Most pilots equate the modern Cub variants (from CubCrafters, Legend Cub, and others) with adventure and the backcountry these days, as opposed to the historic vibe that an original Piper Cub evokes.
So it follows that one new Carbon Cub owner, David Green, took the call to explore literally, and determined that he would fly his new Carbon Cub UL home from the factory in Yakima, Washington—all the way to Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia. The destination sits on Oz’s east coast, about halfway between Sydney and Brisbane.
Green and “Dusty” left KYKM on July 22, stopped off at Oshkosh, and proceeded eastbound to traverse the Atlantic. More than 144 flight hours and 16,800 nm later, he touched down at Port Macquarie Airport (YPMQ) on August 20. It’s not the first transatlantic Carbon Cub UL flight, which transpired in July, but Green had a similar longest leg, from Goose Bay, Labrador, to Reykjavik, Iceland, covering roughly 1,300 nm and taking 12 flight hours—making use of the extra fuel tank on board but fortunately not the bright orange immersion suit he wore in the cockpit.
CubCrafters scored another win this week with the EASA approval on the 215-hp version of the XCub, in both nosegear and tailwheel configurations. This XCub has Lycoming’s IO-390-D3B6 engine, marketed by CubCrafters as the CC393i. CubCrafters partnered with Lycoming in 2019 to bring the CC393i to the market, with its dual electronic ignition system. Previous XCubs with the 180-hp O-360-C1G carbureted version have held EASA approval since 2018.
The RAF Map Expands Again
Speaking of the backcountry, the Recreational Aviation Foundation initiated its push to add significantly to the runways available around the country in July with its Expanding the Map program and Fly Rocky Top launched at EAA AirVenture. This week, RAF celebrates the opening of Keg Knoll Airstrip, in central Utah. RAF Liaison Wendy Lessing championed the effort, which included working with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to coordinate following the establishment of the Labyrinth Canyon Wilderness Area. “One thing that makes Keg Knoll airstrip unique is the accessibility of the relatively easy two-mile hike to Colonnade Arch, also known as Five-Hole Arch,” said Lessig in a release.
With 2,000 feet of the runway open, a 700-ft portion remains closed to pilot use. Because it sits in a Wilderness Area, no motorized or mechanized tools can be used in its maintenance, so volunteers will resort to hand tools to keep things going. The RAF crews are accustomed to this challenge, and will surely be up to the task. Check it out in the RAF’s Airfield Guide.
Cirrus Expands in Grand Forks
On August 14, Cirrus added to its well-established manufacturing footprint in Grand Forks, North Dakota, with the opening of a multi-million dollar expansion to the facilities there. The additional 30,000 square feet has helped the company lay out optimized workflows and support advanced manufacturing techniques as it moves toward increasing its production rates on all of its models.
The newly announced Cirrus TRAC10 is one of those models that will benefit from the new facility, as well as the SR series and the SF50 Vision Jet. Roughly 80 percent of the 500-person-strong workforce in Grand Forks is directly tied to manufacturing.
Pilatus Opens the “Schwartzhorn”
Pilatus Aircraft has propelled forward several initiatives lately to improve its composite manufacturing capability, along with the ability to recycle materials. The Swiss company has now opened a dedicated composites center at its headquarters near Stans, in the Nidwalden canton. Roughly 300 employees will call the new Schwartzhorn building home, the name of which reflects the coloring of the mountains that surround the area.
Previously only used for non-load-bearing components in Pilatus aircraft, carbon-fiber-based materials form more and more of its future in aircraft manufacturing. The new facility will help enable the expanded utilization of advanced composites in structures such as control surfaces on the PC-24 versatile jet. By using the lighter-weight materials, the company pursues greater weight savings overall and fuel savings as a result.
Robinson R44s Now Number 5,000
And from the rotorcraft world, a real achievement for the workhorse of the piston helicopter fleet. Robinson is delivering its 5,000th R44 to its dealer Arica in Ecuador. The Raven II comes now with an optional utility interior and air conditioning, and it’s powered by a fuel-injected Lycoming IO-540 at 245 hp derated for takeoff, and 205 hp continuous. The standard panel holds analog gauges, but can be fitted out with Garmin’s touchscreen GTN 650Xi navigator and GDU 700TXi display. The 2026 model retails for roughly $650,000.
“The R44 remains the most widely sold and flown light civil helicopter on the planet because it delivers unmatched reliability, low direct operating costs, and multi-mission versatility,” said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company in a company post. “Whether it is powering flight schools, supporting agricultural operations, or serving private and utility operators, the Raven II is the benchmark for modern light rotorcraft.”
The R66 turbine helicopter was recently tagged to serve as a trainer for the U.S. Army, as well as a vehicle for electric-powered flight testing utilizing the MagniX motors.
Love these industry updates. Keep them coming
My former Aeronca Chief’s colors exactly, except for the checkerboard tail. I always though it was pretty and a nice departure from the many original color paint jobs.