Kolb Firefly Maiden Flight with Pilot Audio & 3 Camera Angles

This is the first flight of my EXPERIMENTAL Kolb Firefly. I flew from Roosterville Missouri on March 13th after working on the plane for about 8 years.

[@OzcarMike641]

8 years. Good man for sticking with it. Good woman for sticking with him !

[@karlp3840]

Wow, I've been very interested in experimental flight for many years. Now retired, I'm going to pursue it. Narrowed my aircraft choice to your Kolb Firefly. Really like your including trailering and setup prior to flight. I've learned more from your 1 video than I have from countless other like topic videos. THANK YOU.

[@keithcalvert8932]

Thanks for stopping in at our airport and visiting with us. I enjoyed going over your plane with you and the tips you gave me on setting up my Kolb brakes. Your plane is so clean the way everything is build. I'll give you a buzz when I have a few hours on mine to let you know how it went. Keith

[@JWolfe104]

Keith Calvert Thanks or your kind words. Dropping in on you guys was a lot of fun. That was my first landing in someone's "back yard!" Please do keep me informed on your progress with the Mk III. I think you will enjoy it. Be safe, and let me know if there is anything I can do to help.

[@JWolfe104]

Oh no. That wasn't fear. That was INTENSE concentration. Had I been afraid I would have gone home, reevaluated things, and flown again another day. When it was all over I was wired for days. Most satisfying experience of my life to date!

[@rasco81]

I use the term Grossly Inaccurate now. Thanks Wolfe

[@chipsmydog]

My “most satisfying experience “ was sincerely surrendering to the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Nothing compares.

[@adampennington8954]

@@chipsmydog You're an idiot.

[@Ducky27645]

Very cool video. Shows the ease of transport and assembly. Love it.

[@simrey33]

First flight + unfamiliar airplane + no airspeed indicator = pucker factor 10. Nice job, great video. I didn't see a bounce... (He looks away very slowly..... ) :)

[@Ichibuns]

Luckily, with these super high drag airplanes, approach speed isn't so important as it drops like a rock once power is removed.

[@davidnickerson1157]

Great video! I just bought my first fixed wing. Also a Kolb Firefly. This was really great to watch. Thank you!

[@ryanmelton757]

Great meeting you last week. I look forward to getting my 2 stroke there over Labor Day Weekend. Spoke to Gary today and hopefully he'll be able to find me a safe spot. Hopefully we can get some great flights in before winter.

[@JWolfe104]

It was nice to meet you too! We’ve got a couple of months of great flying weather coming up. I’m going up for the 3rd time this week tonight. Good luck on your Rans ferry flight!

[@Randoskie]

I now have a Firestar 2, w the 503, I've got where I can get the tail up and taxi down the runway at 30-35 MPH, and keep her in a straight line, just about ready to take her up. I have a lot of hours in a Quicksilver MXL but no tail dragger experience. I crashed my Challenger 2 last summer when the engine quit over a vineyard so I'm trying to work thru that experience. I'm impressed how you gave it the gas and took her up with no crow hops or hesitation.

[@JWolfe104]

Randy Phillips Thanks. I did a lot of high speed taxi runs before I went for it. I also got a taildragger endorsement in a Citabria. I went straight from the Citabria to the Firefly. That was a rough transition. It's best if you can get at least some dual time in a taildragger. The most important thing is to hold it off the ground and full stall it at touchdown. Else, be prepared to go around if you bounce it. Good luck you you.

[@BigFiveJack]

I really enjoyed watching this video. You did a fantastic job in my opinion. I was very encouraged by the whole thing!!!!!

[@MrDlt123]

Great video. Really like how you put the footage in showing assembly too. Most of these vids are just fly-bys.

[@JWolfe104]

Yes. 8 years. But, there was a 5 year pause in the middle. Job loss, health/family issues all take their toll on airplane project timelines.

[@kevincopeland2123]

Been there done that.....Great airplane...Flew mine this morning...Calm winds and blue skies my friend.....

[@hartleyevans7147]

Kevin Copeland

[@lucianestridge7964]

Great video. Kolb is just two miles from my house. I'm going over to talk to a sales person this week.

[@flytoday]

Great video and congrats on your first flight of your home built plane! You are one of an elite club

[@kyqx]

Great video! As you probably know by now, a normal landing in a Kolb is done by simply flying it on. It's almost difficult to be "too fast" at touchdown while wheel landing. There's so such thing as a flare, really...just a reduction in descent rate.

[@chiefkirk]

Great job brother. My first solo landing ever was in my recently acquired MiniMax. Tail dragger. I had a few hours training in a Challenger tricycle gear. None in a tailwheel. My heart was in my throat both on takeoff and on landing. I had no idea what to expect with either. Fortunately both went extremely easy.

[@JWolfe104]

Chiefkirk Outdoors I went from a Citabria to this! Better than no training at all, but not by much.

[@chiefkirk]

@@JWolfe104 Totally understand pal.

[@gpzbilly]

That was a great job. I remembered my solo flight back in 1983. God I was scared to death. I've always loved the Firefly even through I've never flown one.

[@alaskaaksala123]

Billy Page approaching my solo flight date...feeling the same way..

[@samj1185]

7:00 excellent understatement. Good job establishing reference and working it out. I've been looking for a Firefly and have finally found a great example. Your vid shows the plane really well, Thanks! the landing seemed worse from your view than the outside.

[@BO-dc4xg]

I agree great video and yes the view from inside seemed quite scary on the landing but when viewed from outside looked pretty smooth for the most part and well done!

[@kalimarus]

Thanks for posting this, I've recently picked up my PP and nearly finished with the instrument rating. This looks like a much more cost effective way to enjoy flying. As it stands I cannot afford to fly a GA aircraft and am looking at these as options. (PP and IR are requirements for work). Can't beat that view!

[@JoshWeaverRC]

You did great. Gives me inspiration to try to fly one.

[@roseanncloskey]

Excellent flying. 4/22/2023yr

[@FTroop37F]

Beautiful aircraft....nice build. Blue skies, man

[@DanasWings]

Nicely done (the build, the flight, _and_ the video)! Only distracting thing is the reflection from the white panel, painting it black would help. The Kolbs are great flying planes, I flew an Ultrastar for 5 years and also flew a buddy's Firestar.

[@Duane002]

That's the thing with tail staggers. You need to fly them all the way to and on the ground. Great landing for first flight with no air speed indicator! Well done and beautiful plane!

[@TheKolbflyer]

Nice Video, very nice job on the plane and Great landing! Thanks so much for sharing.

[@vidge123]

i love the wooden wing supports! i must make a set for myself!

[@johnrisher3007]

He sounds like he's been flying for a while. He sounds ok on the radio

[@BluntNews]

8 years to work on it. holy cow you could of had it done in 3 weeks but still i'm getting mines this summer and i know it wil bethe thrill of my life great video thanks for posting

[@originalfallinggirl]

I often think about clothes shopping while I wait for my rpms to stabilize. Clothes shopping is both fun and stressful. If I think about dancing then I’m certain to stall upon liftoff. You see, dancing is all fun and devoid of stress. You must offset the zen of clothes shopping with a bit of phenomenal awareness, like that the checkout lady won’t accept Diners Club or will say I’m too heavy for a size 2. In other words, if you are too relaxed and high on life, as in the case of dancing in your head, you may become numb to the real and present dangers associated with the next 45 seconds of your life.

[@buzzard503]

Excellent video. Comprehensive. Could be used as educational material for anyone performing a maiden flight. Nice camera set up and editing.

[@JWolfe104]

I fixed the issue by simply disconnecting the static line from the back of the airspeed indicator. It seems to be working ok. I think part of my problem was that my probe was a little short and I was getting a little effect from the nose cone. I may reconnect it and try again at some point. Thanks for the compliments!

[@petejulie1000]

Very cool film clip. Now I know what fear looks in ones eyes. Thanks for sharing a special flight event. I'm thinking an automotive GPS might be a good backup for at least ground speed. You'd need to have near zero wind conditions but there will be some reference. Airplane in nice. .I'm jealous........Pete

[@RosssRoyce]

Very nice video! It is amazing they put this extra-thick spar tube in the wing! I think an airliner must have the same size! To my feeling two thin ones would suffice to gain even more lightness. It is heartwarming to see support from your companion! I thought you would kiss Jeff too :)) (kidding!)

[@debelt]

Fascinating, thanks for sharing.

[@DEGBOT]

Very nice video. I have put 75 hours on my firefly and just love it. I installed VG's on the wing and under the tail,lowered the stall a few knots and handles very well.Enjoy your little hot rod ultralight.

[@rustykeller8264]

Nice little bird. Nice flight. I don't know if you see it from your perspective, but from mine, there is a lot of reflective glare from your white panel, and panel top. I think I would cover the white, with black.

[@frankcloskey7789]

Excellent landing get that air speed indicater by and aircraft mechanic. 4/24/2021

[@tboltjohn]

We're out of KLXT. Roosterville's a great field with a rural atmosphere.

[@caryjulietate]

I’m watching this random aviation video and pilot calls Roosterville! Yup that’s Roosterville. It’s been a few years...

[@JWolfe104]

Thanks for the compliment. I've done all my flying in Cessna's and other GA aircraft up until now. I always rented. I love the Kolb! I just fly for fun and the scenery. The Firefly works great for that.

[@RealGoldRealWealth]

Could you comment on the handling characteristics of the Kolb compared to the Cessna please?

[@jammer4578]

Beautiful plane!!

[@dichromatic6003]

Thank you for sharing this dream/video with me😄😄😄😄😄😄😄👍👍👍👍👍👍👍..

[@Randoskie]

Gorgeous plane. I just purchased a Kolb Firestar 1, has the 447 and came with a nice trailer. It's a nice plane, not as pretty as yours, but I paid only $5,500 including trailer and avionics. I have a lot of hours in a Quicksilver MXL, but no time in a tail dragger.But, I know I can grease it in, everybody says there are easy to fly and land. I just hooked up with the owner of a small country airport, and am excited and nervous to do my first crow hops and flights. I do have a gopro. Let's have some fun. Rando

[@richardstevens2867]

Maiden flight with your airspeed indicator U/S, I'd call that landing spectacular.

[@supergmx1046]

Nice job on the build and the flight. The bounce did not look bad to me. I think if I ever build an aircraft I will also have a GPS and if you have a rough idea what the wind is you will have a ball park on your airspeed if the indicator fails. With experience on type you could estimate with power settings and attitude which you did not have the luxury of on your first flight. You handled the situation well. Fly safe.

[@JWolfe104]

I'm using a panel mount radio by MGL Avionics. I like it. I've patched the intercom into a GoPro Hero 2. The static line WAS the source of my ASI problem.

[@zaitcev0]

That trailer was amazing.

[@frankiebpr]

I echo everyone’s comments and your skills, although when I heard you speak I could tell you had some experience under your wing. Now having said that, please tell me more about your trailer. By the way my email is: [e-mail] if you feel this is an easier way of communicating. Thanks for an exceptional video. Frank

[@BobbyPilot]

Envious. Congratulations on completing it!

[@JWolfe104]

Thanks. Talking through what is going on really helps with the nerves.

[@4437RR]

A good argument for Crow Hops before 1st flight. The ASI issue would have been identified and resoved.

[@mrans300]

Jonathan. Awesome video!!! Bill was kind enough to send me the link. As a fellow GA pilot I am thoroughly impressed. Mike Rans

[@rustypanels1917]

Good job.

[@Bass.Player]

I think that plane is equipped with flaperons? Their use would allow for slower landings. Once I discovered that airspeed indicator was fubar it would have been seat of the pants from that moment on. Nice job everything looked good to me.

[@rickbucy7988]

All things considered....You were kool and calm

[@65LB]

May have been a bounce, but it looked like a very gentle one at that.

[@LeeKobe1]

Nice little birds. I had a Rans S14 clipped wing, with a Rotax 582. Great performer also. On my S14, I had similar chrome-moly gearlegs. Did you have any issue with them bending? I had to replace them once on the S14 due to that.

[@brettstokes8237]

Great video. I enjoyed that.

[@fwflyer78]

Very nice Kolb. I have a Kolbra. I wish my radio sounded as clear as yours. What kind of radio/antenna setup do you have?

[@JWolfe104]

Thanks for the compliment. I have the MGL V10 panel mounted radio with a Mobile brand "AIRKIT" base loaded antenna. I bought mine cheaper by going direct through Mobile in Australia. It is about the only game in town for a decent base loaded aircraft antenna. It is well made. You can see it mounted to the right side of the cage. From pattern altitude I pick up surrounding air traffic 40+ miles away. I'm also using resistor plugs, shielded and grounded plug wires, and a mic muff. The V10 has some really sophisticated noise filtering/canceling software that is user adjustable. I think this is one of the main reasons for my good sound. They make a 2.25" version of that radio now. I'm also patching the audio straight into the GoPro. But, sound quality reports from the UNICOM operator are also positive. Happy Flying. Stay safe. Kolbs are a lot of fun!

[@jonkolb2424]

Great job and congrats on your maiden flight. Good looking airplane too. Thanks for sharing.

[@fergusonto-2032]

Awesome , thanks for sharing , may God Bless

[@jhettish]

Very nice. I've been learning gliders. There's a well known author of "how to" books on gliders who has a concept he calls "TLAR" or "That looks about right". Your landing looked quite good, possibly a little hot but I'm no judge. Did you already have a tailwheel endorsement? How much different was your Kolb from an ultralight? I hope you're still getting your comments. I answer old comments about my videos from 2010.

[@JWolfe104]

+John Hettish I still answer a few comments here and there. I had a tailwheel endorsement. The landing was a little hot, but that's that idea when you are first learning to land a light weight high drag ultralight. The airspeed decays quickly. I've slowed my approaches down with experience. I got my tailwheel endorsement in a Citabria. The Kolb handled quite differently!

[@talleyrand2739]

great video one question new aircraft first flight correct why did you not do a few runs along the strip at speed and get the feel above ground possibly would have seen the airspeed not working correctly.Never just took off in my craft always those few runs along the strip just in casegood luck and happy flying

[@derikredelinghuys9204]

I have just bought my first microlight and did get my certificate many moons ago. How long after your certification did you do this flight

[@srviejo2298]

I think you're a bit hard on your self regarding the bounce. Nothing wrong at all with that landing, and most especially so given the ASI issue! Good job!

[@elevvfr800]

Nice job and best of luck with a sweet aircraft. I'm guessing your approach speed can come down as you get used to the aircraft and the instrument accuracy is not an issue.

[@JWolfe104]

Yep. GA is expensive. My neighbor bought a Bonanza, then spent about 16K to clear up some engine log book issues, then another 12K on a new prop. EXPENSIVE. All of the GA guys at my field complain about it. I tell them my first annual inspection cost me about $20. Regarding flying close to the runway - I do. The GoPro makes my approaches look far out. The maiden flight was a little. Currently, I fly a pattern that allows an idle speed glide to touchdown (dreading the day she quits).

[@mmichaeldonavon]

Re: Airspeed. Realize you used a water manometer to verify the AS indication; you said it was a bit out of calibration. Might try to vent the AS indicator to the cockpit and use the Impact (Q) pressure only. Yes, there might be a slight difference due to the "pressure area" in the cockpit from the air "moving by" the cockpit. Will, probably, be much closer. Wondered why you have a tail Nr. The firefly is a "true" (part 103 ultralight, right? Built 3 Exp. Amateur Blt. planes. N6395T

[@flienlow6281]

Thanks for taking me a long! Bravo Zulu!

[@Kolbra2004]

Good video. It looks like you did everything right. Try disconnecting the static line on the ASI and see if that fixes the problem. That was a good landing for the first flight, especially on asphalt. Be careful in heavier winds. The audio that you have is very good. What radio are you using? I have nearly 27 years flying an Original Firestar and still enjoy it.

[@Duane002]

Why didn’t you do a series of several crow hops to get a feel of ground handling and high speed take off and landings.

[@JWolfe104]

Many people consider the crow hope to be a bad idea. A lot of people have gotten themselves in trouble when the plan decides to lift off faster and higher than they expected. The general advice for first flights is to lift off, commit, and go. After flying this plane a while, I’m glad I didn’t. It has some unusual characteristics that make crow hopping way more of a handful than they would be in a more conventional aircraft.

[@JWolfe104]

Thanks for posting your videos. I came across them when I was preparing for my flight and I watched them all. Good job on keeping the fly to 254. My problem is that I'm a former GA guy, so like my things like electric start, etc. Even with all the extra weight, I still out climb everything on the field.

[@poitka80]

Nice video. Thanx. Im looking at one of these birds myself. Were you fighting the rudder when you landed? or not used to it yet?

[@jackwill3578]

who built that cool trailer ?

[@JWolfe104]

I did.

[@mmichaeldonavon]

How did you fix that? Change the static port/s location? Or, just run a static line to the inside of the cockpit (or another locale). Or, just vent the indicator static port, with no line on that input. Just curious, as my EROS 1650 Mini-max did exactly the same thing. Ended up running a short tube from the static port to behind my instrument panel. Checked good! You have a very nice plane - congratulations on all of your hard work - and work it is/was! N6395T

[@bobt250]

What was the blinking red light?

[@vidge123]

concerning the "flaperons"...is there a "white arc" speed range for when using the of flaperons?

[@JWolfe104]

The Kolb manual doesn’t list one.

[@poualonez]

Very nice video ! How far between your house and the airport ? Thx for posting

[@markspc1]

Great video !

[@Jackwagon5191]

That’s where “seat of the pants” flying skills come in handy.

[@electronicsafrica]

If y'all paint the dash matt black that will eliminate all those reflections in the line of vision

[@GiovelliAgro]

Landing without flaps? Is Kolb Firefly flaperons right?

[@JWolfe104]

Michael Giovelli Correct. Flaperons. They are pretty effective. I rarely use them though. The Firefly drops like a rock without them.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

HI -- great vid and a fantastic build. Is the instrument panel reflection/glare on the wind shield typical or is that something we are seeing only from the camera?I like the looks of the firefly and the Ultrastar - I want to build something but make it electric - this looks like a good candidate.Thanks for sharingCheers, Patrick

[@JWolfe104]

+PATRICK MCKOWEN Thanks for the kind words. The camera angle, being above my head and at a more shallow angle to the windscreen, makes the glare appear much worse. I don't even notice it when I fly. There's not a lot I can do about it. I have 100 hours on the plane now and I've enjoyed every minute. The view is fantastic!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

+JWolfe104 Thx for the update -- I just really wanted to know the pilots view was good. I envy you -- just started looking into working towards getting my certification .Cheers, Patrick

[@kendixon6437]

Does anyone know what something like this little airplane costs?? Thanks in advance 👍

[@rogerblackwood8815]

Surely a portable GPS would give ground speed and you drew a wind vector on the chart before take off right? With that set up you would have a pretty good idea of airspeed?

[@JWolfe104]

+Roger Blackwood Yes. GPS would have helped. I own one. But, for a maiden flight where you don't leave the traffic pattern, it doesn't make a lot of sense. It's one more thing to worry about while you already have your hands full.

[@zaitcev0]

I hear about flying into the ground technique from Kolbers, the problem is of course what you're going to do in an emergency. I have zero time in a Kolb, so I'm quite curious.

[@JWolfe104]

I had a GPS unit available for the maiden flight, but I didn't take it up since I was staying in the pattern. I wanted to keep things simple. I've since used a GPS to calibrate the airspeed.

[@AndyTulenko]

Does it have pitot heat?

[@roychristie1042]

That was a long pickup for such a small plane

[@ГригорийИванов-г9о]

If you happen to engine failure in flight, whether the aircraft plan, or fall?

[@Randoskie]

It sure took a long time to lift off, why is that? Did you have any lessons or experience in a tail dragger?

[@JWolfe104]

I didn't really know what to expect from it. The takeoff run was the first full power run. I took 8 hours of tailwheel instruction in a Citabria. No comparison. I now routinely take off in 400 feet.

[@wtofdify]

Very Good Video!

[@alanc6781]

3.18: I don't appreciate it when someone does an engine runup with my plane right behind them. There was ample room for the aircraft to be positioned elsewhere.

[@JWolfe104]

What you don’t know from the video is that those are derelict aircraft that had not moved in years. Both were gust locked. That wasn’t a run up. I’ll tip over if I do a full run up. 2800 rpm is like 1,200 on the prop due to gear reduction. Hardly a breeze was applied to those aircraft.

[@ropataparaone5571]

Nice Airplane indeed! Hey have you thought about having those brake lines stowed away a lil further up the gear legs via ties? Or is there a kit that has an attachment for that? I am thinking of buying one of these :) Cheers

[@JWolfe104]

Robbie Brown These are cable style brakes, so they have to make a large sweeping bend, or they will bind. The cable and housing are very stiff. I've converted to hydraulic brakes and zip tied the lines to the gear legs. It looks much nicer now. They are lighter too.

[@JWolfe104]

Robbie Brown Also... This one will be for sale next summer. I'm building a Sonex, and it should be done by then.

[@ropataparaone5571]

JWolfe104 I see! That makes perfect sense! just one other question, in the event of a Engine failure (lets use ISA) what is the ROD roughly and the recommended glide speed? Thanks

[@ohwell2790]

Air speed indicators only need a few limits on them mark take off, mark cruise, mark stall, mark landing, who needs speed anyway. LOL

[@HyperJoe]

Nice Aircraft, awesome Maiden, thanks for sharing, loved the Camera Work, made Me feel like I was Pilot in Command.. Great Job! as always Happy Landings.. :)

[@gjpetryk]

Motor sounds very smooth...

[@JWolfe104]

+gjpetryk Yep. The Rotax 447 has done nothing but purr like a kitten for 100 hours now.

[@ThalassTKynn]

Thanks for the video. What was the issue with the airspeed indicator in the end?

[@SheepDogReady]

It took you 8 years to build that craft???!!!

[@doncooper3946]

I guess that wide-angle view makes it look like you were landing much faster than you actually were.

[@BunchyFishin]

interesting question but about how much or a payload can you carry with a full tank of fuel on this plane??

[@hardrays]

it weighs 250lbs and the gross is 500lbs.