Large Arbor Fly

Large Arbor Fly
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Transitions! Transitions! When the Beech was sold I invested in a 1946 clipped wing Piper Cub with a 90 Hp engine and a metal prop. transitioning from a high powered V-tail Bonanza to a tail-dragger was a fun sight at the Ann Arbor Municipal Airport as I attempted to perfect the technique for landing the Piper.

The Lipert-Reed clipped wing Cub has, essentially, the same wingspan as the Piper Tri-Pacer. It didn't float and, believe it or not, landed like the SeaBee. It was a smaller version of the "Flying Rock!"

The Cub was outfitted with the original bungee cord suspension and large balloon tires characteristic of all Cubs from that era. Now you are anticipating where the "Bounce-Bounce" from the title came from. That is exactly what happened to me as I practiced the proper attitude to place the Cub into as I landed. Take-offs were not a problem.

The tower remarked, on more than one occasion, here comes the local basketball player, with ball, ready to bounce down the runway!! One miscalculation and the Cub would sail into the air before settling down for another "touch and go" until I finally learned to fly again.

I am sure none of you went through this embarrassing ritual as you transitioned down to a great little tail-dragger from a more advanced aircraft.

It was a bare-boned Cub with an illegal gravity tank, in the wing, that would drain fuel into the original tank when you opened a valve. If you remember, there was a cork attached to a wire that indicated your approximate fuel left in the original tank right in front of the pilot. When I opened the valve the only way you knew the original tank was full was when a few drops of fuel splattered onto the windshield. Real safe! Had to be quick on the fuel shut-off valve.

It gave this Cub about a five hour flight time. It was a wonderful dawn patrol plane that I used extensively and incorporated it into Civil Air Patrol searches.

Stories still are told about me and the Cub as we learned together how to really enjoy flying as it was meant to be!

Jim

Born and raised in Michigan. Graduated Kalamazoo College 1960 and Michigan Rackham Graduate in 1964. Retired to Salem, South Carolina on Lake Keowee five years ago. Married my wife Connie ten years ago. Five adult children between us. Active in the Salem Lions Club. Love to fish, bird watching, hiking, swimming, gardening and travel. I am instrument rated in SEL aircraft and enjoyed flying for years. Taught Aviation Physiology for years and lectured at Aviation Seminars and CAP organizations on Aviation Safety.

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