Any chance you are digging this, Bob?
Canon 1D Mark III, 15mm F/2.8 fisheye, f/13, 1/640, iso 400
As mentioned in yesterday's post, I went flying last friday in a new plane. New to me. And new period, with a serious nod to the past. The plane is called the Super Sportcub, produced by Cub Crafters in Yakima WA.
This is a modern rendition of the venerable Piper Super Cub (here is one wikipedia page). What a difference 50 years of technology makes! For those of you that understand airplane dynamics, this is a 900 pound plane with a 180 hp motor. Whether you are a flying nut or not, that means this plane takes off the ground in about 50 feet!
For these shots, I'm indebted to my 15mm fisheye and the 14mm lens as well. I used a f/stop which would have a large depth of field, so we can see both the plane and the view outside. Speaking of the view, what do you notice on the right hand side of this image? Do we have a tiny porthole in which to see the outside world?
No, we have a gigantic window, that is open! That's right, the windows on both sides, about 4 feet long, pivot up and attach to the wing above. Click on the continue link for four more pictures, and the story on the airplane itself.
Cruising down the river
Photographically, this isn't my most interesting shot. But it's here to show you the incredible view available in this plane. If I ever get a plane, it will be because I can take pictures out of it. Sitting up front, you have a huge range out of which to shoot, without obstruction.
But the biggest thing is to be able to fly low and slow. You can fly as low as about 32 mph. But even 45mph feels like you aren't even moving. Pilots are always worried about the motor conking out and having to do a forced landing. With this plane, you can land in so short of a space, 100 feet, you don't mind flying low.
As I have said many times on the blog, I'm a water person. I just love being on boats, anything that floats, really. And this felt just as good.
I'm gonna have my own nature show!
THIS is what I have been missing in flying. To be like a bird. This was awesome. (but watch out for powerlines). I could totally see a HD Video camera just mounted right there, ready to take in some awesome scenery.
Carbon Super Sport Cub
Here's the machine that makes the magic. What's that? Oh yes, I did make a tiny enhancement to the paint scheme. What do you guys think, should I do it? Perhaps I need to discuss with the wife though. Most likely buying this plane will require a significant addition to the jewelry collection!
It's tiny inside, but what a lot of fun! I need to lose a few pounds anyway.
Hi, my name is Ben, may I take your order?
Many thanks to Ben Hodges of California Cubs. Great pilot, great guy (aviation is full of great people). I think he likes the pictures. Ben sells these out of Santa Maria CA, but travels all over CA showing the planes and giving demo rides. If you want to give it a shot, email him at ben@californiacubs.com.
