I have decided going to build a Mark 3 it's all I can afford with the prices of airplanes shooting up I had thought a few years ago I could find a nice Taylor craft, or Cessna 140 but those are now 35-50k in decent shape. Won't be long before these Kolbs shoot up in price. The Kolb is the only folding wing airplane that fits in a normal sized enclosed trailer. The Kitfox, and highlanders fold but the require 8.5-foot-wide trailer that means either flatbed, or custom enclosed trailer going to set you back about 10k. Hangers where I live are 3-5-year waitlist and prices have doubled even an hour or more away. Everyone is getting into aviation only a few years ago prices were reasonable not anymore.
Talking about the instrument panel not obstructing the view got me thinking. Imagine an open cockpit plane like this, fitted with 360 cameras, and a VR headset. Just ignore the obvious safety implications, only hypothetical. The view through the headset would be as though you were flying like a bird. Or more like a ghost I suppose, since you wouldn't be able to see yourself. But wherever you turn your head, you wouldn't see the plane either. If you look down, you don't see your legs and the rudder pedals, only the ground below. Sort of like the fancy helmet mounted displays that F-35s use, but less fancy and without the targeting information and such. Coupled with the open air, it would be absolutely exhilarating.
Many years ago, before I had the space or the money required, I wanted very badly to build a Kolb Slingshot. Sadly, The New Kolb Aircraft discontinued that awesome airplane, so now they're rare as hens' teeth and command high prices. I sure wish they'd bring that one back. Dan, if you must use two mono microphones plugged into opposite channels for your interviews, please give the left mic to the person on the left of the picture, and vice versa. It's very distracting to have the audio opposite to the image.
They are very appealing aircraft. But paging thru the NTSB reports, when they have accidents, the result is very often the worst. Probably due to the engine being right behind the pilots head, and the fact that it’s the pilots legs that will impact first.
I’ve always loved the Kolb. It’s been around since the early days.
Good way to start the day!
Yes it is 🤙
I have decided going to build a Mark 3 it's all I can afford with the prices of airplanes shooting up I had thought a few years ago I could find a nice Taylor craft, or Cessna 140 but those are now 35-50k in decent shape. Won't be long before these Kolbs shoot up in price. The Kolb is the only folding wing airplane that fits in a normal sized enclosed trailer. The Kitfox, and highlanders fold but the require 8.5-foot-wide trailer that means either flatbed, or custom enclosed trailer going to set you back about 10k. Hangers where I live are 3-5-year waitlist and prices have doubled even an hour or more away. Everyone is getting into aviation only a few years ago prices were reasonable not anymore.
That single float is a great idea. No chance of catching a side float in a bad water landing.
Talking about the instrument panel not obstructing the view got me thinking. Imagine an open cockpit plane like this, fitted with 360 cameras, and a VR headset. Just ignore the obvious safety implications, only hypothetical. The view through the headset would be as though you were flying like a bird. Or more like a ghost I suppose, since you wouldn't be able to see yourself. But wherever you turn your head, you wouldn't see the plane either. If you look down, you don't see your legs and the rudder pedals, only the ground below. Sort of like the fancy helmet mounted displays that F-35s use, but less fancy and without the targeting information and such. Coupled with the open air, it would be absolutely exhilarating.
Amazing video.. Thanks For Sharing
Nice ultralight aircraft, maybe better than quicksilver
Many years ago, before I had the space or the money required, I wanted very badly to build a Kolb Slingshot. Sadly, The New Kolb Aircraft discontinued that awesome airplane, so now they're rare as hens' teeth and command high prices. I sure wish they'd bring that one back.
Dan, if you must use two mono microphones plugged into opposite channels for your interviews, please give the left mic to the person on the left of the picture, and vice versa. It's very distracting to have the audio opposite to the image.
Of course, you could always flip your headphones around, if you're using them...
Thanks Dan, good intro - perhaps you should jump in and give us a flying commentary.....
When are you gonna start selling kits again?
Yup, we need kits to buy!!!
I was not able to figure out whether, as mentioned in the video description, this aircraft qualifies as a ESLA. I only have a sports pilot.
They are very appealing aircraft. But paging thru the NTSB reports, when they have accidents, the result is very often the worst. Probably due to the engine being right behind the pilots head, and the fact that it’s the pilots legs that will impact first.
A stall/spin will kill anyone no matter what plane you are flying.