Mikep

According to the 2007 maintenance manual at http://www.mcp.com.au/cub/manuals/Savage Cub Maintenance Manual.pdf all of the fabric is to be removed every 1200 hrs and the fuselage is to be repainted etc. I was told that this was to be amended but no sign of it yet that I am aware.Two of my friends have bought original Piper J-3 Cubs (recently refurbished) and both wonder why anyone would bother with any of the new aeroplanes.

Hi Kaz,The following is a repeat of a copy of a comparison of the numbers for the Carbon Cub and Savage Cruiser that I posted some time ago. Please note, I'm not throwing rocks at the Carbon Cub... I'm actually scared about flying in one in case it's too much fun and I end up wanting to own one of them as well...

 

I should say first-up that the Carbon Cub looks like a fantastic aircraft; the takeoff and climb performance is astounding. However, even with the 600 kg Max All Up Weight, the extra 'empty weight' and 90l fuel tank would bring the useable payload down to about 114kg. Enough for me and ummmm... not a lot more.

 

Here's the comparison of the Carbon Cub (from the figures in the Sport Pilot magazine) and the Savage Cruiser (actual aircraft figures).

 

Carbon Cub:

 

Maximum All Up Weight - 599kg

 

Aircraft Empty Weight - 423kg

 

Maximum Fuel Load - 63kg

 

Usable payload (Pax and Luggage) - 114kg

 

Savage Cruiser:

 

Maximum All Up Weight - 560kg

 

Aircraft Empty Weight - 307kg

 

Maximum Fuel Load - 45kg

 

Usable payload (Pax and Luggage) - 208kg

 

So, in fairness, it's not quite comparing apples to apples. I'd love to have the option of carrying extra fuel and higher cruise speed because, at times I have found 64l and 80kts to be range-limiting. However, the fact is that (for me at 100kg) the Carbon Cub would be a single-seat aircraft. Even with no fuel, (as a low-performance glider) I'd struggle to be able to fly with anyone in the back seat.

 

Note (happy to be corrected if the following is not accurate):

 

1. LSA aircraft can be registered up to 600kg MAUW... IF certified to that weight by the Airworthiness Authority (aircraft manufacturer). This likely explains the difference in MAUW between the two aircraft. My version of the Savage Cruiser will never be certified for anything above 560kg (but this may not be true for later models).

 

2. The Cruiser is prettier... (but I'm allowed to be biased).

Hi Paul, great info - thanks. I am really interested in getting a Savage Cruiser. Great looking aircraft. Recently advised that the wing fabric is only lifed at 2000 hrs, is that your understanding? - I noticed that you appear to have the vortex generators fitted, sounds like a really good option, do you loose anything off the top end range with them? Any other options you would recommend?- I am seriously considering the optional long range tanks 92 ltrs.

Zlin has a great reputation for quality and they make strong aircraft, which is one aspect that appeals to me.

Regards Mike

Hi,

Looking to come over to the "dark side" (RAA). Many years in gliding and flying the tugs, Pawnees and Supercubs.

Love flying tail draggers, especially the Supercub. Would like to buy a Savage Cruiser if I can convince the wife to let me spend my pocket money.

Happen to help out at Point Cook RAAF Museum as I have a RAF/LAME background - long since lapsed. Point Cook is a great airfield and great to fly from.

Look forward to saying Hi to a few of you, and maybe picking up some tips and ideas?

Regards Mike

Piper Navajo, last Saturday, ran out of runway so ground looped at the end of 35. She was sitting under the Tower last Thursday with the stbd engine removed. stbd undercarriage badly bent. Port undercarriage drag link snapped causing the splayed "look" but was replaced OK. Stbd wing badly corrugated, some damage to rear fuselage.

Mike