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Owning and operating a Supercub 150 (PA-18) in the UK

Jedi

Registered User
South Wales, UK
HI All

I hope that you are enjoying the lovely Easter weather. It is certainly glorious here in Wales :smile:.

I need a little help please. I am currently looking for a PA-18 Super Cub 150 in the UK and have a number of questions. I have owned and operated a PA-28 Archer II for about 8 years until recently on a G Reg. I did my tailwheel training on a Citabria 7ECA and now want to move into a Cupercub. I am 6' 1" and around 280lbs, and I would be interested also to hear what any bulky pilots out there like me think of getting in and out! I have an EASA PPL (that converted from a JAAR PPL) with IR(R) also. From my time living in diffderent states across the US I also have an FAA Pilot Certificate that stays current as long as my EASA PPL and UK class 2 Medical is current.

My questions are:

1. Many of the aircraft for sale are on the N-Register.

  • [*=1]What are the practicalities of flying around Europe on my licences listed above?
    [*=1]Should I hold out and buy a G-Reg plane?
    [*=1]Should I operate it on CofA or under an LAA permit?
    [*=1]Is there a certain engine type that is a must, or must be avoided?
2. Are there any must have items, as I know these aircraft have a long list of upgrades available
3. Can I legally fit the large bush tyres in the UK? I want to do some mountain and short field river bank landings etc. for fishing
4. If I fly from the front seat will I be out of the envelope? I realise that there will be subtle differences between the W&B schedule for different 150s.

Thanks in advance for your help. I have searched the forum already though some of the info I have found is US specific and quite old.
 
Welcome Jedi am just across the Severn and run a baby 90HP SC. Some of these are on permit, but mine is CofA. I believe all -150 SC are CofA.

You need an N reg for STC that boost gross weight, the 1750 GW gives you around 600lbs useful which you might find limiting unless your longer journeys are solo. To fly N reg outside the UK you will need an FAA PPL.

I don’t see any restrictions on tundra tires but practically I wouldn’t go larger than 8.50 for European farm strip flying. The SC is not exactly in Bonanza territory so every 5mph counts!

I don’t see a problem with M&B except useful load. Entry/exit requires some practice and using the 4130 steel tubing as hand holds, and not the fabric!!


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Well, you asked, so here is an honest opinion. It is hard for me to get in and out of my SuperCub and I am 2 inches shorter and I weigh 100# less than you do. I would not advise you to buy a PA-18.

Another issue is availability and legality of backcountry landing spots in the UK. You can speak to that better than I can, but my impression is that you would be challenged to find unimproved places to play. I agree that if you are going to be flying into a mixture of hard surface strips and shorter grass strips, 8.50 tires are the way to go.
 
Last edited:
Tennessee - Thanks for the honest opinion. Have you ever got in and out of a Citabria? That is in no way elegant. I am not a barrel of lard, more on the muscular end.
L18-95 - Thanks for the STC detail. I didnt realise the Supplimental increased the Gross Weight. That is outstanding info. Do you know any big guys that fly Cubs? AM I better off moving on and getting something slightly different?

Can anyone advise on the backcountry aspect in the UK? A lot of the land in Wales is old National Coal Board land. Oh I do miss the flying, and attitude to flying in the USA...
 
We have a good friend who I think was around 400 lbs and 6'+ that not only got in and out of an 18, J3 but also a E2 Cub. Depends on how bad the Cub bug bit you

Glenn
 
I’m 6’ and ~230 lbs. I can easily get in and out of the PA-18, but it is much tighter than a Citabria. Not near the shoulder room, and the door isn’t as big and is higher. Typical Supercub entry is left foot on the tire, sit on the door sill aft of the seat, swing your right leg in, then your left and pull yourself into the seat using the cabanas.


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Suggest you also try a Pacer.

The UK is not that off airport friendly but it does have thousands of farm strips which can be used with owner permission. Landing off airport on private land with owner permission may be ok but Rule 5 exception for take off and landing may not apply, except in the context of a precautionary landing.


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...Typical Supercub entry is left foot on the tire, sit on the door sill aft of the seat, swing your right leg in, then your left and pull yourself into the seat using the cabanas.


Swing in right leg, then left leg?
I'm trying to picture that & I keep coming up with facing aft after entry.
Guess that's why I fly a Cessna.
 
Well friends, I need to no go find a Super Cub I can try getting into. I have the bug, so if Don D can do it, I can do it :smile:.
 
Swing in right leg, then left leg?
I'm trying to picture that & I keep coming up with facing aft after entry.
Guess that's why I fly a Cessna.

Can’t tell my left from right without a watch on my wrist. Haven’t worn a watch sine all this virus stuff and staying home!


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