Cub - Should I?
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,349
Likes: 845
From: Tring, UK
I always enjoy Cubs, more so because you have to actually fly them. You can do 10 decent landings, then lose a bit of concentration and boinggg!
Pottering about on a summer evening with the door down and windows open: priceless.
You can get them in and out of just about anywhere. Good for a bit of clandestine air-taxiing plus you can fly a circuit without the ASI getting off the stop. I think they are more vulnerable to cross/tailwinds manoeuvring on the ground without due care and attention than on takeoff or landing. They’re one of those aircraft that have to flown even when they’re stationary...
Pottering about on a summer evening with the door down and windows open: priceless.
You can get them in and out of just about anywhere. Good for a bit of clandestine air-taxiing plus you can fly a circuit without the ASI getting off the stop. I think they are more vulnerable to cross/tailwinds manoeuvring on the ground without due care and attention than on takeoff or landing. They’re one of those aircraft that have to flown even when they’re stationary...
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,198
Likes: 0
From: South Norfolk, England
I think they are more vulnerable to cross/tailwinds manoeuvring on the ground without due care and attention than on takeoff or landing. They’re one of those aircraft that have to flown even when they’re stationary...
For landing and taking off, our L4 is easy in a crosswind compared to some taildraggers I've flown. I've landed at Priory farm (not that short but narrow) with a 90 degree 15 knot crosswind with no problem. The Cub lets you feel what is going on and is very responsive.
Slow yes, but if you're not in a hurry - Go for it!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 2
From: Oxford, UK
The Piper J3 cub and the Supercub are classic. Multi purpose. If you look after it and don't bend it, you may well end up making money when the time comes to sell it. The Cub can be fitted with skis or tundra tyres, the J3 makes a very good seaplane with floats. The 150 Cub is an acceptable glider tug, and will earn its keep. The 180 Cub is a bit nose heavy and needs special care not to tip over, but the amazing power to weight ratio means it can tow up the heaviest gliders full of water, only a Pawnee can do better, and you can't train a tug pilot in a Pawnee because he would have to sit on your lap.
But even if you do tip up the Cub or tip it over, it will still look after you, and you will most likely walk away, such is the great virtue of arriving at a sedate speed. (if you ever do end up upside down, be very very very careful about releasing the seatbelt, as a sudden release can injure your neck.)
Special care in handling after touchdown is called for; particularly in cross winds; if you are taxying walking pace and are caught by a gust, the Cub may go where it likes, which can be embarassing. Be cautious using the wheel brakes. Gently does it. I did tip my Cub on its nose in an Irish bog, at walking pace; there was no damage. Nice soft bog.
But even if you do tip up the Cub or tip it over, it will still look after you, and you will most likely walk away, such is the great virtue of arriving at a sedate speed. (if you ever do end up upside down, be very very very careful about releasing the seatbelt, as a sudden release can injure your neck.)
Special care in handling after touchdown is called for; particularly in cross winds; if you are taxying walking pace and are caught by a gust, the Cub may go where it likes, which can be embarassing. Be cautious using the wheel brakes. Gently does it. I did tip my Cub on its nose in an Irish bog, at walking pace; there was no damage. Nice soft bog.
