I had a Firestar II as well and it was a fun plane to fly. Good handling , economical to operate. If you had to the wings could be folded making it compact to store. I only wish was that it was a true two place with dual controls. The second seat was very tight making only suitable for a petite adult or child. I eventually sold my Kolb to finance a Challenger II. I do miss the Firestar.
You have great airplane taste, sir. I am a fan of both the Sonex and the Firestar. Did you build your Firestar? I own a few EAB acft but sadly have not yet gathered up the courage to start building one. I do want to build one in the future, probably when I retire. Flying and maintaining an aircraft that you built yourself must be an incredibly satisfying experience. Cheers from Brasilia, Brazil.
Thanks for the message. I did indeed build both airplanes 10 years apart. Building is fun most of the time when the parts fit as they should but you have to look at it as a challenge and take it one piece at a time. Your work will be rewarded when you are flying your own creation. No Bonanza or Cirrus pilot will know the feeling:)
Well done video. What camera were you using? Good stabilization and decent audio without the wind noise overwhelming it. My FireFly was damaged last year. I really miss it. Thanks for posting.
I've been at it a long time now and know the risks. This video shows some of the less desirable situations obviously. The same flights over the salt flats would not make the directors cut:)
I just fly mainly on feel. 5200 rpm is a nice cruise number at 55 mph. When people fly it I tell them to avoid speeds below 50 mph until in the flare. The airspeed indicator is probably the instrument that I look at the least, just a bit more than the altimeter. The prop is a Powerfin.
@@FourthWayRanch As I said, I go by feel. If you need a reference, 50 mph is a nice target. This assumes that your airspeed indicator is correct. It's a high drag aircraft. Just fly it like you're low on speed during takeoff and landing and you'll be fine. You'll be able to adjust as you get a few hours in.
@@FourthWayRanch Pull start is possible with adequate arm strength. 13 inch tires are enough for somewhat rough grass strips. Anything rougher and larger tires would be welcome.
what seat is that? I need to get a seat for my Kolb firefly vs the fabric one that comes standard with the kit; need to be a bit closer to the rudder peddles
Very nice flight. And thanks for not replacing the original audio with music.
I had a Firestar II as well and it was a fun plane to fly. Good handling , economical to operate. If you had to the wings could be folded making it compact to store. I only wish was that it was a true two place with dual controls. The second seat was very tight making only suitable for a petite adult or child. I eventually sold my Kolb to finance a Challenger II. I do miss the Firestar.
Good morning from Washington state USA thanks for your share and it's great flying 🥰👍👍🙏🙏
I'm glad that you enjoyed it.
@@kyqx yes sir, I am, I planned to build or have one just like your, thanks and have a wonderful holidays. 👍 👍
Absolutely, George. Homer would be proud. Enjoyed your video Kip. Brought back a lot of good memories.
When Homer gave me a thumbs up at Sun n Fun while I was in line for takeoff, my life was pretty complete for a while.
Another entertaining video by Kip Laurie. Homer would be proud.
Great shots. That is a really cool ultralight. I will be looking to get one in the next couple years. Just starting to look around. Thanks! New Sub!
Cool video Kip. Great scenery!
You have great airplane taste, sir. I am a fan of both the Sonex and the Firestar. Did you build your Firestar? I own a few EAB acft but sadly have not yet gathered up the courage to start building one. I do want to build one in the future, probably when I retire. Flying and maintaining an aircraft that you built yourself must be an incredibly satisfying experience. Cheers from Brasilia, Brazil.
Thanks for the message. I did indeed build both airplanes 10 years apart. Building is fun most of the time when the parts fit as they should but you have to look at it as a challenge and take it one piece at a time. Your work will be rewarded when you are flying your own creation. No Bonanza or Cirrus pilot will know the feeling:)
I imagine some guys probably "hot rod" these Kolbs for added performance.
There's not much of a reason to. Keep them light for the best low and slow flying.
I used to have a friend that like to fly dangerously he’s not with us anymore.
Never fly dangerously.
Well done video. What camera were you using? Good stabilization and decent audio without the wind noise overwhelming it. My FireFly was damaged last year. I really miss it. Thanks for posting.
It's just and old GoPro 7 I think (with image stabilization). I hope you get your Firefly back up. I enjoy your videos as well.
@@kyqx Well, good job. Fly safe and have fun!
Very nice Kolb, brother, but don't ever trust the engine from anywhere you don't have a place to glide to and land if engine were to fail✌️
I've been at it a long time now and know the risks. This video shows some of the less desirable situations obviously. The same flights over the salt flats would not make the directors cut:)
looks like alot of fun
Amo el Firestar II, le hice 200 horas de sublime gozo.
what airspeeds /rpms do you fly it at, approach, cruise, Vx, Vy, etc
is that ultraprop II ? what degree pitch blocks? static max RPM ?
I just fly mainly on feel. 5200 rpm is a nice cruise number at 55 mph. When people fly it I tell them to avoid speeds below 50 mph until in the flare. The airspeed indicator is probably the instrument that I look at the least, just a bit more than the altimeter.
The prop is a Powerfin.
@@kyqx what airspeed do you climb out at? (Vy) takeoff
we're trying smarcarbs on the firestar and almost ready to try and fly it.
@@FourthWayRanch As I said, I go by feel. If you need a reference, 50 mph is a nice target. This assumes that your airspeed indicator is correct. It's a high drag aircraft. Just fly it like you're low on speed during takeoff and landing and you'll be fine. You'll be able to adjust as you get a few hours in.
what diameter is that prop? kolb is saying 62" for the 3 blades?
I can't remember the size for certain but will look for the documentation.
@@kyqx can you pull start it in flight? it looks like the 13" tires, they're big enough?
@@FourthWayRanch Pull start is possible with adequate arm strength. 13 inch tires are enough for somewhat rough grass strips. Anything rougher and larger tires would be welcome.
Klass! how much is one flight hour...
About $12 worth of gasoline!
Harish from India, Awesome job sir, need to know engine name and price, and propeller detail plzz
Thanks. Rotax 503, Powerfin propeller. Check barnstormers.com for used Kolb's.
Bro
Nama oorula lam drive pana mudeyathu ... Naraya procedure eruku
IS THE FIREFLY & FIRESTAR THE SAME
The Firefly is a USA legal ultralight, the Firestar is not.
you still fly?
I certainly do.
Are you still in GA?
what seat is that? I need to get a seat for my Kolb firefly vs the fabric one that comes standard with the kit; need to be a bit closer to the rudder peddles
It was made my someone on the London, KY area back in 2000 or so. The New Kolb referred them to me. I'm not sure who makes them this many years later.
U. Want. To. Come. Up. Macon. County. Test. Fly. My. Firestar. ✔ trim. Ck. Out. ↪$$ let me know. Z