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williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 7:53 am Post subject: Firestar

I need some opinions.  I have not decided whether or not to cover the pod on the Firestar.  I know Kip just went with a mid-length windscreen, and his videos don't show any problems with the airflow bothering the pilot.  Jack has a covered pod, and a short screen.  Dana just hangs out in the open with the Ultrastar.  Visibility has to be great.  My limited experience with a full enclosure tells me that it can be awful hot.  Any opinions as to advantages or disadvantages would be appreciated, because the weather is starting to look good for outdoor Stits work.

  

                                             Bill Sullivan

                                             Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                             FS 447

 [quote][b]

Dana

Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 1047
Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:08 am Post subject: Firestar

Bill, as you say the visibility can't be beat on mine, but it can get chilly.  Whether it's worth it is up to you.  It's not worth it to add it to mine but if it was already there... I don't know.  I don't know if you saw Stan's FS, but he has the short windshield, with a removable upper section for winter.  The back is still open, but he says it's quite comfortable in cold weather.



 -Dana



 At 11:50 AM 5/5/2010, william sullivan wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		    I need some opinions.  I have not decided whether or not to cover the pod on the Firestar.  I know Kip just went with a mid-length windscreen, and his videos don't show any problems with the airflow bothering the pilot.  Jack has a covered pod, and a short screen.  Dana just hangs out in the open with the Ultrastar.  Visibility has to be great.  My limited experience with a full enclosure tells me that it can be awful hot.  Any opinions as to advantages or disadvantages would be appreciated, because the weather is starting to look good for outdoor Stits work. 	


 --

  The early bird catches the worm, but it's the second mouse that gets the cheese.    [quote][b]

capedavis(at)yahoo.com
Guest

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 9:33 am Post subject: Firestar

Bill, I had a full enclosure on my KXP with a lexan rear cockpit enclosure that I would put on in the winter and take off as soon as the temp got above 50 at 1000 ft and I was never too hot I also had a door on each side and I took both of them off in the warmest part of the summer.I dont know whether you have the 2 alum tubes and a hinge on each side or not but to me that is the way  to go otherwise with a short windshield 

here in New England I would have to wear a helmet with full shield  all year and I dont care to wear a helmet when I fly!

Chris Davis

KXP 503 492 hrs

Glider Pilot

Disabled from crash building Firefly  



 

   From: william sullivan <williamtsullivan(at)att.net>

To: kolb list <kolb-list(at)matronics.com>

Sent: Wed, May 5, 2010 11:50:06 AM

Subject: Kolb-List: Firestar



       I need some opinions.  I have not decided whether or not to cover the pod on the Firestar.  I know Kip just went with a mid-length windscreen, and his videos don't show any problems with the airflow bothering the pilot.  Jack has a covered pod, and a short screen.  Dana just hangs out in the open with the Ultrastar.  Visibility has to be great.  My limited experience with a full enclosure tells me that it can be awful hot.  Any opinions as to advantages or disadvantages would be appreciated, because the weather is starting to look good for outdoor Stits work.

  

                                             Bill Sullivan

                                             Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                             FS 447

 	  Quote: 	
		  [b]

Ralph B

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

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 10:45 am Post subject: Re: Firestar

Bill, I decided not to cover the rear cage, but cover the front part. It has several advantages. It's lighter (that was a concern in the 103 days), it flies faster uncovered (covering around the cage in back of the seat acts like a parachute w/o a full enclosure), and lastly I can remove/inspect the tank/fuel lines easier.



Ralph

Firestar at Winsted.JPG

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_________________
Ralph B

Kolb Kolbra 912uls
N20386
550 hours

frank.goodnight(at)att.ne
Guest

Posted: Wed May 05, 2010 1:19 pm Post subject: Firestar

Hi  Bill,

My  firestar  has the wings and tail covered the pod is all exposed. I like it that way but I have never flown a covered firestar

so don't have any way to compare . The wind dosen't bother me , but again the winters in Brownsville are mild. I did put on a

nose bowl and a shorty windscreen this winter. Too much down force on the nose at cruise I took them off for the upcoming 

flt. to MV. I don't know if the pod not being covered had anything to do with it. I don't intend to cover , and if I were building

another I wouldn;t consider covering the pod. one huge advantages of an open pod is ease of access to anything that needs working on.

and it just has to be more fun to  fly.

Frank  Goodnight

Firestar2--150 hrs

Brownsville, TX

From: william sullivan <williamtsullivan(at)att.net>

To: kolb list <kolb-list(at)matronics.com>

Sent: Wed, May 5, 2010 10:50:06 AM

Subject: Firestar

  I need some opinions.  I have not decided whether or not to cover the pod on the Firestar.  I know Kip just went with a mid-length windscreen, and his videos don't  show any problems with the airflow bothering the pilot.  Jack has a covered pod, and a short screen.  Dana just hangs out in the open with the Ultrastar.  Visibility has to be great.  My limited experience with a full enclosure tells me that it can be awful hot.  Any opinions as to advantages or disadvantages would be appreciated, because the weather is starting to look good for outdoor Stits work.

  

                                             Bill Sullivan

                                             Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                             FS 447

  	  Quote: 	
		  

	


   

 [quote][b]

Thom Riddle

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

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 3:23 am Post subject: Re: Firestar

Bill,



Not covering the pod is easier, of course. Why not just fly it for awhile without a pod covering. If you don't like it that way then add whatever covering you think suits you. Incremental change is the easiest and safest path to flying satisfaction.



I've owned two Firestars and one Slingshot. All had/have full enclosures and I never got too hot flying in yankee-land. I removed the upper part of the fabric covering aft of the pilot on both Firestars for easier access to that area but won't do that with the Slingshot due to higher speeds.

_________________
Thom Riddle
Buffalo, NY (9G0)

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

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 3:45 am Post subject: Firestar

Thom- After reading everyone's comments, I think I am going to do as you suggest.  I will just put the nose cone back on, and add a half length windshield.  I rode a motorcycle for years without a windshield, including 2 full years of commuting 15 miles one way- rain, shine, and snow.  I wouldn't recommend it.  I do have a lot of trouble with circulation in my hands, and cold or damp wind will bother me.  I also like the idea of ease of service, until I see if I have any problems with the fuel system.  Maybe I can deflect enough air to make a difference.  Kip had a video where the camera was mounted on a wing strut, pointed at him.  The wind didn't seem to disturb his clothes too bad.  He has a shield that is about 3/4, if I remember, and no pod cover.  The walk-around video that Travis sent  showed a 1/2 pod cover, and I could easily do it in stages.

  

                                                   Bill Sullivan

                                                   Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                                   FS 447

 [quote][b]

by0ung(at)brigham.net
Guest

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 6:52 am Post subject: Firestar

I need some opinions.  I have not   decided whether or not to cover the pod on the Firestar.  I know Kip just   went with a mid-length windscreen, and his videos don't show any problems   with the airflow bothering the pilot.  Jack has a covered pod, and a   short screen.  Dana just hangs out in the open with the Ultrastar.    Visibility has to be great.  My limited experience with a full enclosure   tells me that it can be awful hot.  Any opinions as to advantages or   disadvantages would be appreciated, because the weather is starting to look   good for outdoor Stits work.   

    

                                              Bill Sullivan   

                                              Windsor Locks, Ct.   

                                              FS 447         	  Quote: 	
		   	
  

 	  Quote: 	
		  >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.  

When I drove motorcycles without a wind faring.  There was always the wind in your face and the experience that goes with that,   when I put on a faring it was still breezy,  and I never missed getting smacked by the bugs,  etc.   it also extended the season I could ride comfortably by a few weeks.        With the full enclosure on the mkIII   I can fly all winter long,  I have taken off with temps in the 20’s and had an hour flight. Going into the sun was warmer than when flying away.    To keep from getting too hot in summer  I cut some vents in the side windows , just ahead and above my knees,   when they are open it blows directly on me  and eliminates the green house effect.          Were I to build again it would be another full enclosure.  
	


   

Boyd Young  

MKIII  

Utah  

   

       [quote][b]

John Hauck

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

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 10:07 am Post subject: Firestar

Were I to build again  it would be another full enclosure.

  

  

Boyd  Young 

MKIII 

Utah 

  

  

I built US, FS,  and MKIII. 

  

I am with  Boyd.  If I built again, I'd go full enclosure. 

  

john  hauck 

mkIII 

Titus,  Alabama

[quote] [b]

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

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 10:35 am Post subject: Firestar

I like the full enclosure, but I think I'm going to start with the basics and go from there.  I am still trimming weight to get as close to a 103 spec as I can.  There is no extended flying planned for the time being, due to my deteriorating physical condition.  Nothing to do with the crash, but I am in the final stages of degenerative disc disease plus a host of other problems.  Up, around, and down- maybe an hour out and back.  Learn first, then fun as I can get it.  I am now about 3 years past my "never walk again" date.

  

                                            Bill Sullivan

                                            Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                            FS 447

 [quote][b]

lhaggerty(at)tampabay.rr.
Guest

Posted: Thu May 06, 2010 12:00 pm Post subject: Firestar

The best of Irish luck ta ya. Pete

  

 [quote]   ---

russkinne(at)mac.com
Guest

Posted: Fri May 07, 2010 3:33 pm Post subject: Firestar

Bill, I had no idea. You looked pretty spry when  last we met.The very best of luck

Fair winds,

Russ

do not archive

On May 6, 2010, at 3:56 PM, lhaggerty wrote:

[quote]The best of Irish luck ta ya. Pete

 

[quote]---

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 11:12 am Post subject: Firestar

Jack- I think I'm going to do as previously mentioned.  Put the nose cone on, a short windshield, and drop some weight.  The biggest item on the weight issue is to change from streamlined steel struts to round aluminum.  I am undecided as to whether or not to put a gap seal on it for now.  At my weight I don't need the extra lift (for now), and the increased visibility would be a bonus for a beginner.  The pod can be covered later, as long as I don't drop my wallet or keys.  This is the nice thing about the Kolb design- changes can be made at any stage.  Covering is a moot point right now- we still have frost warnings, and I have to work in the back yard.

   Health?  I read the Irish sports page (obituaries) every day, and keep out living my doctors.  Even the much younger ones.

   Keep making entries to your web site- I refer to it frequently.  Thank you.

  

                                                    Bill Sullivan

                                                    Windsor locks, Ct.

                                                    FS 447

 [quote][b]

Dana

Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 1047
Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 1:42 pm Post subject: Firestar

At 11:15 AM 5/10/2010, william sullivan wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		    Jack- I think I'm going to do as previously mentioned.  Put the nose cone on, a short windshield, and drop some weight.  The biggest item on the weight issue is to change from streamlined steel struts to round aluminum. 	


 I would go with whatever was the original strut material (round steel tubing, no?).



  	  Quote: 	
		    I am undecided as to whether or not to put a gap seal on it for now.  At my weight I don't need the extra lift (for now), and the increased visibility would be a bonus... 	


 Use the gap seal.  I flew my UltraStar without the gap seal... once.  I'll never do it again.  Make it out of clear vinyl as I did if you're concerned about visibility.



 -Dana



 

 --

  New safety announcement from the Department of Homeland Security:  Securely duct tape shut any books you may own about civil liberties or the U.S. Constitution.    [quote][b]

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 3:33 pm Post subject: Firestar

Dana- The original struts were round aluminum, now damaged.  The ones currently on it are a nicely made streamlined steel set, but very heavy.  I don't know who made them, possibly the original builder.

  

                                                  Bill Sullivan

                                                  Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                                  FS 447

  

 [quote][b]

russkinne(at)mac.com
Guest

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:00 pm Post subject: Firestar

BillIf you have time to measure, how much did each set weigh?

do not archive 



On May 10, 2010, at 7:26 PM, william sullivan wrote:

 	  Quote: 	
		    Dana- The original struts were round aluminum, now damaged.  The ones currently on it are a nicely made streamlined steel set, but very heavy.  I don't know who made them, possibly the original builder.

  

                                                  Bill Sullivan

                                                  Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                                  FS 447

  

  	  Quote: 	
		  



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Dana

Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 1047
Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:12 pm Post subject: Firestar

At 07:26 PM 5/10/2010, william sullivan wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		    Dana- The original struts were round aluminum, now damaged.  The ones currently on it are a nicely made streamlined steel set, but very heavy.  I don't know who made them, possibly the original builder. 	


 Do the drawings call for aluminum or steel?  My US has steel tubes (per the drawings) and I'm pretty sure my friend's FS has steel struts too.



 -Dana

 --

  In the 60's people took acid to make the world weird. Now the world is weird, people take prozac to make it normal.    [quote][b]

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject: Firestar

I don't have the drawings.  Two sets of struts came with it, and the round aluminum ones had matching paint.  I talked to Travis a couple of years ago when I mounted the replacement wings.  He said they were old style, with aluminum tubes, steel ends, and riveted aluminum spacer tubes.  The welded streamlined ones are definately not stock.  Over 9 pounds for the pair, too.

  

                                                   Bill Sullivan

                                                   Windsor Locks, Ct.

                                                   FS 447

  

                                              

 [quote][b]

John Hauck

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

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 4:32 pm Post subject: Firestar

Do the drawings call for aluminum or steel?  My US has steel tubes (per the 

drawings) and I'm pretty sure my friend's FS has steel struts too.



-Dana



Dana/Gang:



Don't think my memory is completely gone.



Having built an Ultrastar and Firestar kit, both used aluminum tube lift 

struts with 4130 steel lift strut fittings and a thick aluminum bushing for 

proper fit between the fittings and the tube.



I don't remember steel tube lift struts on either model.



If I have to, I can go dig out the US and FS plans to confirm.



john hauck

1984 Ultrastar

1986 Firestar

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

Dana

Joined: 13 Dec 2007
Posts: 1047
Location: Connecticut, USA

Posted: Mon May 10, 2010 5:37 pm Post subject: Firestar

At 08:26 PM 5/10/2010, John Hauck wrote:



  	  Quote: 	
		  Having built an Ultrastar and Firestar kit, both used aluminum tube lift 

 struts with 4130 steel lift strut fittings and a thick aluminum bushing for 

 proper fit between the fittings and the tube. 	


 You're right, of course.  The plans show a 2024 strut on the US.  I just assumed mine were steel as they were painted to match all rest of the steel parts on my plane.



 -Dana

 --

  Hardware: the part of the computer that can be kicked. If you can only curse at it, it's software.    [quote][b]

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