NEWS Join The Legend Cub Convoy to Sun 'n Fun 2009

Going cross-country in a Legend Cub...

It's been four years since American Legend Aircraft Company first appeared at the annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-in. Each year since has had its share of surprises, discovery, and adventure. 2009 will be our fifth. The expectations are always the same. Dare we say the trip is enjoyed more so than the show itself!

In 2006, American Legend arrived at Sun 'n Fun among the esteemed Convoy of Cubs commemorating the 70th anniversary of the migration. The eight-mile final from Plant City Airport to Lakeland Linder Airport was celebrated by a gaggle of Cubs, including many Piper rag-wing aircraft from J-3s to PA-22s, and the all-new Legend Cub. The Cubs landed in parade fashion on a grass strip.

There's a lot to like about flying at, or below, 500 feet across some of the most interesting terrain this country has to offer... rivers, backwoods, bayous, beach towns, factories, farms, surf, sand, swamps, salt domes, gulf waters, islands, and more. The shapes and shadows, and reflections of daylight and midday thermals all contribute to the wonder of this great country. Seeing it go slowly by from above allows the mind to ponder its vastness.

This week, American Legend will lead a convoy of Legend Cubs from Sulphur Springs, Texas, to Lakeland, Florida, en-route to Sun 'n Fun 2009. If you would like to join the flight, please let us know as we make our plans for yet another memorable event.

NEWS Fifteen Completed Texas Sport CUB Kits

And still counting...

Since the inception of the kit-built Texas Sport CUB, Texas Sport Aircraft Company has shipped 24 aircraft kits. Fifteen of these have been completed, including six at the factory under the KwikBild program.

For the newbie, building a Texas Sport CUB at the factory under the KwikBild program is the way to go. It will help to ensure that the customer completes their aircraft. Experienced personnel are available to guide the builder through the entire fabrication process. And, production moves along briskly alongside other aircraft under construction such as the ready-to-fly Legend Cub.

For the seasoned builder, a home-built Texas Sport CUB can be a truly rewarding experience. Many draw upon friends and family for assistance. Some rely on past experience to ensure the final product meets the high level of quality they have come to know. What matters most is that when the build is complete, an exciting new aircraft is born; one that has a personal touch like no other. The joy of flying an amateur-built aircraft is multiplied many times over.

FEEL The Excitement of Owning a Legend Cub

U.S. Designed & Manufactured, Modern Materials, Engine Choices

An all metal structure with advanced fabric and polymer covering materials makes the Legend Cub a truly modern aircraft. It is the only light-sport aircraft with a choice of engine and cowling. Plus, there are more available equipment options than you can shake a stick at! The Legend Cub is renown for its durability and performance, but most of all for the excitement it brings to pilots and non-pilots alike. Look for our Simply Fly ad in PilotMag, or go to www.legend.aero to order your Legend Cub today.

NEWS Going Local With Representation

Places to see, and get a demo flight in, a Legend Cub...

Taking your first flight in a Legend Cub can be an unforgettable experience. It's one that's sure to enchant you, and it is our hope you won't want to let it go. Contact one of the following dealers for your introduction to the Legend Cub:

• Hampton Airfield (7B3) in North Hampton, New Hampshire, Mike Hart, 603-964-6749, fly7b3@comcast.net, www.hamptonairfield.com
• Cable Airport (CCB) in Upland, California, Foothill Aircraft, Tony Settember, 909-985-1977, tony@foothillaircraft.com, www.foothillaircraft.com
• Muskegon County Airport (MKG) in Muskegon, Michigan, Emilia Air, David Reid, 231-343-7010, dreid@emiliaair.com, www.emiliaair.com

And, as always, you can get a demo at the home of the Legend Cub at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (SLR) in northeast Texas, 903-885-7000, www.legend.aero

LIFESTYLE North To Alaska

Imagine if William T. Piper had met Sam McCord (a.k.a. John Wayne) and the two had joined forces in Alaska during the gold mining boom of the early 1900s. It is easy to picture Wayne flying his pretend bride across the vast northwest. They may have even spared a few broken carriage wheels and horse hoof, or two, en-route.

The most recent completion of a Texas Sport under the factory KwikBild program is soon to be heading north to Alaska. Don Frantz, a retired businessman and current Sport Pilot, is looking forward to transporting his creation from the 2nd largest state to the 1st largest, as soon as spring arrives. Don has flown off his required 40 hours and the ice is beginning to thaw. He looks forward to joining with friends on hunting expeditions in hard to reach parts of Alaska.

LEARNING Contact Flying

The Art of Ground Reference Flying

There are two books any Cub flyer, nay tailwheel pilot, should be aware of. First is "Stick and Rudder" by Wolfgang Langewiesche. Second on your list might well be Contact Flying by Jim Dulin.

I first encountered Mr. Dulin, and his school of thought via email. Dulin exclaimed, "I wrote a book, 'Contact Flying,' covering low level ground reference techniques not taught in regular programs. Give me your address and I will send one to you. You might find it useful in promoting your fine aircraft."

Dulin, a huge fan of flying vintage Cubs, went on to state his three squawks about the design:

1. The engine got bigger and heavier with more power, starter and generator. This made it harder to train proper speed control on final because the instructor in the back can't see anything when holding the heavy nose up (with power) far enough to go slow enough. Read the chapter on the brisk walk apparent rate of closure approach. This Army and bush answer to Wolfgang's "stall down" makes it impossible to go long on landing.
2. The brakes got better. This made it much easier for a student to go on his nose in a panic stop.
3. The tailwheel got larger. The small tailwheel (or skid) was designed to mire in the grass a bit and help keep the tail behind the pilot.

He concluded, "Otherwise you have inherited a simple and reliable aircraft, which means a lot to one who has experienced ten engine failures and precautionary landings too numerous to count."

Contact Flying is a must-read for every general aviation pilot. The techniques explained in the book go deeper into the principles of pure flying than standard, FAA-prescribed instructional methods. A careful read is sure to enhance the skills of any pilot.

LIFESTYLE The Great Aviation Dream

We were over the hill country west of Austin, Texas... looking for runways. Especially private ones. And I saw them. Lots of them.

Everyone who has ever thought about living in the country with a grass runway as your backyard and your (insert name of favorite airplane here) on the other side of the back door out of the kitchen, put your hand in the air.

There should probably be one constant to all of these dreams, however--there has to be a Cub on the premises. A pastoral runway without a Cub is like a clear, fast running stream without trout. 'Just ain't natural.

Read the entire "Grassroots" article by Budd Davisson, at www.airbum.com/grassroots/GrassrootsTexasRunways.html.

READBACK From Legend.aero

Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions fielded from the American Legend Aircraft Company website:

Why can't it be built as an experimental and flown as a light sport under the Sport Pilot rules? Is there something that would prevent that?

Bill A.

Can you fly it with just a Sport Pilot's license?

jessse288 via YouTube

Editor: Texas Sport Aircraft Company and the Texas Sport CUB were created expressly for that reason. The builder can certify a Texas Sport CUB in one of two ways, 1) 1,600 lbs. gross as an experimental, amateur-built aircraft, or 2) 1,320 lbs. and flown with Sport Pilot privileges.

Please clarify that the Legend Cub is an S-LSA and requires an A&P to work on non-owner/pilot maintenance items? The Texas Sport is / is not an E-LSA, correct? Can the Legend Cub S-LSA be maintained by an LSRM [Light-Sport Repairman Maintenance]?

Skip D., Ruckersville, VA

Editor: The Legend Cub is a S-LSA (Special Light-Sport Aircraft) certified aircraft. The owner may do the usual maintenance items as allowed by FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) Part 43. An A&P (licensed Airframe and Powerplant mechanic), or certificated A&P or LSRM, is required for other maintenance items. The Texas Sport is an amateur-built aircraft and can be certified as an E-LSA (Experimental Light-Sport Aircraft) if built to the same specifications as the Legend Cub. However, amateur built certification gives the most flexibility to the builder. The builder of a Texas Sport CUB is automatically qualified to perform any maintenance on their aircraft.

Can the Texas Sport be built with L-4 type glass? If you can figure out a way to do it, I'm ready to build one NOW. I'm looking forward to your response.

David S.

Editor: The Texas Sport is an amateur-built aircraft kit. The builder certifies its design and construction. Modifications to the kit design are done at the builder's discretion. Although the Texas Sport kit is not provided with rectangular rear windows similar to the L-4, it is possible to modify the standard D-window. The overhead glass presently extends from the windshield to the rear wing spar providing excellent overhead visibility similar to the L-4.

Thank you for you email and the beautiful pictures. As you may or may not know, Lab One Aviation is a petroleum lab, which does oil samples for the aviation industry ranging from the smallest of the small to the biggest of the big. We actually have two divisions. One for general aviation (recips and small jets) and a heavy division, which include air carriers, freight carriers, and jet engine overhaul shops. We also do warbirds and helicopters, which fall somewhere in-between. Our oil analysis kits are mostly sold through distributors. The only direct sales that we do are to APOA members. The Member pricing is $11.00 each, up to seven kits and $10.00 each, thereafter, plus shipping. You may have an interest in selling our Oil Analysis kits.

Bill Gordon, Lab One Aviation

I do enjoy the emails. I have a question for you. Does American Legend recommend or suggest schools to help owners get quality training? We have been in the business of tailwheel training for nearly 50 years, and have a fleet of airplanes. No Legend Cub yet, however we are very familiar.

Do you place airplanes on leaseback with schools? If so we'd be interested.

Zdravko Podolski, AeroDynamic Aviation

Can you put me in contact with any CFI training in the Legend Cub, in the San Diego, CA area? Please advise.

Norm W., San Diego, CA

Editor: We have identified flight training schools specializing in tailwheel instruction. Refer to the article "Legend Cub Training and Rental" in the last edition of Liaison Brief, www.legend.aero/LiaisonBrief/LiaisonBrief_5.html.

We currently do not have a leaseback program available, but can recommend AirFleet Capital as a source of funding for additional aircraft. Contact Megan Darling or Lezonne Hertz at 800-390-4324, or visit www.airfleetcapital.com.

Thanks for the update. This and your other recent emails are helpful as I navigate the process of finding a Light-Sport Aircraft. Being engaged with several manufacturers, I can say with some authority your marketing is top notch.

I have a question. Do you have plans to offer a ballistic chute? I am currently renting a FlightDesign CT and I, and more importantly my wife, have grown accustomed to having one. It is required for an aircraft I purchase. Thanks again and keep the info coming.

Jim P., Stillwater, MN

Are there any plans to offer a ballistic chute option for your aircraft?

Doug S., Vincentown, NJ

Editor: As safety is our primary concern, the Legend Cub is certified to be equipped with the optional BRS parachute as well as AmSafe airbag seat belts.

Can it burn E-85 or ethanol? Brazil loves ethanol fuel.

Sheldon

With the future of avgas in question, and with so many states adding ethanol to mogas, do you intend to offer a different powerplant? Will the Jabiru engine run on mogas with ethanol added? Have you considered offering a diesel powerplant? Thanks.

Mark L., Madison, WI

Do you have a Rotax powered version coming soon? I love your plane and my school is interested in adding a Cub or two.

Helen W., Stevensville, MD

I am wondering if the Continental IO-240-B is an available option? Thanks.

John

Editor: At this time, our aircraft are powered by the Continental O-200 and Jabiru 3300A engines. The engine manufacturer can provide warranty and related information on the use of non-standard aviation fuel. We look forward to the availability of future options. Stay tuned.

I have a 1946 Taylorcraft BC-12D, manufactured in 1945, with the logbooks showing the factory test flight in late 1945. I would like to restore this aircraft. Do you guys work on Taylorcrafts? Thanks and I look forward to your reply.

Rick K., Texas

I have a 1975 Citabria 7GCBC in need of recover and paint. Do you have experience with this type and if so, what is the approximate time and price to do a complete exterior restoration? Thanks.

Kurt F., California

Would like a quote for recovering an Aeronca Champ, which is in good condition except for the covering. Nothing special, just a bare bones, white finish.

Richard B., Missouri

I am in possession of (my father's) 1946 Commonwealth Skyranger 185 which I now own. It has not been airworthy for many, many years. It has been my desire to have it "restored" as I am a pilot and am constrained by renting and also for sentimental reasons. It's condition, as described in your website article "Basket Case Basics", would come under the heading as "abandoned." I am wondering, in very rough terms, what costs would be involved in such a restoration and whether it is practical to ship an aircraft to your location from RI. Sincerely.

Rich D., Rhode Island

Do you recover aircraft other than Cubs? If so, what would the cost be for a 1947 Funk BC12D? Thank you! Sincere Regards.

John G.

Editor: Yes, we do work on most tube-and-fabric aircraft. Please call us at 903-885-7000, and ask for Restoration Services.

What are the cabin widths of your different Cub aircraft?

Richard R.

Editor: All Legend Cubs and Texas Sport CUBs use the same airframe, which provide a cabin width of 28.5 inches, three inches wider than a Piper J-3.

Greetings... I was wondering if you know of anyone within an hour's drive of Killeen, Texas, using one of your Legend Cubs as an LSA trainer? I'll be down there nearly the entire month of October. I've been out of aviation for a few years... My medical is expired but never denied, and I'm beginning to become interested in exploring the LSA route and think that getting a BFR [Biennial Flight Review] and Tailwheel endorsement in a Cub would verify whether I wish to pursue it further. Thanks.

Bruce G., Charles Town, WV

Hello, I would like to see your Legend Cub, is there any one in the area of PDX [Portland International Airport] that has one that I could look at? Thanks.

Bill Phillips, Gaston, OR

I'm in the area, is factory open for a visit? If so what time and days?

Steve S.

What maneuvers (spins, other unusual attitude maneuvers) is the Legend Cub certified / approved for? Also, I'd like to visit your factory, and when I do, buy an hour of dual instruction in a Legend Cub. Is that possible? I'm an 18-hour student pilot in a C-172. Thanks for your time.

Antoine B., Lane, OK

I spoke with Darin Hart at Oshkosh this past summer and conveyed my interest in viewing your plant and the process that is involved in the KwikBild program. It appears that I will be able to be there in the later part of February, whom should I be in contact with? Please put me on whatever e-mail source that you have to keep me updated.

Lee M., Hopkins, MI

What are your hours of operation/tours? I am interested in taking a short tour though your facility. Are you open on Saturday? Thanks.

Max D., Arlington, TX

I am looking into sport pilot training and want to get an idea of the aircraft that I might be purchasing so that I can find a trainer who uses that aircraft to train. Is there a time when my wife and I can come tour your facilities and take a look at the Legend Cub.

Micah L., Mesquite, TX

Editor: The American Legend factory is located at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KLSR), approximately 85 miles east of Dallas. We are generally open Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM. We welcome visitors wishing to look at the Legend Cub close up. Often, demo flights can be arranged at other locations too. For a map of Legend Cubs across the U.S., visit www.legend.aero/customers2.asp. This page has a map showing many Legend Cub locations. Please call 903-885-7000 for further assistance.

Looking at going to LSA type airplane. Do you consider trade-ins? I'm about 2 to 3 hours drive time away (not a bad flight in Cessna 180) and would like to plan a visit. Regards.

Brian I., Fort Worth, TX

Do you guys take trade-ins (Cubs) on a new aircraft?

Tedd G., Lakewood, WA

Do you take trade-ins of production airplanes? I have a nice 55' Cessna 180, good paint / interior, so-so radios, no 135 (rental operations) and not bent or bush worked. I think an LSA may be in my near future. You folks are close by and have something I might be interested in. Regards.

Brian I., Fort Worth, TX

Editor: Typically we do not take trade-ins on the purchase of a new Legend Cub. However, we may be of assistance with restoring or selling your vintage Cub, or other aircraft. Please call 903-885-7000 to discuss this with us.

Looking for the tundra tires in your ad in Sport Pilot... can't find them on your website? Thanks.

Frank M., Lewiston, ID

Where can I get a price list for the different configurations?

Ed B., Palmdale, CA

Question... What is the cost of the kit... etc?

Robert T.

I would like to receive more info about the Cub and the options to build one.

Freddy A., Opa Locka, FL

Editor: Go to www.legend.aero, then click on "Where To Buy?" from the menu at the top of the page. Here you can see pricing and options for the Legend Cub including the Alaskan Bushwheel Airstreak tundra tires. For Texas Sport kit aircraft, go to www.txsport.aero, then click on "Ordering." Here you will find kit and option pricing.

I can't find in the Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) about flying the Legend Cub at night that you need an artificial horizon. The FARs only say that you need VFR instruments plus navigation and anti-collision lights. Is there something I should know about?

Bob C., Hampton Falls, NH

Editor: Our night VFR package includes a TruTrak ADI artificial horizon, Nulite dimmable edge instrument lighting, and adjustable interior map/reading light. Per ASTM requirements, a light sport aircraft must be equipped with an attitude indicator to be certified for Night VFR flight. A Compass and position/strobe lights are also required by FAR 91.205.

I've seen your product at Lockhaven over the years. We have a 1939 and a 1941 Cub and would like to put electric start on our C85-12s. What type battery and starter are you using and have you had good success with them? Thanks.

John R., Laurel, DE

Editor: You can contact Odyssey Batteries at 1-888-379-2555, www.odysseybatteries.com; Skytec Starters at 1-800-476-7896, www.skytecair.com; and B&C Alternators at 316-283-8000, www.bandcspecialty.com directly on the purchase of electrical system components for your Cub project. We have had excellent results with these vendors.

Any status on the development of a clipped wing version of the Legend Cub in either assembled or experimental version?

Jim R., Muskegon, MI

Editor: Keep in touch. We would like to see this too!

Would like to know if there is a possibility to fit amphibious floats on a J-3 Cub with a Continental 90-horsepower, or is it restricted to straight floats? Do you hold a STC for such conversions? What is the height of a Legend Cub on floats?

Matt K.

Editor: Our Legend FloatCub is equipped with Baumann 1500 straight floats. It measures eight feet in height. Keep in touch regarding amphibious floats. We are still waiting on a set that is both lightweight and reliable.

I am modifying a J-3 clone homebuilt (experimental) project to replicate a PA-11. Can I purchase firewall, boot cowl, nose bowl and engine cowl parts from your company? Do you have a catalog of parts available?

Gary G., Cotter, AR

Question. I was looking at one of your Cubs and wondered where you got the push to talk buttons and fitting for the control stick?

William G.

One of my questions to you is this: Does Legend have a kit where I can purchase parts of the aircraft as needed? Say like a fuselage now. Tailplane stuff a bit later, wings later, and finally engine, as an example? I'd like to do it that way.

Frank T., San Antonio, Texas

Editor: We do sell kits and parts for experimental aircraft. Also, you can buy any kit as needed. Please call 903-885-7000 for more information.

Please inform timeline to purchase the AL 11C-100 with standard equipment.

Charles B., Baytown, TX

Editor: We can typically produce a customer-specified factory new Legend Cub in about six weeks. Additionally, we manufacture spec aircraft that can be purchased on shorter notice. Please call 903-885-7000 for more details.

I'm glad they've started building these wonderful airplanes again. Is it true that it you can buy one installed with avionics such as GPS, Autopilot, etc?

GeneralSirDouglasMcA via YouTube

Editor: We are proud to be building this classic aircraft new today. Although very similar to the Piper Cub, our Legend Cub incorporates a few modifications that most consider the shortcomings of the original design. These include fuel in the wings, solo from the front seat, three inches wider, and an electrical system. And yes, you can equip your Legend Cub with a GPS or autopilot. For more available options, visit www.legend.aero.

I am a Brit living in the UK. Is the Legend Cub certificated in the UK and do you have a dealer here?

Clive M.

Editor: Unfortunately, our certified light-sport Legend Cub is not available in the UK or Europe presently. If you wish to import a Legend Cub and seek alternative methods of certification, please call 903-885-7000.

MANUFACTURING From The Looks Of It...

American Legend has done things right

When Tom Trissell of Clarksville, Texas, visited the American Legend factory in 2005, he commented, "There was a keyed mag switch and maybe an amp/volt gauge in the left wing root, and they are using Super Cub style glass tube fuel quantity gauges. I asked if he would trust his life to the welding he saw, and he replied, 'Yes.' Only time will tell how well their mods from the original will be accepted. If you look back in the [Cub Builders] archives, you will see where I had bought a Cuby license to build a Super Cub out of a J-3. From the looks of it, American Legend has done the things that I wanted to do, plus some things that I would not have been able to do on my own.

"In short, a very promising bird. I can't wait to score a frequent-flier ticket to DFW, rent a car, drive to Sulphur Springs, and test-fly that Legend Cub!"

Excerpted from www.pipercubforum.com/legend.htm.

MANUFACTURING KwikBild 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. You will have access to the tools and knowledge to build your own aircraft. After the two weeks your aircraft will be assembled, inspected, and ready for paint. An optional third week will guide you through the installation of wings and all control surfaces, plus instruments and engine.

Next KwikBild class start date:

Spring 2009 -- Only 4 slots are available. Advance booking is required. Sign up now for an upcoming KwikBild program by calling Texas Sport Aircraft Company toll-free at 1-866-746-6159.

EVENTS Places To See The Legend Cub

• Lakeland, Florida -- April 21-26, 2009, Sun 'n Fun Fly-In
• Lock Haven, Pennsylvania -- June 17-20, 2009, Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven Fly-In
• Oshkosh, Wisconsin -- July 27 - August 2, 2009, EAA AirVenture
• Sulphur Springs, Texas (KSLR) -- Come by the factory, anytime!

For a complete and up-to-date listing of places to see the Legend Cub, visit www.legend.aero/events.asp, then step on in for a closer look at the Legend Cub.

ORDERING How 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 "Where To Buy?" 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.