more modern look. Combined with the droop wingtips
from the Mark III, wheelpants, and a very smart trim
scheme, it looked fast and sporty even while standing
still. Kolb produces seven different models, including
the Firestar SS (side-by-side) introduced in 2011 and
the ultralight Firefly. The Kolb Firefly ultralight known
as Fifi was flown regularly all week.
Leonard Milholland said the media seems to ignore
one of the most successful plans-built ultralights of
all time, the Legal Eagle. Examples like Joe Spencer's
Putt Putt and Scott Johnson's Silver Slug are regular
visitors to AirVenture. They fly all week proving that
four-stroke power can perform in this weight-limited
category. Nearly 4,000 sets of Legal Eagle plans have
been sold. The cost can be low if you are a good
scrounger, but even buying a ready-built engine, the
Legal Eagle and Better Half VW engine provide an
economical solution for builders. Product support is
available, there is an excellent community of builders,
and Leonard gives forums on the airplane and engine
at AirVenture. EAA recently conducted a webinar on
the Legal Eagle. It's available for viewing here.
Dennis Carley, the new owner of the Aerolite 103
designed by Terry Raber, was on hand to demonstrate
the abilities of this classic design. It's available only as
a complete, ready-to-fly ultralight. The cost is $16,500
with electric flaps, electric start, four-point harness,
and basic instrumentation. Watch Dan Johnson's interview with Dennis. Other vendors not yet mentioned
include the amazing Belite UltraCub by James Weibe,
the folks at Titan Aircraft, and the M-Squared Breese
by Paul Mather. Paul estimates he gave more than 90
rides during AirVenture.
Please send your comments and suggestions about
this column to dgrunloh@illicom.net.
Dan Grunloh, EAA 173888, is a retired scientist who
began flying ultralights and light planes in 1982.
He won the 2002 and 2004 U.S. National Microlight
Championships in a trike and flew with the U.S. World
Team in two FAI World Microlight Championships.
Pilot's view of the ultralight runway during a fyby.
Photography by Dan Grunloh
EAA Experimenter
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