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Why a Kolb?
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beberle

Joined: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 4

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 10:54 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Hello,

  I'm a new PPL with a whopping 65hours under my belt. I'm looking for the cheapest way to fly... with an engine. I'm already a hang glider pilot   

  I'm looking at ELSA (do my own annuals), small engine (less fuel burn) and folding wings to avoid hangar fees.  Is the Kolb M3X for me? Looking at Jabiru2200 power. Would like to do short cross countries for the $100 hamburger or the 120miles to the hang glider LZ.

  Other option is a Kitfox IV. Better gross weight, but also a larger aircraft... harder to stow & tow? 



All advice welcome! The local EAA seems to be mostly into RVs or vintage. I'm in the Atlanta/Hartsfield 30mile umbrella, so transponder/avionics are a must, but have seen some nice M3X setups online.



Brian

aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:40 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Brian, Coming here for advice on whether to get a Kolb aircraft is a bit like going to the local Baptist church and asking if you should look into Jesus. .All I'm going to say is I like mine. The view isn't quite as good as it is from my Sensor 510 (probably before your time), but it's better than anything else I've flown except my trike.

 



Rick Girard

do not archive



On Tue, Sep 8, 2009 at 1:54 PM, beberle <beberle1(at)bellsouth.net (beberle1(at)bellsouth.net)> wrote:

 [quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "beberle" <beberle1(at)bellsouth.net (beberle1(at)bellsouth.net)>

  

 Hello,

   I'm a new PPL with a whopping 65hours under my belt. I'm looking for the cheapest way to fly... with an engine. I'm already a hang glider pilot  [Wink]

   I'm looking at ELSA (do my own annuals), small engine (less fuel burn) and folding wings to avoid hangar fees.  Is the Kolb M3X for me? Looking at Jabiru2200 power. Would like to do short cross countries for the $100 hamburger or the 120miles to the hang glider LZ.

    Other option is a Kitfox IV. Better gross weight, but also a larger aircraft... harder to stow & tow?

 

 All advice welcome! The local EAA seems to be mostly into RVs or vintage. I'm in the Atlanta/Hartsfield 30mile umbrella, so transponder/avionics are a must, but have seen some nice M3X setups online.

 

 Brian

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=262096#262096

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

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 [b]

gliderx5

Joined: 30 Jun 2008
Posts: 203

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:18 pm Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Brian



I have a 503 powered MKII.  I just flew 252 miles round trip with my golf clubs along for the ride to meet a friend for a round at Butter Valley.  Lots of fun.  I'm heading for a pancake breakfast Saturday, and a camp out weekend in October.  3.6 GPH, great view, no hanger (I stow in a trailer, 15 minutes).  It may not be for everyone, but it suits my style of flying.



Malcolm Morrison

MKII

http://home.comcast.net/~mmorrison123/kolb.htm



---

ces308

Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 317
Location: houghton lake ,mi

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 6:02 pm Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

Hello Brian,



I have a  M3X with a A2200 jabiru and I love the airplane...I'm getting great climb numbers ,cruises 70-90 mph 2 people,full fuel (20 gal) .i CAN'T SAY ENOUGH NICE THINGS ABOUT THIS AIRCRAFT.The New Kolb Aircraft has a nice one for sale with a Rotax 912 in it...you should give Travis a call  and talk to him about it ! Check this YouTube link out and give it a look ! 



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRQHKyyloWM   the next link is of my aircraft....take a look!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p8SRGtxfsII    



Good luck!



chris ambrose

M3X/Jab   60+ hrs

N327CS

dalewhelan

Joined: 11 Nov 2008
Posts: 105
Location: USA ARIZONA fountain hills

Posted: Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:40 pm Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

I often fly into Mode C veil without a transponder.

Why aircraft was not certificated with an engine driven charging system.

I stay out of class B, C, and usually D.

_________________
Dale Whelan
503 powered Firestar II, Luscombe 8A
Projection, A simple and interesting Psychological concept

Ralph B

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

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 6:57 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

The single seat Firestar can be set up by one person and stored and trailered from a single car garage. The setup isn't hard and takes about 20 minutes to a half hour. Your car will have to sit outside, but what's more important? I now have a double-car garage and the car can sit inside too. A Mark II, or III will take 2 people to set up and can be stored in a garage. My Kolbra is stored in a hanger and it would be a chore to fold because of the weight of the wings and moving it around as it weighs 591 lbs.



Ralph

_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

Last edited by Ralph B on Wed Aug 08, 2012 6:40 am; edited 1 time in total

pj.ladd(at)btinternet.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:15 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

,cruises 70-90 mph 2 people,>>



Hi Chris,

I have the same set up and 90 feels pretty uncomfortable.  What revs are you 

getting 70 to 90, and what prop?



Cheers



Pat

rlaird

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 373
Location: Houston

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 7:20 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Correction, Ralph.... my MkIIIC doesn't take two people, just me, to set up.... in fact, the time to set it up LENGTHENS if I get someone else involved.  



Here's a video I did of unfolding then refolding my Kolb.  During the re-folding, you'll see I had some help, but, as I mentioned, it increased the time! 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGblkR8cdYE



  -- Robert



On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 9:57 AM, Ralph B <ul15rhb(at)juno.com (ul15rhb(at)juno.com)> wrote:

 [quote]--> Kolb-List message posted by: "Ralph B" <ul15rhb(at)juno.com (ul15rhb(at)juno.com)>

  

 The single seat Firestar can be set up by one person and stored and trailered from a single car garage. The setup isn't hard and takes about 20 minutes to a half hour. Your car will have to sit outside, but what's more important? I now have a double-car garage and the car can sit inside too. A Mark II, or III will take 2 people to set up and can be stored in a garage. My Kolbra is stored in a hanger and it would be a chore to fold because of the weight of the wings and moving it around as it weighs 591 lbs.

  

 Ralph

 

 --------

 Ralph B

 Original Firestar 447

 N91493 E-AB

 960 hours

 22 years flying it

 Kolbra 912UL

 N20386

 1 year flying it

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=262262#262262

 

 

 

 

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 http://forums.matronics.com//files/folded_up__152.jpg

 http://forums.matronics.com//files/ralph_and_firestar__193.jpg

 http://forums.matronics.com//files/tucked_in_bed__534.jpg

 http://forums.matronics.com//files/back_home_in_the_hanger__227.jpg

 

 

 

 

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 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

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 [b]

_________________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Robert Laird
formerly: MkIIIc w/ 912ULS & Gyrobee
current: Autogyro Cavalon w/ 914ULS
Houston, TX area
http://www.Texas-Flyer.com

beberle

Joined: 08 Sep 2009
Posts: 4

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:00 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

I love to hear the 'preaching'!  I watched the video of Travis' yellow MKIIIX.  Didn't realize there were options for more than 10gallons fuel. That's a plus.  How does the MKIII handle midday turbulence? 

  I've got several hours in trikes; love the flying, just not much utility. I'm prepared for a light aircraft 'feel', but don't want to be limited to early-morining flights.

  I've got two teenagers, so not sure if I've got time to build. How long to build w/ the quickbuild options? 

  I take it a 90mph cruise is a bit optimistic ?



thanks for the replies

Brian

Ralph B

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

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:12 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

 	  Quote: 	
		  Correction, Ralph.... my MkIIIC doesn't take two people, just me, to set up.... in fact, the time to set it up LENGTHENS if I get someone else involved.ï¿½ 



Here's a video I did of unfolding then refolding my Kolb.ï¿½ During the re-folding, you'll see I had some help, but, as I mentioned, it increased the time! 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGblkR8cdYE

-- Robert 	




Thanks for the correction Robert. I know what you mean when someone wants to help out during setup. I always say that I can do it by myself and they can watch and ask questions.



Ralph B

_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

jlsk1(at)frontiernet.net
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 8:45 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Brian, 90 mph cruise will be a stretch, they like 70 to 80.

My MK-3C with a 912 takes , well, my best time is 12 minutes, to fold or 

unfold, then take time to do a good pre-flight, & like the others, If I get 

"Help", something will get missed. People watching seem to feel helpless, & 

can`t help but to offer. Hard to make them understand it`s just better If I 

do it myself.

Best way to evaluate the plane is to get a ride in one.

The Folks at the factory are Fantastic at supporting builders/fliers. And, 

any problem you encounter has been solved before. You won`t be alone.

Jim Kmet

---

aslsa.rng(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:10 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Brian, If I had it to do over again I'd buy a MkIIIX instead of the C. That claim is based on ergonomics as much as anything. When I first started flying my C I left the shoulder harness loose enough so that I could reach the switches on the panel. Then I found myself doing a face plant on the inside of the canopy when I was nailed by a Kansas boomer thermal. During the rebuild I put in an over head panel for mag, starter and fuel boost pump switches. The only switches that remain on the panel are the master and starter solenoid switches. I can fly with the straps nice and snug now. The airplane takes the thermals in stride. Bottom line, if I were you I'd set up a test ride in the factory demo plane or someone on the list. But beware, Kolbs are like beautiful women and can be very seductive.

Rick Girard

 do not archive



On Wed, Sep 9, 2009 at 11:00 AM, beberle <beberle1(at)bellsouth.net (beberle1(at)bellsouth.net)> wrote:

[quote] --> Kolb-List message posted by: "beberle" <beberle1(at)bellsouth.net (beberle1(at)bellsouth.net)>

 

 I love to hear the 'preaching'!  I watched the video of Travis' yellow MKIIIX.  Didn't realize there were options for more than 10gallons fuel. That's a plus.  How does the MKIII handle midday turbulence?

    I've got several hours in trikes; love the flying, just not much utility. I'm prepared for a light aircraft 'feel', but don't want to be limited to early-morining flights.

   I've got two teenagers, so not sure if I've got time to build. How long to build w/ the quickbuild options?

   I take it a 90mph cruise is a bit optimistic ?

 

 thanks for the replies

 Brian

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=262277#262277

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ===========

 arget="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List

 ===========

 http://forums.matronics.com

 ===========

 le, List Admin.

 ="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 ===========

 

 

 

 [b]

etzimm(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:23 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Why a Kolb?



A flying smile in the sky says it all.

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zeprep251(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 9:45 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Hate to butt in here Ralph, but I'm 71 and fold and unfold my MK-3 every time I fly it in Fla. unassisted. 20 minutes from climbing out of the pilots seat it's locked up in the trailer.It is more difficult than my Firestar by 8-10 minutes but easily a one man job.

 G.Aman MK-3C Jabiru 2200A 472hrs

 

 

   

 

   

 

 --

Thom Riddle

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1597
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA (9G0)

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 10:55 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

Gene,



re: three-bird-smiley



What a great image! Did this occur naturally or was it "constructed". I think I'm going to change my desktop background.

_________________
Thom Riddle
Buffalo, NY (9G0)

Don't worry about old age... it doesn't last very long.
- Anonymous

etzimm(at)gmail.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 11:52 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

Tom.



I found it on the net and liked it. I have no idea as to it's origin?



Gene

On Sep 9, 2009, at 2:55 PM, Thom Riddle wrote:



 	  Quote: 	
		   



 Gene,



 re: three-bird-smiley



 What a great image! Did this occur naturally or was it  

 "constructed". I think I'm going to change my desktop background.



 --------

 Thom Riddle

 Buffalo, NY

 Kolb Slingshot SS-021

 Jabiru 2200A #1574

 Tennessee Prop 64x34



 A complex system that works is invariably found to have evolved from  

 a simple system that works.

  - John Gaule





 Read this topic online here:



 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p 62307#262307

ces308

Joined: 03 Nov 2008
Posts: 317
Location: houghton lake ,mi

Posted: Wed Sep 09, 2009 1:21 pm Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

Hi Pat!

 

Yeah...80 feels the best for me too and 80 mph is 2800 rpm's  90 is 2900...and 70 is 2700....My prop is a Sensenich  w58djl44   wood.



chris ambrose

M3X/Jab

Thom Riddle

Joined: 10 Jan 2006
Posts: 1597
Location: Buffalo, NY, USA (9G0)

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:09 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

Chris,



Can you tell us what rpm and airspeed are you getting at wide-open-throttle in straight and level flight with that prop?

_________________
Thom Riddle
Buffalo, NY (9G0)

Don't worry about old age... it doesn't last very long.
- Anonymous

Dennis.Kirby(at)kirtland.
Guest

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:22 am Post subject: Why a Kolb?

"Classification:  UNCLASSIFIED  

 

  

Ralph B" writes: << A Mark II, or III will take 2 people to set up … >>  

   

Allow me to offer some clarification, based on my experience:  

I fold/unfold the wings of my Mark-III each time I fly.  Takes me 20 minutes, solo.  Granted, the process might save five minutes with a helper, but the truly wonderful thing about the design of all the Kolbs is the one-man setup.    

In fact, I find this is one of the best design features for me, as I share a hangar with a GA airplane, and the only way my Mark-III can fit is with the wings folded.  It’s a very worthwhile feature for me, as it allows me to get away with paying only a one-fourth share for hangar rent!  

There are several home-brewed designs for a tail dolly, which makes ground handling much easier.  See George Alexander’s excellent web site for a few ideas.  

And so, Brian – this is just one more reason why you should get a Kolb!  I hope you make the right choice!  

   

Dennis Kirby  

Mark-III, 921ul, Powerfin-72 in  

New Mexico

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Jason Omelchuck

Joined: 07 May 2009
Posts: 120
Location: Portland Oregon

Posted: Thu Sep 10, 2009 10:39 am Post subject: Re: Why a Kolb?

I own a MKIII and unfold/fold it every time I fly.  I also find it very easy to push around on the ground especially with a full swivel tail wheel.  Because I fold every time, I only pay 1/3 hanger rent.  Any end hanger in a row of "T" hangers is a good candidate to share with someone.



Jason Omelchuck

MKIII Yamaha Powered

Portland, OR

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