A New Addition to the Family

***Wittpilot*** · May 5th, 2012, 06:32

So about a year and a half ago, my old man got his Light Sport License. Ever since then we have been renting a Cub in Waynesville, OH. Not a close trip, but it was the closest airport where you could rent Cubs. We are certainly not in the proper tax bracket for aircraft ownership, but he found two fellow aviatiors to go in together... A Cub came up for sale at a local airport, the former owner had passed away in a crash of a Wright Flyer replica, some may recall that story from earlier last year. The Cub is in immaculate shape, restored only a few years ago. Things fell into place, and the plane was flown over last Monday!!!! I kind of wanted something in the Taylorcraft category. I am not a huge fan of the tandem seating, couple that with the fact that Piper Cubs sell for double, sometimes triple!! what a Taylorcraft or a Chief sells for!!! BUT, a Cub will certainly hold it's resale value....

Well, here she is, and she's a beaut!!!

***Daveroo*** · May 5th, 2012, 10:30

sweet....nice looking plane..but when the topic of cost/money ect comes into play...if i were in the possition to be looking for a small plane ( though i dont know if it fits in light sport or not) id be looking at the Aviat husky A1

***Wittpilot*** · May 5th, 2012, 13:59

Originally Posted by Daveroo

sweet....nice looking plane..but when the topic of cost/money ect comes into play...if i were in the possition to be looking for a small plane ( though i dont know if it fits in light sport or not) id be looking at the Aviat husky A1

Yeah, Looks like you could buy 3 or 4 Piper Cubs for one of those Husky's!!! I do not believe they fit into the category for light sport. I would assume weight/speed would be over the max LSA limits.

BTW, She's a '46 J-3 Cub

***hey_moe*** · May 5th, 2012, 14:16

I think you need to bring that baby to Langley Field Va so I can get a good look at her.....she looks mighty fine.

***Daveroo*** · May 5th, 2012, 15:42

Originally Posted by Wittpilot

Yeah, Looks like you could buy 3 or 4 Piper Cubs for one of those Husky's!!! I do not believe they fit into the category for light sport. I would assume weight/speed would be over the max LSA limits.

BTW, She's a '46 J-3 Cub

really?..i would think an old cub,restored..would cost more than a new husky.....i stand corrected

***Curtis P40*** · May 5th, 2012, 17:23

I think flying around with the side window open and the door down, will make up for that tandem seating...

***Victory103*** · May 6th, 2012, 02:27

Wittpilot, great news and one can never go wrong with such a classic. I'm in the market but need something with more x-c ability, but great looking Cub, congrats.

Dave, the A1 doesn't fit the LSA rulebook, as most start with a 180hp motor and weigh over the light LSA limits. There are couple of other manufactures that do make "Cub" like aircraft, Cub Crafters is one with a LSA version, still $135k. I've still got my fingers crossed for the AOPA's "Tougher Than a Tornado" A-1C drawing later this year.

***TeaSea*** · May 6th, 2012, 06:16

Welcome to airplane ownership! Now be prepared to see your money "fly" away.....

Actually, a partnership is an excellent way of making ownership affordable. Remember to keep it at the business level (these may be your friends, but this partnership is a business) and ensure you have documentation that lays out all the responsibilities. Most clubs work very well, but the ones that I've seen come apart at my airport (happened last month) did so over really silly pettiness over issues that had little to do the the airplane.

Also, if you've not done so, look into establishing an LLC and incorporate the airplane as part of LLC. This will help you should there ever be a problem and will limit individual member's liability. It sounds intimidating, but really it's just a matter of filling out some paperwork and paying a fee. Your driver's license is harder to do....

I also strongly recommend getting a copy of "Aircraft Ownership; A legal and Tax Guide" by Raymond Speciale. I have found this to be an excellent resource and it comes with template documents on CD for almost any eventuality.

To me, it's worth being able to climb into the same cockpit, with the same configuration every time....I hated renting for that very reason.

And yes, the Husky is too heavy for LSA. Nothing wrong with at Cub, depends on what you mission is...which from what WittPilot describes is cruising around the countryside low and slow....perfect!

P.S. I see your ETO bicycle in the hanger too!!

***rdaniell*** · May 6th, 2012, 07:01

Originally Posted by Victory103

Wittpilot, great news and one can never go wrong with such a classic. I'm in the market but need something with more x-c ability, but great looking Cub, congrats. Dave, the A1 doesn't fit the LSA rulebook, as most start with a 180hp motor and weigh over the light LSA limits. There are couple of other manufactures that do make "Cub" like aircraft, Cub Crafters is one with a LSA version, still $135k. I've still got my fingers crossed for the AOPA's "Tougher Than a Tornado" A-1C drawing later this year.

Sorry Victory103 but I've got the winning stub for this year's drawing.....LOL

RD

***limjack*** · May 6th, 2012, 08:29

I bet the accu-feel is tops when flying around in that gem. Enjoy!!!!

Jim

***Wittpilot*** · May 6th, 2012, 19:37

Originally Posted by TeaSea

Welcome to airplane ownership! Now be prepared to see your money "fly" away.....

Actually, a partnership is an excellent way of making ownership affordable. Remember to keep it at the business level (these may be your friends, but this partnership is a business) and ensure you have documentation that lays out all the responsibilities. Most clubs work very well, but the ones that I've seen come apart at my airport (happened last month) did so over really silly pettiness over issues that had little to do the the airplane.

Also, if you've not done so, look into establishing an LLC and incorporate the airplane as part of LLC. This will help you should there ever be a problem and will limit individual member's liability. It sounds intimidating, but really it's just a matter of filling out some paperwork and paying a fee. Your driver's license is harder to do....

I also strongly recommend getting a copy of "Aircraft Ownership; A legal and Tax Guide" by Raymond Speciale. I have found this to be an excellent resource and it comes with template documents on CD for almost any eventuality.

To me, it's worth being able to climb into the same cockpit, with the same configuration every time....I hated renting for that very reason.

And yes, the Husky is too heavy for LSA. Nothing wrong with at Cub, depends on what you mission is...which from what WittPilot describes is cruising around the countryside low and slow....perfect!

P.S. I see your ETO bicycle in the hanger too!!

I'm pretty sure they do already have an LLC set up. And I believe the three owners have sat down a few times to make sure their ducks were in a row with how things were going to be set up. The biggest thing about renting was travelling 50 miles, one way, just to get to the airport!!

It is indeed perfect for that low and slow. We went up tonight actually. With the door and window open, it really gives you that feeling that you are just floating up there.

Ah, you noticed the bike eh? Somewhere I had a "restoration" thread on that very bike. It's a 40's style BF Goodrich bike that I painted OD, with white fenders. It's my airport get around. I actually took a couple of those Cub shots where it's taxiing from the bike!

-witt