First Solo Kolb Mk III Extra KGXY

After many flights with a friend adjusting the trim tabs, I finally flew solo today. I had to wait until the fog lifted. So, by the time I could fly I only had time for one lap around the pattern. This plane is a Kolb Mk III Extra with a Rotax 912 ULS (100 HP).

[@bobbean4702]

All kolb mklll are easy to fly. No surprises, fly themselves. Loved mine.

[@buddyratliff6535]

Bringing back some good memories. Built a marklll in 89. 912. It was my second time solo. First was Cherokee. Had about 50 hours. All the old guys said there’s just lifted off. Well did a few taxis on 3 rd one a little gust wind at my 2 and right wing lifted right up and pushed right rudder and full power. Was flying. Marklll first had a challenger 2. And now have a firestar. Never had tail dragger training it’s not hard just can’t get lazy feet. A challenger 2 will cure that. Their yaw axis is sloppy Had to add the mods. 👍

[@ralphlong9973]

Nice flight. Good job.

[@user-cv5sx3lv3t]

Cool video! Congratulations!

[@christinegust]

Way to go!

[@AzimuthAviation]

Nice! Cut the no ADSB chatter. I teach my students that every word spoken on the radio cost a dime ;)

[@nautidread]

Thanks. It seems that people aren’t looking out the cockpit as much as they used to since ADSB came along. At KGXY we get a lot of IFR students running the ILS approach. Also the mod C veil for Denver International is only 4 NM away.

[@AzimuthAviation]

@@nautidread The Kolb looks like a lot of fun and back to basics. I see a lot of my first officers who never flew with steam gauges and "got them on the fish finder" doesn't mean a thing unless the Mk-20 eyeballs has the traffic in sight. Have fun!!!

[@Mike-01234]

I want to buy one of these only light sports that fits in most trailers. Hangers are 10 year waiting list even more than an hour drive away now.

[@nautidread]

That is part of the reason why I purchased a Kolb. It fits in my 25’ trailer very nicely.

[@Mike-01234]

@@nautidread What's your thoughts on the Kolb has a light wing loading. Is it hard to land in gusty wind conditions? Also read some stories about flutter. One guy said after putting a trim tab on the rudder with duct tape caused tail boom to flutter really bad. Although seems like that could be related to using duct tape to fasten a tab on fabric rudder.

[@nautidread]

I haven’t landed in gusty conditions yet. I haven’t experienced flutter either. She is very forgiving on landing. Since she doesn’t have a lot of weight and momentum, she stops quite quickly. I fly out of KGXY (30 miles north of Denver). On a warm day the density altitude can be 8,000’ (the airport is at 4,700’) and I still climb at 800’/minutes alone and 600-700’/minute with 2 adult males (approx 380 lbs).

[@Mike-01234]

@@nautidread That's probably a bonus if ever have a dead stick landing doesn't need lot of room to land.

[@extendedp1]

Cool video, thanks. How much does a plane like this cost? Do you need a license? I had some ultralight videos show up in my recommendations somehow, and this seems a step up. I am guessing the range, altitude and speed are all improved? What about the temperature in the cabin? Sorry so many questions:)

[@nautidread]

A plane like this costs between $30k and $50k. You do need a license to fly it. I get about 3 hours on 10 gallons of regular fuel (not aviation gas). I cruise at about 85 mph. I do not know the ceiling yet, but I climb at 800’/min in 7,000 density altitude. I fly in 35 degree weather with a light jacket and the temp in the cabin is fine.

[@extendedp1]

@@nautidread Very interesting, thank you for the info!