sj
Staff member
Northwest Arkansas
I am giving doing six tailwheel endorsements in a PA-18-135, and have three or four other folks in line. There are other taildraggers to fly in Kansas City, and probably much better instructors than me, but I think the mystique of the supercub has lured them in. I always like to fly back to the home airport after a lesson at 501 agl (cough cough 8) ) looking at cows, turkeys, horses, pools, the river, and urban sprawl. I installed a little convex mirror in the front of the cub so I can see the look of terror / enlightenment / pre-barf on the face of the student. I can see the little wheels turning in their head thinking "How cool would it be to own one of these bad boys?"
Inevitably, once we land, the person asks, "So, what's a supercub like this go for?"
Interestingly, unlike a 172 or an Arrow, this type of plane causes a yearning for personal ownership. Much like a motorcycle, a home, or a piece of art. You can always rent a 172, and Arrow, or whatever. But renting a cub might feel more like renting a wife than renting an airplane.
On of the greatest privileges I have is the ability to introduce others to this airplane. For a while at least, they can escape to a place that so many of us enjoy, and often take for granted.
sj
Postscript: Now, the way things have been going around here, this seemingly benign and whimsical post about flying will probably end up in the rant and rave section when somebody starts talking about who I should thank for this freedom and who would take it away, etc. I have, in many posts, expressed that gratitude. Today, I am just enjoying it.
Inevitably, once we land, the person asks, "So, what's a supercub like this go for?"
Interestingly, unlike a 172 or an Arrow, this type of plane causes a yearning for personal ownership. Much like a motorcycle, a home, or a piece of art. You can always rent a 172, and Arrow, or whatever. But renting a cub might feel more like renting a wife than renting an airplane.
On of the greatest privileges I have is the ability to introduce others to this airplane. For a while at least, they can escape to a place that so many of us enjoy, and often take for granted.
sj
Postscript: Now, the way things have been going around here, this seemingly benign and whimsical post about flying will probably end up in the rant and rave section when somebody starts talking about who I should thank for this freedom and who would take it away, etc. I have, in many posts, expressed that gratitude. Today, I am just enjoying it.