I've got a question for any J-3 owner who's flown their Cub out of high elevation airports. 35 years ago, I had a 1946 model, and am looking at getting back in. Back then, my 65hp Cub was operated at sea level, and performance wasn't a huge deal (though the new owner promptly flew it into a tree trying to take off with his buddy on a wet grass strip one hot humid morning. . . but that's another story). Today, I'd be looking at basing the airplane at 7,600' MSL. I'd mostly be flying in the cool morning air, but, for example, today's late afternoon temp. is 70 F, and the density altitude is 9,700'. The runway is a paved 8,100', and obstacles aren't an issue. Is operating a 65 hp J-3 in this environment going to be feasible? Would holding out for a 90hp model be advised, or can the original do the job? Along the same line, how does the 65 hp's fixed carb do up high. Seems like the mixture would be overly rich. I understand that the 90 has mixture control.
I really appreciate the input.
Thanks!
I really appreciate the input.
Thanks!