Hello - New L-16/LH-275 Owner in Oregon

[Low Lead]

Low Lead here - Former SuperCub pilot from over at SuperCub.org and new owner of L-16A LH-275 out here in the Columbia River Gorge. Just flew her for the first time this morning and super impressed with the performance of a light 7AC airframe with a fresh C-85-8 in -2000 DA.

I almost don't miss the 180HP that was spoiling me. I'm planning to keep this L-Bird original with no mods that aren't reversible. It's non-electric with a very nice Trig radio on a 12V lithium battery. I may add a Trig transponder and some 26" Airstreaks for light off airport work out here.

A big part of purchasing was the support of forums like this and I'm excited to join - I never thought I'd love anything that didn't come in Lock Haven Yellow!

Cheers, Mike @ KDLS

 

[Bob Turner]

I love Cubs. The 180 CC Cub was my very least favorite.

Stroker J3 is best, lightweight 160 Super Cub is a very nice compromise.

Had the privilege of ferrying an O-200 7AC from Denver to SoCal. Didn't go very fast, but it could go straight up.

 

[Bartman]

Great looking Champ Mike and welcome!

Maybe you guys know, what's the deal with the extra dorsal fin on Champs? I understand Bill Pancake has an STC to go back to the small tail but why the dorsal fin in the first place? The small tail is so much better looking!

 

[Bob Turner]

Floats? No idea.

 

[Low Lead]

Thanks Bob - Agreed on the Stroker J3 - this aircraft is basically my "Big & Tall" J3 as I'm 6'5" and don't fit in J3s and am a tight fit in the 18s. I'd totally stroke this C85 if it wasn't fresh with perfect compression. From what I've read the 0-200s add a little power at the expense of weight but like you said don't add much speed. How was that 7AC over the mountains on that ferry trip?

 

[Low Lead]

Thanks Bartman - I agree I really prefer the clean look of the traditional tail and it seems to have rudder authority to spare. The dorsal extension was added when Aeronca went to 90 HP. I believe but could be mistaken that it's "recommended" but not required in the Pancake HP STC. I'd love to hear from anyone with L-16 restoration experience including paint codes and fabric. I'd especially love to know the history of the paint scheme on LH-215:

 

[Bob Turner]

Oh, me too, and I am hoping to find L4s in those kinds of paint jobs. We have a number of black airplanes and one OD Cub in the area, and when they are below you they cannot be seen!

Yeah, the Champ walked through the high terrain over Angel Fire. Takes 11,000 feet - gorgeous on a good day, and you can watch antelope at that altitude.