Tailwheel airplanes qualify for hefty load

Tailwheel airplanes qualify for hefty load

By Alton K. Marsh

The race is on to see which tailwheel aircraft can carry the most. CubCrafters in Yakima, Wash., has received an FAA supplemental type certificate (STC) for a modification that will increase the weight of any PA-18 Super Cub series of aircraft to 2,300 pounds. And Aviat Aircraft in Afton, Wyo., has rolled out its Husky A-1C, which features a 200-pound useful load increase to 2,200 pounds.

Previously the Super Cub was limited to 1,500 pounds or 1,750 pounds maximum gross weight, depending on the certification limitations. (An existing STC allows modification for a 2,000-pound gross weight.) When modified, the new STC allows for a useful load of 1,100 pounds, or 800 pounds on Super Cubs equipped with Wipline 2100 amphibious floats.

The Husky useful load upgrade applies to those models with the 180- and 200-horsepower engines. The upgrade was accomplished by beefing up the two main and tailwheel gear components.

December 5, 2007