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Ralph B

Joined: 14 Apr 2007
Posts: 367
Location: Mound Minnesota

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:58 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar project

"Possums" at 07:27 AM 1/28/2008, you wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		   

The thing is that after Jan 31, your fat ultralight will stand out a lot more that it use to "without N-numbers". Use to be hardly anyone had them, even the two seaters. Now - you will be a lot more conspicuous out there on the tarmac.   	




They will stand out and it will be difficult to make friends with pilots who have gone though the process as they know who is illegal and may not say anything to cause trouble. When the ultralight pilot that flies that 400 lb machine starts bragging about his pilot skills and how he avoided going through all that "hoop-jumping" is when it will get "testy".

_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

indyaviator(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:34 pm Post subject: Firestar project

 	  Quote: 	
		  They will stand out and it will be difficult to make friends with pilots who have gone though the process as they know who is illegal and may not say anything to cause trouble.


	




Where is all of this "Follow the rules exactly" attitude coming from all of a sudden?  It seems to me that the vast majority of folks flying on the 2 seat exemption were not following the rules for many years. Everyone knew it, nobody cared.  How many of the 2 place pilots were using them only for training flights?  When I wanted to find an instructor, I called more than  a dozen pilots on the exemption list before finding someone actually using their plane to train.  Now that the 2 place guys are legal, it seems that many have adapted a different outlook.  A 275lb Firestar is no more or less legal after January 31st than it was before.  I find it interesting that pilots who decide not to transition are being "cast out" by the same community that have been flying under the radar for years.  I truly feel that if the FAA does crack down on fat single place UL's, it will be because of  the complaints of pilots that did make the transition, not because the FAA really wants more enforcement. Sad.

 

P.S.  I'm sure someone is going to point out that there is no longer such a thing as a fat UL.  My answer is...... from a legal stand point, there never was.  



Bryan D

  [quote][b]

lucien

Joined: 03 Jun 2007
Posts: 721
Location: santa fe, NM

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar project

[quote="indyaviator(at)gmail.com"] 	  Quote: 	
		  They will stand out and it will be difficult to make friends with pilots who have gone though the process as they know who is illegal and may not say anything to cause trouble.



	




Where is all of this "Follow the rules exactly" attitude coming from all of a sudden?ï¿½ It seems to me that the vast majority of folks flying on the 2 seat exemption were not following the rules for many years. Everyone knew it, nobody cared.  How many of the 2 place pilots were using them only for training flights?  When I wanted to find an instructor, I called more thanï¿½ a dozen pilots on the exemption list before finding someone actually using their plane to train.  Now that the 2 place guys are legal, it seems that many have adapted a different outlook.  A 275lb Firestar is no more or less legal after January 31st than it was before.  I find it interesting that pilots who decide not to transition are being "cast out" by the same community that have been flying under the radar for years.  I truly feel that if the FAA does crack down on fat single place UL's, it will be because of  the complaints of pilots that did make the transition, not because the FAA really wants more enforcement. Sad.

 

P.S.  I'm sure someone is going to point out that there is no longer such a thing as a fat UL.  My answer is...... from a legal stand point, there never was.  



Bryan D

   	  Quote: 	
		  [b] 	




If you read the forward to the original SP NPRM, there were repeated references to "fat-UL" and "fat ultralights" - the recognition being that, though illegal, a "fat-UL" had a kind of status and there was a cottage industry in US light aircraft supporting them.



This is really kind of how America works - bad or useless laws tend not to bring on the maximum possible punishment for every concievable infraction and we should be very glad that this is so. Instead, they are eventually amended to be either more appropriate or enforceable (or both). 



Now, it's interesting that the original writers of SP were actually sensitive to this aspect of "fat-UL"; the original effort was a rule set that was appropriate for this class of aircraft to get legal and have at least some minimal standards of construction, etc., to insure at least some minimal standard of safety.



The rule that eventually resulted did NOT turn out that way for a variety of reasons, but it could have if it'd stuck to its original intent.



SP was promulgated NOT because of abuse of the existing system or because of problems with public safety, but a) because FnAA did not or could not enforce its own rules and b) apparently because of special interest pressure. 



History is our best teacher on this and hopefully we'll all learn from it the next time something like this comes around...



LS

_________________
LS
Titan II SS

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:21 pm Post subject: Firestar project

I decided to take the opportunity to legitimize my unregistered aircraft 

and quit looking over my shoulder.

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 > --------
	


 	  Quote: 	
		   Roger in Oregon


	




Roger H:



Exactly the way I felt flying my US and FS. Both were too fat, too fast, and 

way too much fuel.  Always had that nagging, uncomfortable feeling that all 

was not right.  What a tremendous feeling of relief and peace when I 

registered my mkIII, got a private ticket, and started flying legally.  No 

more looking over my shoulder all the time, or for that matter, any time.



john h

mkIII

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

bransom(at)ucdavis.edu
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 3:53 pm Post subject: Firestar project

Seems like you're suggesting everyone should be okay with individuals 

deciding what acceptable risk is, such as driving 58 and/or flying 15 

lbs over.  Or is it 16, or in reality 25?  That might be kinda fun, and 

then maybe 10gallons and an occasional passenger should be fun too.  

Perhaps the counter to this is that you are simply asking for common 

sense.  Well that's great too, but I think you gotta admit the UL thing 

got way out of whack.  So rules, with clear definitions, are necessary.



I have the impression that most of the aviation community is glad to 

have the whole thing clarified.  The only way to keep it clear is to 

occasionally ramp check and fine someone "pushing the limits", 

regardless of whatever their "good judgement" may be.  Same 

non-hypocritical reason I'm glad to see a cop pull over some free spirit 

(aka fill-in-the-blank) on the road.  I also agree with the other 

comments that I'm tired of flying looking over my shoulder, which in one 

real example meant my high-minded airport manager could have kicked me 

out.  With an N number he's gotta welcome me just like the  King Air.  

Now that I think is pretty fun.

-Ben



JetPilot wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Well, if the law says 55, then thats it.  Better not drive at 58 MPH, and if due to advances in cars, the 55 limit needs to be changed, then legislation should be introduced, don't pretend it does not exist.  Sound familiar ???



 You are much more likely to do harm to property and life by speeding than by being 15 pounds overweight in with your ultralight.   As for image, no one will ever know if your ultralight is 15 pounds overweight or not, its far easier for others to see you speeding.  



 When you get the emotion of aviation out of the picture and apply the same standard to every day life, its just plain stupid and hypocritical to worry about 15 pounds overweight in an ultralight and then drive 3 MPH over the speed limit or more on a regular basis and think its OK.



 You seem to have some issues with being consistent, and even more importantly, you are unable to recognize which is more important and more likely to result in damage to property and others, which is the basis for ALL these rules we live by.



 Mike

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 5:41 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar project

 	  Ralph B wrote: 	
		  



. When the ultralight pilot that flies that 400 lb machine starts bragging about his pilot skills and how he avoided going through all that "hoop-jumping" is when it will get "testy".



	




I never talked about 400 pounds or two seats, I very clearly said 15 pounds which is 6 %, which is the entire point of what I have been saying.  If you cant read a couple numbers and figure out a very simple point, then you are not the brightest bulb in the bunch...



The statement that  " 15 pounds overweight is going to Stand Out ".   A 15 pound ultralight wont stand out any more than the guy going 58 MPH instead of 55 MPH.  Can you tell if an ultralight is 15 pounds overweight just by looking at it ?  So how does that qualify as " Standing out " ???   So your statement that a 15 pound overweight ultralight would stand out and make everyone look bad is nothing short of ridiculous.  



Bottom line here , is that only emotional, not so intelligent  people get worked up and anal about aviation, while ignoring the fact that they themselves do the same thing on an everyday basis in their cars, where there are far greater risks of hurting someone.



 	  Richard Pike wrote: 	
		  



The FSDO guy is not 

going to be interested in your likelihood of doing greater damage to 

life and property because you are 15 pounds overweight, his job is to 

enforce the law as written, so IMO, your comparison to driving 15 over 

the speed limit is irrelevant to the issue. 



	
  



The traffic laws are written for 55 MPH on some roads, so do you think the cop is going to care if you were only 6 % over, which is 3 MPH, but according to you, his job is to enforce the law as written according to your logic, and use no good judgment.  I guarantee you if you got a ticket for going only 3 MPH over the limit, you would be bitching about it and saying how " stupid " the cop was.



No difference for the person that has a problem with 6 % over weight ultralight, worrying about an extra 15 pounds its just plain stupid...



So maybe some of you should go tell all your friends that drive cars that they are illegal, irresponsible, and making everyone look bad if they go 3 MPH over the posted limit.  After all, the law is the law... See what kind of reception you get.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1670
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:23 pm Post subject: Re: Firestar project

Mike, you really need to relax and take more deep breaths -



Irrespective of whether or not I think a cop is stupid for writing a ticket if I am only 3 over, his job is to enforce the law, not be a judge. I don't want a cop who acts as judge, because then he might judge to ignore his buddy doing whatever, while he busts some guy (like me) whose look he doesn't like. He might even decide that being judge is not enough, and decide to become the executioner as well.



I don't want cops or FSDO guys to be judges, I want them to uphold the law. Years ago, I read that the best way to get rid of bad laws is to enforce them 100%. An enraged populace will then throw out the bums that made them. Which could improve much of what's wrong with this country at present...



I really find it amusing that you assume I would tell my friends that drive cars 3 over that they are illegal and irresponsible. I guess you failed to process what I said about local county commissioners, idiotically posted 25 mph roads and Uncle Fester. Or my indifference to those who break idiotic rules as long as they are willing to pay the piper. And that is not hypocrisy, or mere talk. Check the pictures of my non-Kolb toys. Do you really think I worry about 3 over? <grin> I act like any rational 61 year old ought to act, and if the Cops find me to be remiss in my actions, (so far so good...) then that's what traffic court is for. 



PS: Dude, you really need to lighten up. Or maybe fewer Gummy Worms and red Kool-Aid...



Richard Pike

MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

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Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 6:36 pm Post subject: Firestar project

Jetpilot, please don't jump all over Ralph B  when he makes an  

innocent comment about a HYPOTHETICAL pilot in a 400lb 'ultralight'   

Every reader must know he was kidding about the 400lbs -- we all know  

what he meant,

and he wasn't expecting anyone to take him literally



On Jan 28, 2008, at 8:41 PM, JetPilot wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   

 Ralph B wrote:

> . When the ultralight pilot that flies that 400 lb machine starts  

> bragging about his pilot skills and how he avoided going through  

> all that "hoop-jumping" is when it will get "testy".

 I never talked about 400 pounds or two seats, I very clearly said  

 15 pounds which is 6 %, which is the entire point of what I have  

 been saying.  If you cant read a couple numbers and figure out a  

 very simple point, then you are not the brightest bulb in the bunch...



 The statement that  " 15 pounds overweight is going to Stand Out  

 ".   A 15 pound ultralight wont stand out any more than the guy  

 going 58 MPH instead of 55 MPH.  Can you tell if an ultralight is  

 15 pounds overweight just by looking at it ?  So how does that  

 qualify as " Standing out " ???   So your statement that a 15 pound  

 overweight ultralight would stand out and make everyone look bad is  

 nothing short of ridiculous.



 Bottom line here , is that only emotional, not so intelligent   

 people get worked up and anal about aviation, while ignoring the  

 fact that they themselves do the same thing on an everyday basis in  

 their cars, where there are far greater risks of hurting someone.

 Richard Pike wrote:

> The FSDO guy is not

> going to be interested in your likelihood of doing greater damage to

> life and property because you are 15 pounds overweight, his job is to

> enforce the law as written, so IMO, your comparison to driving 15  

> over

> the speed limit is irrelevant to the issue.

 The traffic laws are written for 55 MPH on some roads, so do you  

 think the cop is going to care if you were only 6 % over, which is  

 3 MPH, but according to you, his job is to enforce the law as  

 written according to your logic, and use no good judgment.  I  

 guarantee you if you got a ticket for going only 3 MPH over the  

 limit, you would be bitching about it and saying how " stupid " the  

 cop was.



 No difference for the person that has a problem with 6 % over  

 weight ultralight, worrying about an extra 15 pounds its just plain  

 stupid...



 So maybe some of you should go tell all your friends that drive  

 cars that they are illegal, irresponsible, and making everyone look  

 bad if they go 3 MPH over the posted limit.  After all, the law is  

 the law... See what kind of reception you get.



 Mike



 --------

 &quot;NO FEAR&quot; -  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=160957#160957

jindoguy(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 7:05 pm Post subject: Firestar project

Please, guys, take it outside. Enough of this is way too much. As is often asked by someone or other, what is there about Kolbs here?



Rick

Do not archive

do not repeat

do not pass go

do not collect $200

 do not forsake me oh my darling................



On Jan 28, 2008 8:23 PM, Richard Pike <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)> wrote:

[quote] --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Pike" <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)>



Mike, you really need to relax and take more deep breaths -



Irrespective of whether or not I think a cop is stupid for writing a ticket if I am only 3 over, his job is to enforce the law, not be a judge. I don't want a cop who acts as judge, because then he might judge to ignore his buddy doing whatever, while he busts some guy (like me) whose look he doesn't like. He might even decide that being judge is not enough, and decide to become the executioner as well.

 

I don't want cops or FSDO guys to be judges, I want them to uphold the law. Years ago, I read that the best way to get rid of bad laws is to enforce them 100%. An enraged populace will then throw out the bums that made them. Which could improve much of what's wrong with this country at present...

 

I really find it amusing that you assume I would tell my friends that drive cars 3 over that they are illegal and irresponsible. I guess you failed to process what I said about local county commissioners, idiotically posted 25 mph roads and Uncle Fester. Or my indifference to those who break idiotic rules as long as they are willing to pay the piper. And that is not hypocrisy, or mere talk. Check the pictures of my non-Kolb toys. Do you really think I worry about 3 over?  I act like any rational 61 year old ought to act, and if the Cops find me to be remiss in my actions, (so far so good...) then that's what traffic court is for.

 

PS: Dude, you really need to lighten up. Or maybe fewer Gummy Worms and red Kool-Aid...



Richard Pike

MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=160970#160970

 



Attachments:



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  [quote][b]

slyck(at)frontiernet.net
Guest

Posted: Mon Jan 28, 2008 10:26 pm Post subject: Firestar project

Before I stumbled upon this discussion list I briefly attended a  

generic ultralight list (maybe yahoo?)

After expressing my anticipation for the proposed SP rule, I was  

called several unkind names.

Seems they didn't want to jump even the lowest hurdles to legality.   

 From my viewpoint, a PP,seeing

the onset of senile decrepitude, it was a welcome change.

All ya gotta do is build a 254# airplane.  Lots of them have been  

built so it is possible.

I think I want to build an ultralight canoe first.

BB

do not archive

On 28, Jan 2008, at 6:50 PM, Ben Ransom wrote:

 	  Quote: 	

 Seems like you're suggesting everyone should be okay with  

 individuals deciding what acceptable risk is, such as driving 58  

 and/or flying 15 lbs over.  Or is it 16, or in reality 25?  That  

 might be kinda fun, and then maybe 10gallons and an occasional  

 passenger should be fun too.  Perhaps the counter to this is that  

 you are simply asking for common sense.  Well that's great too, but  

 I think you gotta admit the UL thing got way out of whack.  So  

 rules, with clear definitions, are necessary.

 I have the impression that most of the aviation community is glad  

 to have the whole thing clarified.  The only way to keep it clear  

 is to occasionally ramp check and fine someone "pushing the  

 limits", regardless of whatever their "good judgement" may be.   

 Same non-hypocritical reason I'm glad to see a cop pull over some  

 free spirit (aka fill-in-the-blank) on the road.  I also agree with  

 the other comments that I'm tired of flying looking over my  

 shoulder, which in one real example meant my high-minded airport  

 manager could have kicked me out.  With an N number he's gotta  

 welcome me just like the  King Air.  Now that I think is pretty fun.

 -Ben

 JetPilot wrote:

>

> Well, if the law says 55, then thats it.  Better not drive at 58  

> MPH, and if due to advances in cars, the 55 limit needs to be  

> changed, then legislation should be introduced, don't pretend it  

> does not exist.  Sound familiar ???

>

> You are much more likely to do harm to property and life by  

> speeding than by being 15 pounds overweight in with your  

> ultralight.   As for image, no one will ever know if your  

> ultralight is 15 pounds overweight or not, its far easier for  

> others to see you speeding.

> When you get the emotion of aviation out of the picture and apply  

> the same standard to every day life, its just plain stupid and  

> hypocritical to worry about 15 pounds overweight in an ultralight  

> and then drive 3 MPH over the speed limit or more on a regular  

> basis and think its OK.

>

> You seem to have some issues with being consistent, and even more  

> importantly, you are unable to recognize which is more important  

> and more likely to result in damage to property and others, which  

> is the basis for ALL these rules we live by.

>

> Mike

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 5:07 am Post subject: Firestar project

I guess I stirred the pot a little. Here is what I'm trying to do. After looking very closely at the Firestar, I got the impression that the previous owner was a little slack on his maintenance. Castle nuts with no cotter pins, safety wire missing, a bunch of bent spare landing gear, the ASI static hose had fallen off- he commented the speed reading was 20mph off, and so forth. I would rather make my own mistakes, than wonder about what I haven't found. So, if I have to thoroughly go over it, I may as well get as close to legal as common sense dictates. If there is a conflict between law and common sense, go with the common sense. I am going to be training on a grass field, so the soft turf tires are going to stay. No reason to get hurt over a couple of pounds weight. Same thing for the full enclosure- no distractions. The ten gallon tank is eventually going to be replaced, as I don't like the color of the plastic- looks too old. Do these things get  brittle? The gas cap did, and I fixed it with some hot glue. It will be replaced with a five gallon, when convenient. 

    One thing no one mentioned regarding weight- I am about 170 dressed, and my wife is about 50 pounds heavier. I would think the powers that be would be more interested in whether the gross weight is being exceeded instead of a couple of pounds over. Luckily, the Firestar is capable of the difference. 

    Next question- The Mark III pictures (nice) show the tail wheel being about at the center of the rudder. A picture of Ellery's showed about the same. Mine is much closer to the rear of the rudder. Since mine has to be re-worked (a little twisted, and worn cable hole) should I shorten the strut, or does it matter? The tail wheel is all worn on the left side.

    By the way, when I was in the trucking business, we worried more about "Was it safe", 

   more than "Is it a couple of pounds over". 

                                               Bill Sullivan (old Firestar)

 [quote][b]

NeilsenRM(at)comcast.net
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:36 am Post subject: Firestar project

Bill

  

 First and foremost safety IS your major concern.  What you do about the planes over weight condition is your business but if you  get caught don't come crying to us. If your going to fly it as a ultralight  there are some red flags you really should look out for. If you have two seats  get rid of one. It you have more than a 5 gallon tank change it to one 5  gallon tank. I for one can't tell a firestar from a firefly without seeing two  seats or two five gallon tanks so change the name to a firefly.

  

 There, I think I said that without sticking my foot  in my mouth like I did on my last post.

  

 Do not archive

  

 Rick Neilsen

 Redrive VW powered MKIIIC 

  

  

 [quote]   ---

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:57 am Post subject: Re: Firestar project

Hi Bill,



First of all, not your fault about what this has turned into, you asked a very legitimate question and as much as we might bicker, no one is going to hold you responsaible !



I'm glad you are going to do what is right for you, and keep your plane as strong as you need it.   The 10 gallons is a bit much, and a very obvious violation in both the letter and spirit of the law, I would change that.  Exceeding something by 6 % is nothing, exceeding by 100 % is another matter       Of course, Richard Pike will probably want to take the gas out of your new tank, and if it is a pint over 5 gallons, tell you to change it as you are still illegal hahaha.   Anyways, do what is safe, but keep your plane strong and durable, trying to shave to much weight off leads to shortcuts that can be dangerous.



As far as the tailwheel, call Kolb and ask them what it is supposed to be.   I know some people cut the long tailwheel strut shorter on the MK III, but I would never do that.   That tailwheel rod is the shock absorber for the tial of the plane, shortening it will subject the tail, and its support structure to much more shock loads on the ground and could eventually make something more important fail.   I have an extra tail rod if mine ever bends....



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

jbhart(at)onlyinternet.ne
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 7:57 am Post subject: Firestar project

Bill,



The FAA set some max and stall speed limits for the ultra light vehicle as 

well as fuel capacity and empty weight limits.  The last two are easily 

verified on the ground, where as, the speed limits are not.  To get around 

this problem the FAA came up with a set of design conditions, so that if 

they were met, you can fly above both speed limits and remain legal.  They 

published these design conditions as AC 103-7 Appendix 1, 2, 3 & 4.



I have filled out a copy of these documents and carry them with me to 

fly-ins.  If the FAA wants to ramp check my FireFly, they are considered 

sufficient proof that it is legal.  If you would like to review the 

documents, they can be found at:



http://www.thirdshift.com/jack/firefly/fireflylegal.html



On the subject of illegal flying I am neutral.  I have known pilots who have 

let their medicals lapse or who have lost there medical and continue to fly. 

They fly from pastures and non-controlled airports.  Most everyone knows 

who they are, and no one says a thing because everyone knows they are going 

to get old too.  The ultra light vehicle is a way out for these folks.  The 

pilots I worry about are high confidence low hour pilots, who like low and 

slow.  Some of their rank will be lost no matter what they fly or their 

licence status.



Fly safe,



Jack B. Hart FF004

Winchester, IN



Jack B. Hart FF004

Winchester, IN

olendorf

Joined: 06 Jul 2006
Posts: 140
Location: Schenectady, NY USA

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:17 am Post subject: Re: Firestar project, also.

 	  Quote: 	
		  ... The ten gallon tank is eventually going to be replaced, as I don't like the color of the plastic- looks too old. Do these things get  brittle? The gas cap did ...                     Bill Sullivan (old Firestar) 	




Yes, the gas tanks get brittle.  When I cracked the cap on my tank I thought that if the cap is brittle the tank must be too. I tested it by pushing my thumb on the top corner and it went right through.  So absolutely replace it.



Do you still have the fiberglass tailwheel rod? You probably do especially if your tailwheel is wearing on one side.  If you do I would suggest you get an aluminum rod and replace it.  You will need to heat the steel to soften the epoxy to remove the old one.   



I have the original blueprints and manual if you need some info I can photograph some sections and send them to you.

_________________
Scott Olendorf
Original Firestar, Rotax 447, Powerfin prop
Schenectady, NY
http://sites.google.com/site/kolbfirestar/

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:22 am Post subject: Re: Firestar project

 	  Richard Pike wrote: 	
		  



I don't want cops or FSDO guys to be judges, I want them to uphold the law. 

Richard Pike

MKIII N420P (420ldPoops) 	




Richard,



Worrying about 15 pounds over in an ultralight is about as uptight as you can get.   As far as cops go, judgment is an essential part of their job, I'm glad most are fair and reasonable.  If cops charged people for every non consequential way in which we broke the law, be it 3 MPH over, signaling for 4.8 seconds instead of 5, this world would be a horrible place to live.   Thank god most cops don't think like you do.



I think anyone reading this thread can now see where you are coming from.  So if you believe the smallest inconsequential transgression should be prosecuted, and if you believe that everyone driving 58 in a 55 zone should be cited and prosecuted, then by all means make sure your ultralight is not even one pound over weight, and also while you are at it, do a precise measurement of the capacity of the gas tank, after all, the sides might have bulged, and the new capacity might be one pint over 5 gallons, which would be about 6 % over, and after all, the law says a capacity 5 gallons no more !    



Richard, whenever you ride in a car with your friends, make sure you start telling them that they are breaking the law and should slow down if you see them going 3 MPH over the speed limit, you might learn something by their reactions  .  Learn some judgment and common sense, its important in life, and even more important in flying ....



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:44 am Post subject: Firestar project

> As far as the tailwheel, call Kolb and ask them what it is supposed to 

be.   I know some people cut the long tailwheel strut shorter on the MK III, 

but I would never do that.   That tailwheel rod is the shock absorber for 

the tial of the plane, shortening it will subject the tail, and its support 

structure to much more shock loads on the ground and could eventually make 

something more important fail.   I have an extra tail rod if mine ever 

bends....

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Mike


	




Mike B:



I like a short tail wheel strut.  Much more positive control on the ground. 

To top that off, I don't use the 7075 aluminum rod, but .120" 4130 heat 

treated to RC48.  Probably more gentle on the tail section than the standard 

Kolb buggy whip aluminum rod.



Yes, I have torn up the tail section more times than I would like to admit, 

because it is a major job to remove and repair.  I don't believe the short 

stiff tail wheel strut is responsible for the failures, but the 100+ lbs of 

weight on the tailwheel caused by shifting my main gear 8" forward. 

Plus..........a lot of hours in more than ideal "putting green" conditions. 

We've got the tail section problem corrected and have not had any problems 

back there in many, many hours.



As far as recommending some one break the law and encourage new guys to fly 

illegally, I do not agree with that.  I feel the Kolb List is not the 

correct place to coach folks on how to successfully fly illegal airplanes. 

Might be a good idea to take this kind of correspondence back copy.  If you 

all disagree with me, fine, but that is the way I feel about the situation.



In nearly 40 years flying professionally and flying Kolbs, I don't recall 

approval of exceeding limits or busting regs by Army or civilian 

authorities.  Do I always fly around like Miss Goody, Goody Two Shoes?  Not 

hardly, but I ain't gonna encourage anyone else to do it.  Have fun, fly 

safe.



Take care,



john h

My mkIII - Flying legal for the past 16 years, 2,734.0 hrs.  Plan on putting 

a lot more hours on her.

My US and FS - 1,520.0 hours flown illegally.

Other's legal and illegal Kolbs - Have to dig out the log books for 

that......................

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

John Hauck

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 4639
Location: Titus, Alabama (hauck's holler)

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 8:48 am Post subject: Firestar project

you might learn something by their reactions  .  Learn some judgment and 

common sense, its important in life, and even more important in flying ....

 	  Quote: 	
		  

 Mike


	




Thanks, Mike B:



I am going to take your advice to heart.



john h

mkIII - The new, mellow guy on the block.

_________________
John Hauck
MKIII/912ULS
hauck's holler
Titus, Alabama

jindoguy(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:04 am Post subject: Firestar project

Mike, If you can't quit this diatribe, could you at least relabel it as "BS rant about nothing" or something similar. Some of us would like to hear about Bill's Firestar and not your philosophy.

   

 Rick 

 do not archive

 On Jan 29, 2008 10:22 AM, JetPilot <orcabonita(at)hotmail.com (orcabonita(at)hotmail.com)> wrote:

 [quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "JetPilot" <orcabonita(at)hotmail.com (orcabonita(at)hotmail.com)>

 



Richard Pike wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		  



 I don't want cops or FSDO guys to be judges, I want them to uphold the law.

 Richard Pike

 MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)


	




Richard,



Worrying about 15 pounds over in an ultralight is about as uptight as you can get.   As far as cops go, judgment is an essential part of their job, I'm glad most are fair and reasonable.  If cops charged people for every non consequential way in which we broke the law, be it 3 MPH over, signaling for 4.8 seconds instead of 5, this world would be a horrible place to live.   Thank god most cops don't think like you do.

 

I think anyone reading this thread can now see where you are coming from.  So if you believe the smallest inconsequential transgression should be prosecuted, and if you believe that everyone driving 58 in a 55 zone should be cited and prosecuted, then by all means make sure your ultralight is not even one pound over weight, and also while you are at it, do a precise measurement of the capacity of the gas tank, after all, the sides might have bulged, and the new capacity might be one pint over 5 gallons, which would be about 6 % over, and after all, the law says a capacity 5 gallons no more !

 

Richard, whenever you ride in a car with your friends, make sure you start telling them that they are breaking the law and should slow down if you see them going 3 MPH over the speed limit, you might learn something by their reactions  .  Learn some judgment and common sense, its important in life, and even more important in flying ....

 

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=161092#161092

  [quote][b]

JetPilot

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1246

Posted: Tue Jan 29, 2008 10:31 am Post subject: Re: Firestar project

 	  jindoguy(at)gmail.com wrote: 	
		  Mike, If you can't quit this diatribe, could you at least relabel it as "BS rant about nothing" or something similar. Some of us would like to hear about Bill's Firestar and not your philosophy.

   

 Rick 

 do not archive

	




Well rick, for claiming not to like this subject and not wanting it on the list, you have taken every opportunity to join in.  So according to you, its OK for you and people that share your opinion to post and continue this subject ( Richard Pike ), but not others.. 



Looks like you are one of those " Do as I say , not as I do people ".   Very lame.



Mike

_________________
"NO FEAR" - If you have no fear you did not go as fast as you could have !!!

Kolb MK-III Xtra, 912-S

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