Kolb Handeling in Winds?

[TX_Pilot]

Well I'm looking at picking up a little plane just for kicks. I'll start by saying that I have never flown Kolb just yet nor really been around a Kolb, just the Chinook. I'm looking into a Kolb Firestar or Firestar II as I don't need a 2nd seat nor really want one, I have a nice Piper for trips and haulin' around others in.

The guys at my FBO are about half and half on if I would be crazy to buy something like this. (the negitave half never flown an UL before and the positive half have owned or owned one at one point in time) The ones who do own them NEVER fly them but once in a blue moon.

My question is, can anyone tell me what kind of winds the Kolb Firestar II (477) will handle? I live in west texas where it is always hot, tons of dirt devils blowing everywhere, and the wind never stops around here...

[planecrazzzy]

It'll handle a fair amount of wind.... Probably MORE than others in it's Class....

But it can be a Bumpy ride....

The Kolb is going to handle more like a regular aircraft compared with others in it's class...
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Gotta Fly...
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PS I'm building a Buttercup... But I might hang on to my Kolb for CHEAPER flying....

and it "IS" a fun little plane... Cross Country I fly 100 mile legs

But most flights are local...
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[TX_Pilot]

Could you be a little more specific please?

Maybe like, "I don't take my out unless the winds are XXmph or less.. and I don't attempt a cross wind landing in more than a XXmph crosswind." ?

I've also been told that if the outside temp is above 90F theres a pretty a big drop in performance, so stick to early morning or late evening flights. Does this hold a lot of truth as well?

BTW that is a great looking Kolb you have!

[planecrazzzy]

Ok.... I've landed my Kolb with a 90 degree , 20mph "Crosswind"..... no problem....

Not much of a Fuselage for the wind to push....
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As far as flying in a certain amount of wind ....

The Kolb does great in the wind....

What "I" don't like is the big difference between wind and wind "Gusts".....

That isn't fun to fly in.... it slaps the plane around....

So if you see winds 20 mph with Gusts 25 or more.... Bad day for flying...

OK Flying in 90 degree.... use more runway.... it's nice and cool up there....

Careful on landing.... you may come in NORMAL.... HA !!!

My plane hates to "Drop in" on a landing.... She Flys and Flys

Sometimes on shorter strips , I need to force her down so I can use the BRAKES....
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My plane is Classified as a High Performance Light Aircraft..... 90 degree day doesn't effect it much....

The bad part is putting on the extra clothes to go fly.... It's hot unlil you get to your cruising Alt....

I usually cruise around 3000 -4000 ft MSL
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Gotta Fly...
Mike & "Jaz" the Flying Dog

Here's a BIG Kolb forum for you....

You'll have to register... and find the Kolb section...
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http://forums.matronics.com/viewforum.p ... 24aa0a6a93
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[Wiplash]

The Kolb is going to handle more like a regular aircraft compared with others in it's class...
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One good thing about the Kolbs...

They fly like planes....

(Unlike some of the light aircraft ...)

What it is about a Kolb that gives them these characteristics?


Todd

[planecrazzzy]

Probably because of less Drag ?

It's usually faster than most in the group...

I've flown to several Fly-ins with other experimentals...

I'd either circle around and catch up...

Or I'd stay behind and do wide "S" turns...

and that's with a three blade IVO...

When I convert it to TWO blade...

It's even Faster...
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Gotta Fly...