CubCrafters performance STC now available to Super Cub owners
Creating the Super Cub of your dreams could get easier soon, especially if your dreams include extra horsepower. CubCrafters, the Yakima, Washington, company that manufactures and restores light sport and certified backcountry aircraft, is making available its supplemental type certificate that boosts the Piper PA–18’s performance significantly.
For many years, the company has used the STC for in-house upgrades, restorations, and development. The company's work was challenged by the FAA, though an administrative law judge ruled that regulations do allow replacement of any number of parts and components without invalidating an aircraft's airworthiness certificate—a story detailed in the August issue of AOPA Pilot.
“This STC was a critical part of our internal certification program for the Top Cub almost two decades ago,” said Brad Damm, CubCrafters vice president. “Given the increasing demand for performance enhancements in legacy Super Cubs, we believe the time is right to make this valuable capability more easily available to qualified aircraft owners, operators, and shops.”
First issued in 2007 and updated in 2012, the STC increases the aircraft’s gross weight to 2,300 pounds from 1,750 pounds, but that is not the whole story. The list of modifications will also improve the airplane’s speed and range. The project includes a 180-horsepower engine with a stronger mount, structural improvements to the airframe, new wings and landing gear, vortex generators, and tail strakes.
“Our mission has always been to blend innovation with heritage,” said Patrick Horgan, CubCrafters president and CEO. “We’re committed to giving classic aircraft like the Super Cub new life by applying modern engineering solutions that significantly enhance performance, safety, and mission capability.”
In addition to traditional bush pilots who are looking for extra hauling capacity, the STC is expected to appeal to owners of float-equipped Super Cubs because the higher useful load will allow them to carry two people, fuel, and baggage, which previously could be difficult given the aircraft’s weight limits.
CubCrafters is offering the STC as a part of its own factory overhaul program and plans to package the STC and related parts for third-party owners and maintainers.
Johnny McKinney, CubCrafters’ aircraft maintenance services manager, said most other popular Super Cub STCs complement the modifications specified in the company's STC. “Our customers will often incorporate modern avionics, a constant speed propeller, tundra tires, or a belly pod as part of their overhaul project—all of which can also be incorporated into a 2,300 lb. gross weight Super Cub project,” he said.
Owners interested in the STC can contact CubCrafters for eligibility details, pricing, and installation requirements.
Related Articles
