Get extra lift from AOPA. Start your free membership trial today! Click here
News & Media People

Curiouser and curiouser

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland inspires California aviator

August 28, 2023 By Alicia Herron
Classic Cubs might all be yellow, but with growing options for paint and wraps, more and more people are looking to set their airplanes apart from the outside in.
Pilot Mike Daniel worked with pop art surrealist Greg Simkins to create this innovative scheme on Daniel’s Carbon Cub.
Zoomed image
Pilot Mike Daniel worked with pop art surrealist Greg Simkins to create this innovative scheme on Daniel’s Carbon Cub.

What’s in a name: N665CC

Many CubCrafters aircraft come with a CC in their N numbers. Daniel’s does as well, but there’s more behind his tail number than a simple nod to the manufacturer. The first 6 represents chapter 6 of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, a key chapter featuring the Cheshire cat. The 65 represents the year the book was published, 1865, and I’m sure you can guess what the CC stands for. —AH

With a background in marketing, art, and design, pilot Mike Daniel, who started flying in 2018, knew he wanted his airplane to stand out. Daniel took delivery of his matte black CubCrafters Carbon Cub FX3 in August 2022. While brainstorming a way to add to the already unique look of his Cub, Daniel, who has always been fascinated with Lewis Carroll’s classic novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, reached out to an old friend at Red Bull who recommend he contact Erik Bond of Erik Bo’s Adventures at Spin Imaging in Long Beach, California.

Spin Imaging created the wrap with art by pop surrealist Greg “Craola” Simkins. Spin Imaging also does work for aerospace giant Virgin Galactic, and is well accustomed to creating long lasting, sky-ready wraps. Complete with a QR code, which you can scan for an augmented reality experience, plus names of supporting brands, the final product is eye-catching, unique, and practically seamless.

When asked why he chose the Cheshire cat to adorn his airplane, Daniel notes that it was the Cheshire cat’s job to guide and journey with Alice through Wonderland, as he hopes his airplane will help guide his adventures, and as he hopes to help guide his own children through life.

Daniel loves the freedom of aircraft ownership, enjoys exploring the California and Nevada backcountry, and sharing the joy of flight with his wife and two children. Follow his adventures on Instagram @n665cc.

[email protected]

Alyssa J. Miller
Alicia Herron
Publications Content Producer
Publications Content Producer Alicia Herron joined AOPA in 2018. She is a multiengine-rated commercial pilot with advanced ground and instrument flight instructor certificates. She is based in Los Angeles and enjoys tailwheel flying best.
Go to Alicia Herron's Profile

Related Articles