Matronics Email Lists :: View topic - Aligning landing gear

Matronics Email Lists
Web Forum Interface to the Matronics Email Lists

Get Email Distribution Too! FAQ Search Memberlist Usergroups Register

Profile Log in to check your private messages Log in

Aligning landing gear
Goto page 1, 2 Next

Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kolb-List

View previous topic :: View next topic

Author Message

johngilpin

Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Posts: 93
Location: 004

Posted: Sun Apr 21, 2013 1:31 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Here's a means that we found for easily aligning the landing gear on a FireFly.

Pretty self-explanatory....

The hard-drawn copper pipe fits exactly through where the axles go. 

 



JG

007_(Small).JPG

Description:

Filesize:

66.4 KB

Viewed:

10637 Time(s)

johngilpin

Joined: 23 Mar 2011
Posts: 93
Location: 004

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 12:19 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

I had attached a photo to that post, which shows up in my sent mail, but doesn't appear in the post for some reason????



Anyhow, it's just a matter of removing both axles, and sliding a length of 1/2" hard-drawn copper pipe through from one side to the other. There's enough flexibility in the pipe to handle the camber angles of the axles.  The pipe locks both gear legs to a straight ahead position, or by forcing the center of the pipe a bit back you can set for a slight toe-in, equal on both sides.

 



JG



  [quote][b]

Larlaeb

Joined: 02 Apr 2013
Posts: 75
Location: League City, Texas United States

Posted: Mon Apr 22, 2013 5:58 am Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

Picture came through fine for me.

zeprep251(at)aol.com
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 23, 2013 4:25 pm Post subject: Aligning landing gear

The picture showed up here JG.Easy way to do it except for the 200.00 dollars worth of copper tubing.

 G.Aman

   

  

     

  

     

  

    --

west1m

Joined: 19 Apr 2014
Posts: 155
Location: Hastings, MN

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 7:58 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

I just purchased a used Firefly with some damage to the cage and fiberglass nosecone. What is the bar in the picture? Is that some kind of protection for the nose if it goes over? what is it attached to?

_________________
West1m
Hastings, MN

williamtsullivan(at)att.n
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 2:57 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

There is no photo attached.



                                                                     Bill Sullivan

do not archive



        From: west1m  <west1m(at)hotmail.com>

 To: kolb-list(at)matronics.com 

 Sent: Monday, April 21, 2014 11:58 PM

 Subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

  

 

--> Kolb-List message posted by: "west1m" <west1m(at)hotmail.com (west1m(at)hotmail.com)>



I just purchased a used Firefly with some damage to the cage and fiberglass nosecone. What is the bar in the picture? Is that some kind of protection for the nose if it goes over? what is it attached to?



--------

West1m





Read this topic online here:



http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=422227#422========================http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-Li>  [quote][b]

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1669
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 6:27 am Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

 	  zeprep251(at)aol.com wrote: 	
		  The picture showed up here JG.Easy way to do it except for the 200.00 dollars worth of copper tubing.

 G.Aman  

    -- 	




Right on. So go to Lowe's, buy a 5/8" grounding rod and use it, it's what I used on the MKIII years ago, since the MKIII has 5/8" axles, and I expect the FS does too. When you get done, take it back to Lowe's for a refund.



http://www.lowes.com/pd_70861-28781-70861_0__?productId=3446272&Ntt=grounding+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrounding%2Brod&facetInfo=

_________________
Richard Pike
Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)
Kingsport, TN 3TN0

Forgiving is tough, being forgiven is wonderful, and God's grace really is amazing.

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1490
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 7:24 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Shouldn't you at least pay them rent, or contribute to the coffee fund???????

Larry



On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Richard Pike <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Pike" <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)>

 

 Right on. So go to Lowe's, buy a 5/8" grounding rod and use it, it's what I used on the MKIII years ago, since the MKIII has 5/8" axles, and I expect the FS does too. When you get done, take it back to Lowe's for a refund.

  

 http://www.lowes.com/pd_70861-28781-70861_0__?productId=3446272&Ntt=grounding+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrounding%2Brod&facetInfo=

  

 --------

 Richard Pike

 Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

 Kingsport, TN 3TN0

 My soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation. Psalm 35:9

 

 

 

 

 Read this topic online here:

 

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=422248#422248

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ===========

 " target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List

 ===========

 MS -

 k">http://forums.matronics.com

 ===========

 e -

  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â -Matt Dralle, List Admin.

 t="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 ===========

 

 

 

 	




-- 

If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.

 

 



  [quote][b]

_________________
do not archive

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1669
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:46 am Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

I was trying to be funny. The grounding rod I bought back when I was building my MKIII is still hanging on my garage wall, even though I have no use for it. 



[quote="lcottrell"]Shouldn't you at least pay them rent, or contribute to the coffee fund???????

Larry



On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Richard Pike <richard> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Pike" <richard>

 

 Right on. So go to Lowe's, buy a 5/8" grounding rod and use it, it's what I used on the MKIII years ago, since the MKIII has 5/8" axles, and I expect the FS does too. When you get done, take it back to Lowe's for a refund.

  

 http://www.lowes.com/pd_70861-28781-70861_0__?productId=3446272&Ntt=grounding+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrounding%2Brod&facetInfo=

  

 --------

 Richard Pike

 Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

 Kingsport, TN 3TN0

 My soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation. Psalm 35:9

_________________
Richard Pike
Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)
Kingsport, TN 3TN0

Forgiving is tough, being forgiven is wonderful, and God's grace really is amazing.

lcottrell

Joined: 29 May 2006
Posts: 1490
Location: Jordan Valley, Or

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 10:54 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

I was trying to be funny. The grounding rod I bought back when I was building my MKIII is still hanging on my garage wall, even though I have no use for it. [quote="lcottrell"]Shouldn't you at least pay them rent, or contribute to the coffee fund??????? Larry

I did laugh, I guess both of us should have used a funny face with our comments. 

Larry

On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 11:46 AM, Richard Pike <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)> wrote:

  	  Quote: 	
		  --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Pike" <richard(at)bcchapel.org (richard(at)bcchapel.org)>

 I was trying to be funny. The grounding rod I bought back when I was building my MKIII is still hanging on my garage wall, even though I have no use for it.

 [quote="lcottrell"]Shouldn't you at least pay them rent, or contribute to the coffee fund???????

 Larry

 On Tue, Apr 22, 2014 at 8:28 AM, Richard Pike Â wrote:

 > --> Kolb-List message posted by: "Richard Pike"

 >

 > Â Right on. So go to Lowe's, buy a 5/8" grounding rod and use it, it's what I used on the MKIII years ago, since the MKIII has 5/8" axles, and I expect the FS does too. When you get done, take it back to Lowe's for a refund.

  >

 > Â http://www.lowes.com/pd_70861-28781-70861_0__?productId=3446272&Ntt=grounding+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrounding%2Brod&facetInfo= (http://www.lowes.com/pd_70861-28781-70861_0__?productId=3446272&Ntt=grounding+rod&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNtt%3Dgrounding%2Brod&facetInfo=)

  >

 > Â --------

 > Â Richard Pike

 > Â Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

 > Â Kingsport, TN 3TN0

 > Â My soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation. Psalm 35:9

 >

 >

 --------

 Richard Pike

 Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)

 Kingsport, TN 3TN0

 My soul shall be joyful in the LORD; It shall rejoice in His salvation. Psalm 35:9

 Read this topic online here:

 http://forums.matronics.com/viewtopic.php?p=422265#422265

 ===========

 " target="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/Navigator?Kolb-List

 ===========

 MS -

 k">http://forums.matronics.com

 ===========

 e -

  Â  Â  Â  Â  Â -Matt Dralle, List Admin.

 t="_blank">http://www.matronics.com/contribution

 ===========

-- 

If you forward this email, or any part of it, please remove my email address before sending.

  [quote][b]

_________________
do not archive

beauford173(at)tampabay.r
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:05 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Brother Pike:

The thunderstorm season in East Tennessee is nearly upon us...   Do the

honorable thing, sir....

Select some irreplaceable thing to protect...(e.g., the Missus... or your

Kolb)... Drive the rod and secure the

strap....  Then hit your recliner and rest easy that honor, fair play  and

Lowes were all served well...



Tech note:  If you elected to ground the Missus vice the airplane, you might

need to put the recliner

out in the hangar...fer a while, anyway...   just a thought....



Always glad to help out....   As usual, worth what ye paid fer it...



beauford

FF-076

Do Not Archive






I was trying to be funny. The grounding rod I bought back when I was

building my MKIII is still hanging on my garage wall, even though I have no

use for it.

byoungplumbing(at)gmail.c
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 11:09 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

I liked the straight edge behind the wheels and the carpenter square along the side.Â  Seems more accurate than the axle method

 Boyd  [quote][b]

Richard Pike

Joined: 09 Jan 2006
Posts: 1669
Location: Blountville, Tennessee

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 3:09 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

OK - when doing pre-marital counseling, I need to remember not to let either of the hopefully happily-married-newlyweds-to-be get anywhere near Beauford.

Got it!

 	  beauford173(at)tampabay.r wrote: 	
		  Brother Pike:

The thunderstorm season in East Tennessee is nearly upon us...   Do the

honorable thing, sir....

Select some irreplaceable thing to protect...(e.g., the Missus... or your

Kolb)... Drive the rod and secure the

strap....  Then hit your recliner and rest easy that honor, fair play  and

Lowes were all served well...



Tech note:  If you elected to ground the Missus vice the airplane, you might

need to put the recliner

out in the hangar...fer a while, anyway...   just a thought....



Always glad to help out....   As usual, worth what ye paid fer it...



beauford

FF-076

Do Not Archive



I was trying to be funny. The grounding rod I bought back when I was

building my MKIII is still hanging on my garage wall, even though I have no

use for it.

_________________
Richard Pike
Kolb MKIII N420P (420ldPoops)
Kingsport, TN 3TN0

Forgiving is tough, being forgiven is wonderful, and God's grace really is amazing.

west1m

Joined: 19 Apr 2014
Posts: 155
Location: Hastings, MN

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 4:41 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

I was not refering to the horizontal grounding bar but the verticle tube in the foreground. is this to protect the front in case of a noseover?

_________________
West1m
Hastings, MN

beauford173(at)tampabay.r
Guest

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 6:02 pm Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Brother West1m:



To address your repeated question, sir:



The U-shaped tube under the nose was reportedly installed by some builders

to keep the machine from going up on the nose

if mishandled...repeat MISHANDLED.   It does not appear on my 1998 factory

Fire Fly plans and, near as I can tell, is not mentioned in the factory

building manual for the Fly as it was sent to me at that time. There is no

such U-tube device on my Fly.



IMHO, if the would-be Fly aviator applies the throttle gradually on takeoff,

uses average to good tail wheel technique, and refrains from stomping on the

brakes while in motion, the U-tube is not required for normal Fly operation.

As I recall, I have never seen it installed on any Fire Fly I have

personally observed.  I have no clue about what it was connected to when it

was installed, or how well it did, or did not, work.  



If you have safety or structural concerns about it, I advise you to consult

with Travis at the New Kolb Aircraft Co..



Your results may vary.  The laws of physics apply.  Do what you think

appropriate. Gravity is a bitch who ultimately wins...



Worth what ye paid fer it...   

beauford

FF-076

Brandon, FL

--

west1m

Joined: 19 Apr 2014
Posts: 155
Location: Hastings, MN

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 6:16 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

Thanks for the reply! As I have been working to repair the fiberglass nose cone obviously cracked up from a noseover it looked like something that belonged there.

_________________
West1m
Hastings, MN

pj.ladd(at)btinternet.com
Guest

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 1:46 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Hi,

If you are referring to the bow which appears under the nose of some 

Kolbs,forget it.  In theory it stops the plane standing on its nose. In 

practice, if you have got things wrong the nose will be yawing anyway and 

the bow will be laid flat. Ask me how I know.

Just ensure that the stick is RIGHT BACK when you taxi, and open the 

throttle gently.



Good luck



Pat



--

west1m

Joined: 19 Apr 2014
Posts: 155
Location: Hastings, MN

Posted: Wed Apr 23, 2014 4:28 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

So... Maybe I need to stop at Northern Tool and pick up one of the big casters with a 4 inch inflatable tire? OK I'll try easy on the throttle when I get this thing back together.

_________________
West1m
Hastings, MN

beauford173(at)tampabay.r
Guest

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:04 am Post subject: Aligning landing gear

Brother West1M:



As you note, being easy on the throttle from a standing start ought to take

care of the largest part of the business...  With my

excessive flab (213) perched in the front, it is easily possible to get my

Fly's tail to come up, regardless of the

full aft position of the stick, by just advancing the throttle abruptly.  As

a positive, it is possible to learn to use this in order to

swing the tail around while taxiing  -- forward on the stick, hold the

appropriate brake/rudder, give it just enough throttle

to get the tail wheel an inch or two off the ground and you can put the tail

wherever you want it without placing

any side loads on the non-swiveling tailwheel and its support structure.

Back in the days of tailskids on airplanes, this

was a standard technique. Use it at your own risk.



I practice this because side loads on Kolb tail wheels are generally to be

avoided and some wise Kolbers have seen the need to install reinforcing side

straps on the wheel structure. You can find more on that subject in the

archives... It was well covered.



Have also found that taxing across a good sized rut or dropping a wheel into

an unexpected hole can bring the Fly's tail

up if there is a sudden stop...  It pays to look at the ground ahead,

especially with 'dillos and wild hogs such as we have around here.



All that said, you should have no problems operating without the training

bib under the nose.  Look around at all of the Fly photos

out on the net...  Would bet that you will have difficulty finding even one

or two with that gizmo installed on it... Just use sound tailwheel control

inputs/techniques and you ought to be OK.  Northern Tool stuff tends to be

kinda heavy...



Worth what ye paid fer it...



Good luck...  Enjoy your Fly.



Beauford

FF-076

Brandon, FL



--

west1m

Joined: 19 Apr 2014
Posts: 155
Location: Hastings, MN

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2014 5:24 pm Post subject: Re: Aligning landing gear

They must be a little rough on the tail wheel system. The round bar that the wheel connects to takes several turns from the boom to the wheel. I bought a new piece of aluminum to replace it with but did not get to it after looking at how well it is connected to the airframe.

_________________
West1m
Hastings, MN

Display posts from previous:

	Matronics Email Lists Forum Index -> Kolb-List	All times are GMT - 8 Hours Goto page 1, 2 Next
Page 1 of 2

Jump to:

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
You cannot attach files in this forum
You can download files in this forum