[aviation news]
CubCrafters, the Yakima, Washington-based builder of popular backcountry aircraft, has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to increase the gross weight of the Piper PA-18 Super Cub to 2,300 pounds—and that’s just the beginning.
According to Johnny McKinney, CubCrafters’ aircraft maintenance services manager, the gross weight increase will make it possible for SuperCub owners to add modern avionics, a constant speed propeller, tundra tires, or a belly pod.
“As part of their overhaul project—all of which can also be incorporated into a 2,300-pound gross weight Super Cub project,” McKinney said in a news release.
The increase in payload is particularly important to pilots who squeak out every ounce of the useful load of their airplane to pack supplies for the bush country.
The company said it has been “quietly working with industry partners like Lycoming, Hartzell, and Garmin to improve the PA-18,” resulting in an aircraft that has increased speed, range, and payload.”
“Our mission has always been to blend innovation with heritage,” said Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters president and CEO. “We’re committed to giving classic aircraft like the Super Cub new life by applying modern engineering solutions that significantly enhance performance, safety, and mission capability.”
According to CubCrafters, it did the engineering work to make sure the refinements and improvements did not create safety issues when combined on the same airframe. The gross weight increase was made possible by a structural upgrade of the airframe, along with new wings and landing assemblies, an engine mount for the 180 hp powerplant, vortex generation, and strakes.
“Normally it is the responsibility of a shop or technician installing multiple STCs to ensure compatibility,” CubCrafters said in the release. “In this case, however, CubCrafters has received the FAA’s approval to combine six core modifications—a 180 hp engine, vortex generators, extended landing gear, heavy-duty tailwheel, stronger wings, and a reinforced fuselage—into a single STC that enables the gross weight increase. For third-party installers, this eliminates the uncertainty and risk normally associated with stacking multiple STCs from different providers.”
CubCrafters is offering this STC as part of total aircraft overhauls done through its factory in Yakima. In addition, the STC package with the required structurally upgraded parts and assemblies will be available for installation by external third-party aircraft maintainers and restorers.
Owners interested in upgrading their aircraft with the STC can contact CubCrafters Services in Yakima for eligibility details, pricing, and installation requirements.
The SuperCub is an airframe synonymous with backcountry flying for more than 70 years. CubCrafters was founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, an avid pilot and backcountry enthusiast.
The original mission of the company was building parts and STC modifications for the Piper PA-18 Super Cub. The company also designs and manufactures light sport aircraft (LSA) and certified aircraft designed for backcountry adventures.
The 2,300-pound amphibious PA-18 will be making its public debut at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, from July 21–27.
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