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NEWS1st Delivery 3rd
Anniversary
American Legend Aircraft Company celebrated the
anniversary of its first Legend Cub customer delivery on August 22, 2008.
Just three years prior, American Legend handed over the keys to the
company's first newly manufactured Legend Cub to Rich Giannotti of Long
Island, New York. This significant event launched the startup company into
aviation history. In those three short years, American Legend and Texas
Sport Aircraft Company (manufacturer of the amateur-built Cub kit) have
delivered over 160 aircraft. The Legend Cub remains the #1 selling
American-manufactured light-sport aircraft.
Rich Giannotti commented recently on why he chose American
Legend, "After flying for over forty years and owning seven airplanes
at different times, choosing the Legend Cub was the best choice I have ever
made involving aviation." He added, "I don't think 'Dusty' is the
highest time Legend (it has just under 300 hours on the tach), but I have
flown it every time I wanted to with minimal down time for maintenance. The
support from the factory has been excellent."
 
Left photo - Rich (third from left) celebrates with factory
representatives taking delivery, Right photo - 1st Legend Cub departs for
its new home.
In an email received from Legend Cub owner Ernie
Butcher, August 22, 2008: "N589BB - 18 months - turned 400 hrs
today."
Editor: It seems Legend Cub owners are enthusiastic about
building time in their aircraft.
NEWSTundra Tires and High-Performance Props
The Legend Cub is more versatile than ever!
No one better exemplifies flying skill and acumen, guts and
grace than the bushwheel pilot. Their ability to fly in and out of rough
spots sets them apart from the field. The Legend Cub is born of a design
that makes this type of flying possible with its large, high-lift wings,
conventional landing gear, and perhaps most notably, the addition of tundra
tires.
As a historically proven design, the Legend Cub is no
foreigner to finessing the wind. And, with big tundra tires, the Legend Cub
is no foe to varying terrain. Alaskan Bushwheel tires offered on the Legend
Cub were designed to expect the unexpected. At 26", the oversized tire
is essentially an air bag, reinforced and ready for rough fields. Big wings
and big wheels on a Legend Cub are a recipe for BIG fun.
Propped and Ready for sport!
Propeller performance has more to do with a piston
aircraft's abilities than perhaps anything--short of the pilot in command.
When American Legend learned of a new ground adjustable propeller by
Sensenich, it was with great anticipation that pilots would be able to push
the airplane's performance envelope. And, push (err, pull) it did. The new
72" ground adjustable composite propeller by Sensenich provides as
much as 10 mph more performance on a Legend Cub. It derives more panache,
more punch than ever before in today's modern Legend Cub.
 
The Legend Cub has become increasingly more versatile since
it was introduced in 2005. What was once well known about Cubs in general,
has gained impressively in modernity. These gains were largely the result
design improvements and of a host of options offered by American Legend.
Each successive gain gives the Legend Cub its edge. Incremental, yet
exceptional, the Legend Cub will long be the fun, sport flying craft it was
designed to be.
There's one for YOU!
A Legend Cub can be any plane you want it to be. It is
for many the best low-and-slow airplane ever. Plus, it's a cruiser with all
the latest in gadgets. With tundra tires, high-performance props, and the
widest
choice options anywhere, it's all the airplane you imagine it can
be.
NEWSNortheastern U.S. Legend Cub Sales &
Training
Mike Hart, Hampton Airfield, representing American
Legend
Hampton Airfield in North Hampton, New Hampshire, is
renown as a pilot training, maintenance, and aircraft sales facility.
Located there since 1946, it was formerly a Piper aircraft dealer, and has
been owned and operated by Mike Hart, and his wife Sharon, since 1975.
Today, the Harts offer aircraft and hangar rentals, training and
maintenance, and Legend Cub sales, including shared ownership programs.
Located just off the New England coastline, the historic Hampton Airfield
is considered a flying paradise with easy access to many northeastern U.S.
destinations. The airfield's turf runway (7B3) is 2100 feet long and
accordingly Cub-friendly. For more information, contact the Harts at
603-964-6749, or visit www.hamptonairfield.com.
NEWSCross Country With Legends
Plane & Pilot and Pilot Journal magazines
article series
Look for a series of articles by James Lawrence in
Pilot Journal and Plane & Pilot magazines. The first was published in
the July/August
issue of Pilot Journal, Werner Publishing's lifestyle magazine for
pilots and fans of flying. Jim flew with American Legend en-route to
Lakeland, Florida, for this year's Sun 'n Fun Fly-in. It was a first for
the seasoned aviation photographer/writer. Jim is working on obtaining his
sport pilot license and received instruction along the way. His writings
are fun, evocative and inspiring.
Photo courtesy of James Lawrence.
LIFESTYLEWhy I Almost Didn't Buy A Legend Cub
Wes Daggett is a tall gentleman with an honest face. As
we were getting acquainted, he was telling me how he had built many Cubs
before. He noted that he's the kind of guy who starts a project and keeps
at it until finished. I got the impression he's a man of his word.
Though he's built and flown many aircraft, Wes currently
owns a classic J-3 and a Wag-Aero kit he built himself. In addition to
these, Wes owns and flies a Legend Cub. When asked about his Legend Cub, he
commented that it's a very stable aircraft most notably when landing with a
crosswind. "With the right inputs it sticks, the J-3 won't do
that."
Having a fleet of Cubs allows Wes and his son to both fly.
The Daggetts live in Maine, nearby another Legend Cub owner, Dick Parsons,
who spends summers there. When Wes first looked at the Legend Cub in 2005,
he called the factory and left a message. His call was never returned, so
at the time he wound up buying a Wag-Aero kit.
One year later and one kit aircraft completed, Wes met with
the owners of American Legend Aircraft Company in Florida at a reception at
X49 (a.k.a. South Lakeland Airport). Three demo rides later Wes bought a
Legend Cub--he was apparently impressed. Upon taking delivery of his new
Legend Cub, Wes's son flew the airplane to Maine where they both now enjoy
their Cubs in a variety of ways.
On a final note, Wes added that once he sells an airplane,
he plans to buy a Texas Sport kit as he is looking forward to his next
build project. One of the advantages he anticipates with his completed
Texas Sport is the increased gross weight of 1600 pounds. Another feature
Wes is sure to appreciate is that the Texas Sport kit is one of the most
complete aircraft kits available today, Cub or otherwise.
LIFESTYLETexas Sport Means Having More Fun Than You
Can Shake A Stick At
What's so much fun about building and flying your
very own Cub?
No doubt you've heard the expression "The journey
is the reward." Though the reasons for building one's own aircraft can
fill a page, let's assume that foremost yours is for the challenge of it.
Regardless of your experience level, building a Cub can be one of life's
most rewarding journeys, with the added benefit of ownership of a beautiful
new plane. All it takes is a small investment of time, as little as 21 days
worth, and a measure of determination. Don't sweat the rest, the factory's
KwikBild assistance program can help. Want a better way to journey toward
your very own Cub? For more information, visit the Texas
Sport website at www.txsport.aero and click on FAQs (frequently asked
questions).
LIFESTYLECombat Cub Now Serving The Alamo Liaison
Squadron
Ron Dennnis here in San Antonio... First, I would like
to tell you how much we appreciate your recognizing the effort of Mr. Alton
Kenne and his wife Ellen. She was very pleased and wishes me to pass along
our thanks.
Good Morning,
I am Ellen Kenne, widow of Alton Kenne, the guy you sold
the Legend Combat Cub to.
I want to thank you for the beautiful plaque you presented
to the Alamo Liaison Squadron guys. I appreciate all you did to honor Alton
and me.
I really just wanted Alton to get recognition for
having his ideas bring about the creation of the first Legend Combat Cub.
He loved aviation and its history, especially the WWII era. In my opinion,
this plane, in a small way, placed him in part of the "modern
history" of airplanes... something that can be passed on. Thanks again
for all you did. We will "Keep 'em Flying" as the Alamo Liaison
Squadron's motto says!
Sincerely, Ellen Kenne
Editor: The "original" Legend Combat can be seen
flying regularly at Cannon
Field (53TX) where it resides and flies in memory of Alton Kenne.
READBACKFrom Legend.aero
What is full fuel payload and where could I fly one of
your airplanes on floats?
Eric L., Minneapolis, MN
Editor: The Legend FloatCub is certified to a maximum gross
takeoff weight of 1,430 lbs. as specified by light-sport rules. Empty, the
plane weighs 995 lbs. and fuel capacity is 22 gallons. Contact the factory
in Sulphur Springs, Texas, at 903-885-7000 to arrange a demo flight.
Do you have any sales representative around Atlanta, GA?
Is there any place around Atlanta to learn tail wheel flying? I have 1335
hours in a piper tricycle gear, trying to change to light sport flying.
Sold my old Cherokee looking to buy a cub.
Mo U., Atlanta, GA
Editor: We have four Legend Cub customers in Georgia and
would be happy to arrange a demo flight for you. We can also recommend a very
qualified tailwheel instructor here in Texas, and will work with you to
ensure that your Legend Cub training is more that sufficient for the type
of flying you intend to do.
I have a 1965 Champion 7ECA Citabria in need of rebuild
and recover. It has a Continental O-200A, oleo shock gear, and was
refurbished last in about 1980. I'm interested in a combination
"me-do/you-do" project if that's possible. I would also like to
use the Texas flag paint scheme.
Rex B., Longview, TX
Would your company be willing to recover the tail
feathers on my Stearman, and if so what would be the charge? Please let me
know as soon as possible, I am exploring my options. Thank you kindly.
Rob P., Palestine, TX
I have a 1941 J3C65 that I would like to get restored. In
addition, I would like to have an electrical system added to support an
engine upgrade to a C85-12. I will add the engine after the restoration.
The electrical system will also support a radio and transponder.
Pat S., Haslet, TX
Interested in your repair service on a 1946 7AC Champ.
Banged up my Champ in a ground loop and a tree.... Right wing and lift
strut damaged. Slight bend in the fuselage, spinner dented, cowl slight
dent, wooden prop nicked. The Champ has about 65 hours from complete
restoration in 2006. Has not yet been inspected for detailed damage report.
Please email or call with general services you provide. Plane is located
near Lewisville, Texas. Thanks!
Bruce S., Dallas, TX
Editor: Yes, we do work on most tube-and-fabric aircraft
restorations. Please call us at 903-885-7000 and ask for Restoration
Services.
Regarding Custom Paint Schemes... I am pleased to learn of
your fondness for our factory demonstrator Texas Sport sporting our state
flag. We can assist with your desires for a custom paint scheme.
(May 24)OK, Sport plane gross is 1320 lbs. Your lightest
version is 800 lbs. If a pilot has a Private pilot ticket, would the Legend
have a higher gross weight eligibility? BtW, beautiful package. First
flight in a J-3 at 5 yrs. 1939.
(June 2)Do you offer the Legend at 1600 lbs. gross
weight? I know the Texas sport can go either way, i.e. LSA at 1320, or at
1600. The FAA should allow the increase to the owner, but I was wondering
if you deliver the factory built at the certified 1600 lbs. Thanks for
building a great plane. I love it.
Joe O., Belton, SC
Editor: The Legend Cub is certified as a S-LSA and is
limited to 1320 lbs. gross regardless of the pilot's qualifications. The
Texas Sport can be certified as an amateur-built aircraft, certified to
1600 lbs. gross weight. These two aircraft are based on the same design,
but subject to the limitations of their respective certification.
I just delivered a Legend Cub for a new owner from
Burnet, TX, out to Tuscon, AZ. I had a good time and would be interested in
delivering Cubs anytime. I can also do checkouts for customers and
tailwheel endorsements. If you are interested I can send a resume.
Daryl W., Austin, TX
Greetings, I am a chiropractor who flies a Comanche 250.
I have been thinking of purchasing a LSA to use as a rental aircraft so as
to encourage more people to learn to fly. I have a ready base of IP's
[Interested Parties] here as the Navy's Top Gun school is here (NAS
Fallon). My concern would be if I could find an insurance company
that would insure a taildragger for rental purposes. Can you help me? The
Jabiru Legend would be an awesome LSA for Nevada as there are many places
one could explore at "low and slow." Respectfully.
Jon F., Nevada
Editor: Several companies now insure light-sport aircraft
and Sport Pilots. The EAA website www.sportpilot.org/resources/insurance.html
is a good place to start.
I hope this finds you well. I am really enjoying my Cub -
now 125 hours. Planning a trip to Oshkosh with my oldest son in August!
Thank you.
Johnny F., Atlanta, GA
Hi, I am looking forward to taking a closer look at your
cub classic in San Jose at the upcoming AOPA! But my question is... do you
plan to offer any diesel options in the near future? I am planning to
purchase a plane that I will hold on to for a very long time and I really
don't want to be concerned about the future of 100LL. Best regards.
Matt F., Redlands, CA
Is it possible to put a heater in the Legend Cub? I don't
see it in the options
list. How much weight does it add?
David D., Heber Springs, AK
Do you have any plans to "update" to the new
PA-18 tail? Are there any plans for flaps? If so will they be available on
the kit? Are all the options from the Legends available on the kit? Thank
you for your time.
Matt S.
Hello, I'm curious, are your replica cubs rated for basic
aerobatics like the classics? It'd be a shame if they were not. Thank you
for your time.
Tony M., Cheyenne, WY
Possibly interested in a Legend. Are they a wide body
cub, have flaps?
Bart G., Scappoose, OR
I love everything I've learned about the Legend Cub, but
I'm 6'5" tall and weigh 230 pounds. I find a standard Supercub almost
impossibly tight. Can a Legend Cub be customized to fit a big pilot?
Steve R., Gig Harbor, WA
Editor: We are constantly looking at new equipment and
features to enhance the ownership of the Legend Cub. Please stay in touch,
or join our email list by entering your email address on our website, www.legend.aero,
for the latest news from American Legend. Also, visit www.txsport.aero
for information the kit-built Texas Sport.
Regarding "Wide Body" and "Tight" Cub...
All Legend Cubs have a cockpit that is three inches wider than a J-3. In
addition, the forward seat is higher and the overhead structure has been
minimized. These modifications along with doors and windows on both sides
of the aircraft greatly increase pilot/passenger comfort.
What is the crosswind component on the plane? At present
what is the lead-time for a closed cowl plane? Thanks.
Barry R., Dallas, TX
Editor: The demonstrated crosswind component of the Legend
Cub is 15 MPH.
Regarding Lead-Time... See article 'American Legend
Production Timeline' below.
I am in Dallas on business. Do you have a demo I could
see Thursday, the 17th, mid-afternoon? Thanks.
Jeff S., Middleton, WI
Hi, I think I like your plane, though I've never seen one
in person. I've got some traveling to do, but can be in Texas in May. What
is the best airport for a commercial flight to see the factory? Is one day
of the week better than any others for scoring a short ride?
I have a bunch of questions about the plane...
Thanks.
Matt S., San Diego, CA
Editor: The American Legend factory at Sulphur Springs,
Texas, is located approximately 85 miles east of Dallas Love Field (or
central Dallas). Demo flights can be arranged on most days. Please call
903-885-7000 to make arrangements.
MANUFACTURINGAmerican Legend
Production Timeline
Fabrication phases of the Legend Cub. What's with
all the wait?
Ordering a new Legend Cub is an exciting time. For many
it is an opportunity to have that dream plane they have waited a lifetime
for. As such, they want it their way, which means a choice of features and
extras that suits each individual customer. As would be expected,
assembling a customized aircraft requires some time. A typical production
timeframe is six to eight weeks.
First comes the welded chromoly steel frame, a precision
process that concludes with an interior oil rinse, drying and sealing, then
paint. Meanwhile in another building, wings and components begin their
assembly. Covering of the exterior surfaces follows. The time consuming
effort of producing new Legend Cubs involves the installation of various
controls, avionics, interior components, and other customer options
including engine. Following high quality paint, final assembly and finish
details, each aircraft is thoroughly tested, and prior to first flight a
checklist and inspection takes place. If, and only if, it passes, a new
Legend Cub is born.
The process of building a Legend Cub involves
time-consuming labor of many talented individuals. For the excited new
owner, the build time can drag on as anticipation builds. When the wheels
first lift off the runway, it all seems worth the wait.
MANUFACTURINGKwikBild Class
Schedule
- KwikBild is a factory assist program for amateur
aircraft builders of the Texas Sport Cub kit. The program is a step-by-step
"course" that will guide builders through the 51-percent
completion, including fabrication and assembly, of their self-certified Cub
aircraft kit.
KwikBild starts with a two-week program at our facilities
in Sulphur Springs, Texas. There, you will have access to the tools and
knowledge to build your own aircraft. At the end of the two weeks, the
major assemblies of your aircraft will be completed, inspected, and ready
for paint. An optional third week will guide you through the assembly of
wings, fuselage and tail, plus the installation of instruments, engine and
propeller.
Sign up now for an upcoming KwikBild program by calling
1-866-746-6159.
February 2, 2009 -- Start date for next
KwikBild program. Limited number of slots will be available. Advance
booking is required. (Date is subject to change.)
March 2009 (T.B.D.) -- Fabric Piper
Restoration Seminar by Clyde Smith, Jr. "The Cub Doctor"
EVENTSPlaces To See The Legend
Cub
- Casa Grande, Arizona -- October 23-26, 2008, Copperstate
Fly-in.
- Reklaw, Texas -- October 24-26, 2008, Flying
M Ranch Fly-in.
- San Jose, California -- November 6-8, 2008, AOPA
Expo.
- Sebring, Florida -- January 22-25, 2009, U.S.
Sport Aviation Expo.
- Lakeland, Florida -- April 21-26, 2009, Sun
'n Fun Fly-In.
- Lock Haven, Pennsylvania -- June 2009, Sentimental
Journey to Cub Haven Fly-In.
- Oshkosh, Wisconsin -- July / August 2009, EAA
AirVenture.
- Sulphur Springs, Texas (KSLR) -- Come by the
factory, anytime!
ORDERINGHow To Order Your New
Legend Cub
Specifying and ordering your new Legend Cub can be done
conveniently online. It's simple, just go to www.legend.aero,
then click on "Pricing/Options" at the top of the page. You can
review a list of available options on the Configuration
Options page. On the Legend Cub Order
Form page you simply check the options you want. Your aircraft is
configured and priced instantly. When you click "Submit" a
representative from American Legend will contact you to discuss your order.
We look forward to speaking with you about YOUR NEW LEGEND CUB.
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