from them.
>
> While walking the booths at Oshkosh, I found Kolb. I knew of them, but no
t about them. When I discovered they folded up, I got very interested. Vis
iting with Bryan and Travis was like a breath of fresh air, with a hint of u
sed car salesman thrown in. But what the heck, that is their job. I found t
hem to be friendly, and straight forward. I did not commit at Oshkosh, but t
hought about the Firefly all the way home and spent an entire day on the int
ernet researching the plane and the company. I could not find any disparagi
ng remarks AT ALL! I bit the bullet and ordered my kit.
>
> Kolb has been a delight to work with, and I expect to be in much closer co
ntact with them as I get into the process of finishing the Firefly. Based o
n my experiences so far, I expect this is going to be fairly easy and lots o
f fun. I have no worries about getting support from the factory.
>
> I have not made an engine decision yet, but will be ordering the covering k
it soon. I helped a friend cover and paint his Fisher Classic with Polyfibe
r products several years ago and was so impressed, I don=99t think I w
ill use anything else. Anyone want to try and persuade me differently? Ple
ase let me hear from you.
>
> I am leaning towards the Hirth 2702 with a Warp Drive 3 blade, but again, I
want to hear from others.
>
> One last note, I really liked the delivery service by Partain. I had not h
eard of them, but Travis at Kolb made all the arrangements. I could not hav
e gotten the kit here by any other means for less $ and it was hassle free.
I would definitely use them again. Thanks to Tony Partain and driver Micha
el!
>
> I have perused the forums and am hoping to start quite a lot of conversati
on about the Firefly.
>
> Thanks for your consideration.
>
> Stuart Harner
> Central North Dakota
>
> P.S. Anyone want a partially completed Loehle 5151 Kit? I certainly don
=99t need it anymore, I have a FIREFLY!!!
>
>
>
>
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3
D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3
D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3
D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3
D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D
Message 4
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|
Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Rotax,
PolyFiber
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415853#415853
Message 5
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Subject: | RE: Kolb-List Digest: 3 Msgs - 12/18/13 |
CONGRATULATIONS! Stuart.
Thanks for sharing.
I would definitely go with Poli-fiber from Aircraft Technical Support. They give
the same great service as Travis and Bryan and Dennis.
All-around great folk involved in producing, building, flying and supplying, etc.
Kolbs. Thank God for Mr Kolb.
Have a Blessed Christmas as you begin building.
Bob
MKIIIX< Great Plains VW w/re-drive
N830PB
Message 6
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Subject: | Firefly/introduction |
Welcome to the list, Brother Harner.
I believe you will find a number of Kolbers on this list who will assure you
that you made a good choice in selecting the Fly,
and an even wiser choice in having the good lads in London execute the
quick-build for you. They are well known for their
high quality work/support and your expression of satisfaction with their
efforts is not unusual.
I ordered the kit from Pennsylvania Kolb and began building my Fly in '99
--- first flew it in the autumn of 2001. There is nothing kinky
about the building process and with your experience with Polyfiber, covering
it should be a piece of cake for you. The Kolb plans and
instruction manual are well done. If you don't have one, a copy of the
Stits manual might be another good resource to have
around.
I have had great luck with the EIS system.mine has been flawless since the
very first flight and the Grand Rapids folks are great
people who really support their product well. I do not hesitate to recommend
them.
To Hirth, or not to Hirth, may well prove to be the single most entertaining
aspect of your adventure. Were I hanging on the cusp of that one, I
would invest in a substantial amount of research out among those who are
actually operating Hirths before I committed. I have seen two
of them operate on Airport Manatee, both on trikes - suffice it to say they
both engines appeared to have "colorful" service records, matched with the
equally colorful vocabularies displayed by the individuals who were working
with them.
Do you plan to install a BRS chute?. I have a 750 canister model atop mine
and have no trouble with that installation.
Aside from your GA acft experience, you didn't mention whether you had spent
any time fooling around with low-inertia machines like
the Kolbs. They be different. By the time you get ready to commit aviation
with yours, you will have suffered plenty of free advice about
the unique manner in which they can decelerate when the power is pulled off.
Think of a fast ball pitcher delivering a wadded up Kleenex.
Your old LB-65 would have gotten to home plate. trust me, the Kleenex will
not. You might want to consider finding someone with
a two-place Kolb and planning for an hour or two of touch and goes, just for
drill... can't hurt.
You also did not mention how large a person you are.. I go about 210 to
215. With that stingy little 22 foot wing, and a pleasingly corpulent
driver such as myself, I have found that Fly aviation can, under certain
circumstances, tend to take on more of the characteristics of a ballistic
event, rather than the one with the puffy clouds and eagles I had envisioned
in my mind's eye as I was humming the "Right Stuff" theme and drilling holes
and pulling rivets
all those months. I have heard anecdotal evidence that humans of a more
reasonable bulk find the Fly to be a sprightly performer indeed.
Speaking of the 22 foot wing, I found, through experimentation that vortex
generators made a substantial positive difference in the performance
of the wing at stall. I ended up using the LandShorter units ; lowered the
stall by 4 mph indicated, but more significantly, enabled a more
buoyant feeling on the roundout flare for full stall arrivals. Flew the
first six years without them, wish I had added them sooner.
All that said, I really like my little bird. It is a sturdy, honest little
steed without a sneaky tube in its body once we established our respective
limits
and mutually agreed to live within them. I'll bet you are going to have a
lot of fun with yours.
This List, aside from what I dribble onto it, is a great source of
information and accumulated wisdom for a person building a Kolb.. There are
some very
experienced and innovative folks on here who will not hesitate to jump in
and share their knowledge with you if you hit
a building snag or want to consider an unusual option. Once again, welcome.
Worth what ye paid fer it.
beauford
FF-076, N173BW
Brandon, FL
From: owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com
[mailto:owner-kolb-list-server@matronics.com] On Behalf Of Stuart Harner
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 8:27 PM
Subject: Kolb-List: Firefly/introduction
Hello Everyone,
My Firefly quick build kit arrived today. Partain Transportation delivered
it from the factory. I must say, I don't think there was any way to get it
here for less money and less hassle. The kit is excellent in workmanship
and there is no way I could have done it as quickly or as well as the
factory did. For me the quick build option is definitely the way to go.
I would be most interested in hearing from other Firefly owners on any
subject from the kit, covering, painting, or engine selection to flying
characteristics.
Message 7
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
I am in no way endorsing this engine and I do not have any experience with them
but here is another option to explore.
http://www.compactradialengines.com/mz201.html
the 447 sure does have a lot of history behind it
Have fun and be safe
Jason
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415859#415859
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Welcome to the Kolb Flyers and Builders List:
I've been doing this Kolb building and flying thing for a while, plus some
other flying before that. I have no problem remembering where I will spend
my time once my little airplane is up and flying. Right! In the air. A
very serious place to play. Gravity never goes away and Murphy never goes
to sleep.
I never realized how hard the ground was until the first time I crashed. It
was just as hard the second and third time.
I want the best of the best to fly and keep me in the air.
Flew with 2 strokes for the first 9 years on my Ultrastar, Firestar, and
MKIII experience. After the bullet proof 582 proved me wrong, I decided to
go 4 stroke and have never looked back in the past 29 years of flying in
front of 912's.
If I was serious about flying a Firestar or Firefly again, I'd probably go
with an HKS. Some of my Kolb friends fly with the HKS which has produced
good reliable power for them. 4 strokes are not bullet proof. Same for
certified recip engines and turbines. Normally, they are not the problem
when an engine out occurs, but some minor problem like, bad fuel, spark plug
wires, throttle cable, etc.
If I was going to fly a Firefly with a two stroke, I'd go with a 447, or
better yet, a 503 (assuming Kolb Aircraft would endorse a 503 on a Firefly).
john h
mkIII
Titus, Alabama - Going flying today to take advantage of some beautiful
weather and take some photos of my neighbors homes.
Message 9
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
- If I remember correctly, Jack Hart was trying an MZ engine.- I haven'
t seen any recent updates from him.=0A=0A-----------
-------------------------
-------------------------
----------- Bill Sullivan=0A--------
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------- Windsor Locks, Ct.=0A---
-------------------------
-------------------------
-------------------- FS 447=0A=0A
=0A=0A=0A________________________________=0A From: Jason Omelchuck <jason@t
rek-tech.com>=0ATo: kolb-list@matronics.com =0ASent: Thursday, December 19,
2013 12:00 PM=0ASubject: Kolb-List: Re: Firefly/introduction=0A =0A=0A-->
Kolb-List message posted by: "Jason Omelchuck" <jason@trek-tech.com>=0A=0AI
am in no way endorsing this engine and I do not have any experience with t
hem but here is another option to explore.=0A=0Ahttp://www.compactradialeng
ines.com/mz201.html=0A=0Athe 447 sure does have a lot of history behind it
=0A=0AHave fun and be safe=0AJason=0A=0A=0A=0A=0ARead this topic online her
e:=0A=0Ahttp://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415859#415859=0A=0A
============
Message 10
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Flew with 2 strokes for the first 9 years on my Ultrastar, Firestar, and
MKIII experience. After the bullet proof 582 proved me wrong, I decided to
go 4 stroke and have never looked back in the past 29 years of flying in
front of 912's.
******************************************
The above should have read "20 years". Not "29".
john h
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Shweww, I was hoping it hadn't been that long that the 912s been around. But still,
time flies.
Dennis "Skid" Rowe
Mk3, 690L-70, Leechburg, PA
> The above should have read "20 years". Not "29".
>
> john h
>
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Subject: | Re: Firefly/introduction |
Congrats on the Firefly Purchase. I bought my kit a couple years ago and have
not regretted it. I had no prior knowledge of building, covering or painting and
was nevertheless quite pleased with my result. I must admit that I liked making
the parts better than the covering and paint. The poly fiber process was
not difficult, just time consuming. It was really forgiving if you didn't have
it exactly right. Most of the time I could shrink out any extra wrinkles
around the curves. The poly tone paint was easy to use. I just did my painting
horozontaly as much as possible and the paint just flowed out very smoothly.
That was just what this newbie needed. I don't have any knowledge of using latex
but you should research if there would be a weight difference between that
and poly-tone. I use a rotax 447 which makes this plane a hotrod for my 150 pound
body. I'm off the ground before the throttle is full.(Flying off a paved
runway) I also would highly recommend the Grand Rapids unit to monitor the engine.
Knowing what the EGT and CHT are doing is important. The GR unit is very
accurate. I used those readings to set my IVO prop to the right pitch. The unit
also has a warning light to let you know if anything is getting out of hand.
My EGT goes up very quickly when I unload the prop during flight (nose down
as one example) or if my rpms are in the midrange area for very long. Also the
weight of the finished firefly will likely be critical. I opted to go with
the standard no brakes, short windshield, no electric start kit and came in just
under the legal weight limit. I go to a lot of pancake breakfast fly-ins though
and don't see any ultralight police so you would probably be ok to do what
you want. Use your own judgment on that. I wish I had some brakes and may do
that someday but if you fly off grass, then brakes are not necessary. I have
some videos on You tube. There is a walkaround and some flying videos. Just
type my full name in the search field. I can't wait to build another plane.
Hope you e!
njoy you
rs.
Regards
--------
Gregg Kaat
2011 Firefly
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415875#415875
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Subject: | Another "Kolb" Newby |
Hi again everyone.
My name is Sam Ragland and I have been following this forum since @ May 2013.
Thats when I ordered my MarkIII Extra. I am happy to say that it finally arrived
on Dec.18 2013. My Engine of choice is a newly prepared Corvair that was
going to be used in another project. To date I have never seen a Corvair
used in this airframe, but with help from Travis and his welder and a mock up
engine complete with engine mount, a Corvair ready airframe was created for me.
Hope to get started soon.
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415882#415882
Attachments:
http://forums.matronics.com//files/corvair_engine1_998.jpg
http://forums.matronics.com//files/corvair_engine2_645.jpg
Message 14
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Subject: | Another "Kolb" Newby |
Sam R/Kolbers:
I know you are excited about your new kit.
Good luck on your new project.
john h
mkIII
Titus, Alabama
My name is Sam Ragland and I have been following this forum since @ May
2013. Thats when I ordered my MarkIII Extra. I am happy to say that it
finally arrived on Dec.18 2013. My Engine of choice is a newly prepared
Corvair that was going to be used in another project. To date I have never
seen a Corvair used in this airframe, but with help from Travis and his
welder and a mock up engine complete with engine mount, a Corvair ready
airframe was created for me. Hope to get started soon.
Read this topic online here:
http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=415882#415882
Attachments:
http://forums.matronics.com//files/corvair_engine1_998.jpg
http://forums.matronics.com//files/corvair_engine2_645.jpg
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