Kolb FireStar Ultralight Aircraft, Top rated ultralight aircraft of the early 1980s.

Kolb FireStar Ultralight Aircraft, Top rated ultralight aircraft of the early 1980s.

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The early 1980's, featured one of the fastest-growing segments of aviation,

That of ultralight aircraft!

Over 40 years have passed, with many of the aircraft introduced during this time, STILL safely flying today, and being offered for sale on the used ultralight market.

This series of short video clips, gives information on the Ultralight Flyer's recommendation for aircraft that we have flown, owned and or built.

All of these aircraft still have manufacturers producing parts, for their repair and continued airworthiness!

In this segment we will take a quick look at the Kolb FireStar.

Homer Kolb's aircraft designs are one of the most time tested and proven designs on the ultralight and experimental market today. In the early 80's he produced the UltraStar ultralight and then in 1984 introduced the FireStar which is still available today, in a number of versions from Kolb Aircraft.

The FireStar is a high wing, strut braced, taildragger in a pusher configuration.

It comes as an assembly kit taking about 350 hours to build. The rivet and bolt together aluminum tubing kit can be build with common hand tools in a single car garage.

BUT a small air compressor and air riveter are recommended. Once construction is completed the FireStar is then covered in standard aircraft covering materials.


Power is supplied by the Rotax three seventy seven, four forty seven, and five oh three aircraft engines, but a variety of engines from 28 to 55 horsepower have been used.

The FireStar features standard stick and rudder controls, with a center mounted stick, and a left hand throttle.

It has a steerable tailwheel, three quarter span ailerons and is one of the best performing aircraft on the ultralight market when using a Rotax twin cylinder air-cooled engine.

The FireStar climbs out at over 800 feet per minute, cruises in the 55 to 65 mph range, and stalls in the 25 mile per hour range.


The FireStar also makes an excellent float plane.

Like all of the Kolb Aircraft designs the FireStar has folding wings for ease of storage and transport.



If considering purchasing a used Kolb FireStar it is The Ultralight Flyer's recommendation that the plane's fabric be tested, the airframe, wings, landing gear, and the control systems be thoroughly inspected.



If the history of the engine is unknown it is recommended that the exhaust be removed and the pistons inspected for wear and seizure.


At the time of production of this video The Ultralight Flyer would estimate the value of a used Kolb FireStar from the 1980's to be worth between 4500 and $6500.

The Ultralight Flyer also recommends that the buyer contact Kolb Aircraft at www.kolbaircraft.com to inquire about any modifications or updates that the factory might recommend.