Comparing a Cub, Champ and Taylor Craft

[@brad52able]

Another great video, Dewey, thank you. Right now as a Light Sport pilot, being unable to pass the Class III Medical anymore, I'm flying a Champ out of necessity, but also out of choice. Low complexity, low cost, low altitude, low speed, it fits the bill perfectly for an old geezer who just wants to be airborne and enjoy powered flight with no need to get somewhere. Videos like this add to the experience because of the context they provide. My first Champ flights in the 70s, I was just flying an old, cheap airplane. We had no information. Now, flying a Champ, I am continuing a long, rich, and proud tradition.

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

I have flown all three and the comments about each match my own assessment. I'm a Champ man, but really like the Taylorcraft, too. I have about 300-hours in a Champ and just a few in the Cub, and about 100 in a Taylorcraft. I have quite a few hours in other classic aircraft that would be nice if they were featured and discussed on this channel. Thanks for prompting my memories.

[@seapilot4042]

Too funny. When I heard Andrew say he soloed in a cub 06H at Hampton air field my jaw dropped. For the life of me I couldn't remember him, I too solo in 06H, Pam Cooley was my instructor in 1978. What a small world! Blue skies to you all.

[@bill-spec]

Super small world. I soloed in 06H when I was 16!!

[@bobbylcraig]

Awesome to see three generations of pilots together enjoying some classic birds

[@Song-Dog-Archery]

Ive flown all three, and partial to all three for one reason or another. I took my flight training in a '46 7ac. We've owned our '46 J3 clip wing for 30 yrs, it was the first aircraft I helped my dad restore. Some years later we purchaced and restored a '41 BC12D Taylorcraft. Of all of them I like flying the Champ the best. I liked the video, sad I missed the Barnstorming Carnival this year. We brought in our '32 Great Lakes two years ago.

[@connielentz1114]

My father taught me to fly in 1966-67 in a Champ. I soloed in Nov 66 and got my private license in August 67 just after my 18th birthday. My father could rent the plane for $6/hour ($8 wet for everyone else) and he was a CPI. He got paid $5/hour to instruct. His own plane was a 1955 Cessna 182 he paid $7500 for. I flew it but never soloed it for insurance reasons. I used to tell people that as bad a insurance was for teenage drivers it was worse for teenage pilots. Of course it wasn’t my age but hours and ratings that increased the premiums. I soloed in the Champ and got my ticket in a 172.

[@tinlizzie37]

I took my pilots lessons in a Piper Colt. In 1963, we had to pay $11.00 per hour wet. $6.50 for the plane and $4.50 for the instructor! Got my ticket at about 47 hrs, in Aug 64. I have flown all three of those type of airplanes. My one friend had a "T" craft, another a Champ, and another had a Cub. I did have good friends, and used to hang around the airport, for about a year1964 and 5, when I was out of work. Went back mid 65, but got a lot of free flying, while off. Many different aircraft, I got to fly, then and later. I did have the Stearmans, and also flew the POS Citabria. It's no-where near a good aerobatic airplane. I loved my 35 Beech, it was only a 165hp9185) at take off. It was pretty fast with the engine that was in it, it was limited to low RPM, but 135mph is not to shabby. less than 8gph. If I was still flying, I would come over for a visit, but I can't !

[@AV8R_1]

speaking of the doors opening on the cub... I just picked up a 2015 Legend Super cub, and in my opinion, the hands down BEST feature, is the doors open on BOTH sides! I LOVE IT !!!

[@DeweyDavenport]

I haven't flown in a legend Cub but I'm sure that is pretty awesome. Sounds like it's like a open cockpit.

[@abidfarooqui-sla3301]

And I did all the engineering calculations, load testing and drawings for your Legend Super cub for Legend Aircraft Company in Sulphur Springs, Tx. Plus all the Legend float water load calculations and testing as well. Enjoy. That was 8 months of work.

[@AV8R_1]

@@abidfarooqui-sla3301 cool! It’s too bad cub crafters won’t do it. I wonder if they’ve even considered it. I wonder if you could help me, or give me some advice on a design I had an idea for. I wanted to design some sort of a lip or fin that could be installed at the front of the door openings, to help redirect airflow a little further back. The wind buffet is pretty brutal in the backseat with the doors open. I wonder if a small fin or air dam attached somewhere at the front of the door openings could re-deflect the airflow so it comes back and strikes the fuselage behind the opening rather than blasting directly into the backseat. It would still get airflow over the tail, but would make things a little more pleasant for backseat passengers when the doors are open.

[@AV8R_1]

@@DeweyDavenport it’s pretty awesome if you’re in the front seat. The wind buffet is a little brutal for the backseat. I had an idea for some air dams that would help redirect airflow, but I don’t know if it would work or make things worse.

[@Kevin_747]

I've had one of each. A BL65 Taylorcraft, a '46 J3 and a '47 Aeronca 7AC. I lost the T craft to a tornado, I sold the Cub and I will always have the Champ. My dad bought the Champ in 1961 and I soloed it in June 1971. Thanks for the video. Hope to fly in to the Dewey drome someday and meet you in person.

[@escapetarkov3838]

I can't decide between the Champ or Taylor Craft, mostly using it for time building but I live very close to several Idaho back country strips. Great video, appreciate all the info to ponder over!

[@pi.actual]

I learned to fly in a Cub so grew up as a "Cub Guy" who instinctively for no rhyme nor reason despised Champs. But fast forward 30 years to around the turn of the century when I wanted to rent a taildragger and the only such things for rent were Citabrias. I eventually did find a J3 for rent and while I fully enjoyed it I had developed a more balanced opinion between the two. Fast forward another few years and I happened upon a 90 hp Champ that was about a third of what people were asking for J3's at the time. It was a no-brainer and now, nearly ten years later, I wouldn't reverse that decision for anything. I still love Cubs and while I've never flown a Taylorcraft the pireps over the past 75 years tell you all you need to know. These are all fine aircraft that may be easy to fly but are not easy to fly gracefully. For that you're going to have to put in the time and effort and the rewards are fulfilling. Thanks for the vid Dewey, like you I love my Champ!

[@kyleramirez6548]

Hey that’s Jesse! He helped me get my Chief up to Chicago from South Carolina! Great pilot!

[@mikeherren5604]

Thanks a lot dude I really appreciate it wondering how you’ve been doing you hope you had a nice holiday and a better start to the new yearKeep them coming when you get time thanks a lot Mike

[@DeweyDavenport]

Thanks Mike. I'll try to keep up with them

[@pauleyplay]

The best of the 3 by far is a Champ. Friedlander wanted the Champ to be everything the J3 was not ! He did a great job. I agree with everybody, split door is much funner !!

[@chadgriffith5819]

This was exactly what ive been wanting to see. I want a old tail dragger so bad, leaning toward a champ. I fly 2 plus days a week just goofing off alone when I do not have a trip to make and pulling the PA32 out gets old. 15gph and its to heavy to move without the john deer gator on the grass.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Thanks for watching Chad. These aircraft are well worth the fun.

[@matthewchapman3507]

An Aeronca Champ would be your best bet. They're usually cheaper than the Cub's but they fly just as nice. I have just over 5 hours in a Champ owned by a friend and I'm hooked. He's put bigger tires on it and a larger tailwheel, so it's a blast to fly. I'll be buying one myself as soon as I get my instrument rating.

[@arcanondrum6543]

If one seat is OK with you, my father's Corben Cabin Ace is for sale. NE USA. Reply here.

[@marksidlovsky4533]

Three great airplanes! It would be fun to see a Luscombe and a Cessna 120/140 at your place for comparison too. Thanks Dewey!

[@j.patrickdonaghue199]

I really enjoyed this video thank you To the gentleman who had the Taylorcraft I also flew a cub out of Hampton New Hampshire I learned how to Fly in a Pa11 in Coram New York on Long Island cross country work in a Pa 18 90 hp I worked at Duttons Airpark in Haverhill mass while I attended East coast Areo tech Thanks again

[@DeweyDavenport]

Thanks for watching. We shot this a couple months ago and I finally got around to downloading the files.

[@justsittinhere72]

A good friend of mine has a 1940 ish Taylorcraft. New fabric and engine overhaul but not together yet.

[@jamesskadal6393]

Good video, good communication

[@FlyShamu]

Fantastic discussion gentlemen! 👍👍

[@LJDRVR]

Great video, Dewey! The BL-65 you and Andrew featured previously just sold on Barnstormers. If I hadn't just bought a Stearman, I'd have been all over that one. Glad to see the world finds you well. I wish I was closer to Ohio than Washington State, I'd love to drop in on you. Maybe I'll rent a Cessna and swing through the next time I'm visiting my folks in Columbus.

[@blainepetsupplies5354]

I would love an airplane buddy like you. You guys seem to have a lot of fun

[@sly6652]

Thanks for posting. I've been out of flying for a few years and I've been considering purchasing a nice slow air plane just to have a little fun on the weekends.

[@kreativeflicks]

*DUDE!!!!* Where ya been?!?!? Glad yer back at it! Was just looking to see if you had any new posts just 2 days ago!

[@SeanKerns]

How cool. I took some lessons from Stewart, probably flew the same J3 you did, as well as their Champ a couple of times. Hoping to get back into it.

[@timstover7923]

Good to see you again on the youtoobs, Dewey! I moved back to the Midwest (Fort Wayne area). We’ll have to swing by the drome next time we’re down in your neck of the woods.

[@kenschlabach5778]

Love the Champ and Cub! I’m currently working on getting my PPL at Red Stewart airfield.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Great place to learn!!!

[@thomasmoquin2210]

Back in the early 1980s I flew for Comair. My new bride and I use to drive up to Red Stewart’s airfield and rent a Cub or Champ on the weekends to buzz around in. I’m glad to hear is son is still running the place. I remember his wife did great aircraft fabric work. And a few years later he did some work on a Stinson 108-1 I had. Boy time flys by fast!

[@av8rshane491]

Flying the J3 on a nice day low and slow with the door open is the best. Worked at Ruth Johnson Flying Service when I was 17 and they had a cub and a champ that they rented and I flew both but preferred the J3. Did my xcountry from Chino CNO to Thermal TRM in the Champ and looking down on the 10 freeway going thru Banning pass the cars and trucks were passing me. That was 48 years ago.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Memories of a lifetime for sure.

[@av8rshane491]

@@DeweyDavenport , you bet, been flying corporate for 38 years and look back to how much more fun it was in the simpler days and simpler airplanes. Retiring in a couple weeks and considering building an AL3 legend cub.

[@DeweyDavenport]

@@av8rshane491 are you still in Southern California

[@av8rshane491]

@@DeweyDavenport , no Dewey moved to Las Vegas area about 26 years ago, have a house on 3L2 SkyRanch Estates, right on the Ca, NV border.

[@av8rshane491]

@@DeweyDavenport , what’s your story Dewey, how did you get involved in aviation? Is it covered in one of your videos?

[@quinnjim]

Great idea for a video! I owned a J-3, but have been thinking about a Citabria lately. I don't have a great need to do aerobatics, so an older classic might be the right fit. Thanks for posting.

[@brentdykgraaf184]

Great content sir.

[@daniellamfers4118]

I've got a 46 Taylorcraft BC12D which I enjoy very much, thanks for the side by side comparison of the great GA planes of that era. Well done!

[@darwinhall8550]

Great comparison, thanks for this video.

[@waiex1]

Nice job Dewey! My wife is from Middletown, and has an uncle that still works for Aeronca at Hook Field.

[@Wa3ypx]

My dad, in the late 40s, flew the Taylor Craft and the Aeronca. He would talk alot about the Taylor Craft. I still have his log book

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

love all 3 planes// great to see them . J3 Piper cub //

[@klrmoto]

Notes: November 1939 assembly line date Taylorcraft model B (curved bottom wing section) 90 mpg cruise, 12 gallons gas ~4.5 gallons/hour ~2.5 hrs flying, (~6300 made) - Andrew King; January 28th 1947 assembly line date J-3 Piper Cub (~20,000 made)- Jessie Clemet; 7AC Aeronca Champ (7,500 made) - Dewey Davenport @ the Jamestown, Ohio, at Dewey Airport.

[@lenreinhart2020]

Nevermind ... the music was coming from another app on my machine. Once I got rid of that I could hear fine. Nice video.

[@richarddarlington1139]

"You can still do loops and rolls with it." You forgot to say, "on the way down." Love the T'Crate, as shown in my avatar.

[@jameshertsch8364]

Loved the video. But Dewey, where were you when I needed you? I finished my Private License MGY in '63 before that I flew Champs near Rochester NY and Cubs with Pappy Matteson in Armonk, NY. Would have loved to jump into a Champ back then. I would love to stop by nest time I visit Dayton (I still have a few relatives there).

[@chrismaley339]

Long time watcher. . . first time commenter. Great video guys. You can't go wrong with any of these 3 planes. It would be a privilege to own any of them. I learned to fly in a 150 and currently co-own a 172 but my go to plane for poking holes in the sky and flying to breakfast is my 1943 Taylorcraft L2M. It's a combination of all 3 planes described in your video. Tandem seating, solo from the front, light on the controls, great visibility, rugged bungee suspension, wing tanks, and 1 special feature. . . working spoilers! I've been meaning to fly down from Kalamazoo to visit the air force museum. If I do, I wouldn't mind dropping in on the Dewey Drome. Keep the videos coming!

[@karlriley1314]

Would have been nice to see the inside of each. You know kinda like an airplane tour.

[@blainepetsupplies5354]

My first lesson at red Stewart was in a j3 cub and right after that I switched to the champ and will be soloing in it

[@DeweyDavenport]

That is great news Blaine. When do you think that will happen?

[@blainepetsupplies5354]

@@DeweyDavenport I’m hoping this month some time. I have 16 hours so far besides the 5 I got from 2006 lol but I still trying to get my landings down better. I love the champ. I love watching you fly yours and pretty cool to see you fly over familiar towns as i live in London Ohio

[@craiglachman1379]

My first tail wheel experience was in a tandem Taylorcraft L2 and now my teenager is buying a Citabria; maybe she'll let me fly it someday.

[@Acrisa01]

Great video! Thanks for posting it

[@DeweyDavenport]

Thanks so much for watching.

[@jimfowler5785]

Tons of hours out of 1K1 where the "Great Waldo Pepper" was filmed. Actually built for the movie and bought by a flight school down the road.

[@ecdevine]

Awesome video Dewey! I’ve wanted a Cub since I was a kid, so I finally got my tailwheel in 2020 and have been saving up for one! I’m just a hop-skip from the ‘drome so I’ll have to stop in when I finally buy one in a few years!

[@scotabot7826]

Wonderful video. I wish it was 2 hours long. You're looking good Dewey.

[@FranklinNewhart]

you should compare the Stinson as well.

[@peacocksquirrel9665]

Fantastic video, enjoyed it very much!

[@jackiewindham8199]

Love my J3, enjoy giving people their first small airplane ride.i charge younger children I ask them to draw a picture of the airplane.

[@kevincollins8014]

What a very interesting video. Thanks for sharing this knowledge and tell them thanks as well Dewey. Definitely beautiful aircraft for sure.

[@choctawone8266]

Dewey, I just discovered your nice videos. BUT, it looks like you have gone on a fitness kick since your "Low Wing Aeronca" video in 2018. Good job. You look fit and have increased the useful load of your 65 HP airplane.

[@mikefinney5269]

Dewey NC 92483 is the J-3 you soloed in. Mike Finney

[@TomGarner4505]

Nice video, will there be a flying part?

[@alanstanley1]

Hey Dewey where is your data plate mounted on your champ. Got ours inspected and it passed ok but he was saying that some ppl mount the data plate behind the front seat on the floor.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Doesn't really matter where you have it mounted just as long that it's on the plane.

[@tomhorner1612]

Where does the Cessna 120/140 fit in? Also Luscombe Silvaire?

[@tylerrockwell6080]

A really cool video! I love the Taylorcraft because I own one but hope to get to try the champ and cub someday also.

[@jameshertsch8364]

But also I wonder you did not mention the Aeronca Chief, which depending on what you read predated or was contemporary with the Champ.

[@dandobbins1471]

Dewey, I just saw this video and was wondering how tall you are. I'm 5' 6" and found the rudder pedals in the Champ deep. I had to really stretch my legs to get full rudder deflection because the seat didn't adjust. Oh, by the way, I got my tailwheel endorsement in a Champ. So, in regard to leg length, how does the Cub and TC compare? Have you had the same issue? Of course, you might be taller than me so you might not have the same issue.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Dan, I am 5'7. You may want to put a thicker seat back in.

[@DeweyDavenport]

In regards to the Cub and TC.. I have never had any issues with any of the aircraft. I can't remember how the TC felt but I would assume you would fit just fine in a J-3. The problem with a J-3 is the tight front seat area.

[@dandobbins1471]

@@DeweyDavenport I used to use a square boat throw behind my back which helped but I was right on the stick. I had to make sure it was buried deep into my crotch to get full elevator deflection. 😋

[@randallksparks1]

What about the Cessna 120/140 models? Not popular enough then?

[@jimjoe9945]

Can't you windmill start the Taylorcraft?

[@greybeard5774]

Great overview .. video quality 360p however, was a bit disappointing if to be honest :))

[@carolynstinemates3029]

love the videos but you need to turn it up on volume.

[@oldschoolcfi3833]

Hampton is still in business (as of fall of 22) and they still rent Cubs...

[@robertvogt5606]

Where's the Luscombe ? Fastest of the bunch , has a stick & survives well in a tie down better than your hangar queens. Not to be disparaging , my first plane was a '39 BL65 Tcraft , first tailwheel time in a J3 , & flew a " modern " 2 cylinder 60 hp Champ. I love all 4 of them .

[@raycollier1975]

Dewey , Wow long time Happy New Year I'm glad to see you...

[@DeweyDavenport]

Thanks Ray. I had some camera troubles. I hope I can post more now

[@jbl7092]

Other than the fact that the Wright Brothers were from Ohio and the Air Force calls it home, it seems like Ohio is the center of the flying universe. Beautiful country.

[@Wa3ypx]

Can anybody tell me what plane was in the movie "Battle of the Bulge" when Henry Fonda had them kill the engine so he could hear the tanks?

[@blainepetsupplies5354]

I’m learning at Red Stewart right now

[@berndfloitgraf595]

And what about the Stinson?

[@hondaxl250k0]

I’ll take the tcraft every time. But all 3 are great kites.

[@ineverhadthemoney7857]

show the flying bathtub Aeronca

[@robstanton9215]

You fly a J-3 for the nostalgia and the purity of a Cub. Now a days the best all around tail dragger is a Cub Crafters Cub. And if you’re wanting to stay in a LSA class Cub Crafters Sport Cub SS is the plane to have of course you’re talking $130k-200k.

[@Agwings1960]

If you put all three in the air the cub probably wouldn't be a contender but between the T-craft or Champ which one has a faster cruise speed.

[@robertvogt5606]

You can restart by pushing it over sharply so the prop doesn't hang at the top of the compression stroke but have your lading spot picked out before you shut down for insurance

[@garybowersock6350]

I soloed in 1956, in a T Craft in Ohio 5.00 an hour for the plane and 3.00 for the Instructor!

[@outlawflyer7868]

Love all 3. I live in Cleveland and want to get my daughter into the young eagles. Do you know were the closest young eagles program is near Cleveland.

[@jimpalmer1969]

Nice video, but you left the Cessna 120/140 out.

[@DeweyDavenport]

Yeah the Cessna, Luscombe, and a couple others would have been nice to include but that day we didn't have one handy. I may make something in the future.

[@wesleyallan7436]

Cool !

[@cora.hollon2054]

Addition: The Piper wing rides the afternoon bumps a lot better than the Aeronca wing.

[@av8rshane491]

Yes that’s the greatest on nice days.

[@Lt_Tragg]

A really cool period bird is missing from the group - Funk B85C

[@yuvegotmale]

Bob Hoover would have had a blast in a T Craft....

[@yuvegotmale]

My dad had a 46 bc12d (n43140) in the 60s....flew a lot with him as a kid....great memories. The T craft is in Alaska now non fly worthy...he also had Taylor L2 N 50817 and its not fly worthy...

[@av8rshane491]

Has anyone ever bounced a Champ with the no bounce gear? I had a few bad landings but it never bounced. Had to fly something else to learn good recoveries.😉

[@skooter2767k]

You forgot the Luscombe. Oh wait, there’s no comparison 🙂

[@DeweyDavenport]

A luscombe would have been great but I didn't have one there at the time. I'll eventually make a video about Luscombe.

[@skooter2767k]

@@DeweyDavenport I own 3 Luscombes. I kind of like them 🙂

[@DeweyDavenport]

@@skooter2767k I have a buddy with one. He flies that thing everywhere.

[@KTHKUHNKK]

Cool stuff Dewey Keith Kuhn From Lorain county airport Discovery aviation. You know with Vicky and Paul and everybody.

[@DeweyDavenport]

I remember you Keith. Hope Vicky and Paul are doing great

[@KTHKUHNKK]

@@DeweyDavenport Keep flying Dewey I love watching your videos Man. Keith

[@fly-n-m9445]

So that’s where the term”sunken .unkempt” came from 😉

[@stubryant9145]

Funny how Piper & Taylor fought over tandem vs side by side seating, only for Piper to come out with the J4. Must have been embarrassing.

[@michaeljohnson2922]

I’m convinced a person needs to own all 3😂

[@DeweyDavenport]

I totally agree.

[@rq9551]

Taylorcraft hands down.... I agree with Andrew King .....

[@sblack48]

Champ all day! No idea why the cub sells for more

[@lenreinhart2020]

The "music" makes it nearly impossible to hear what they are saying.

[@alexanderreimer387]

My TCraft had 24 gallons of fuel and at 3.8 gph it would go 6.5 hrs with no reserve…!!!

[@yclept9]

Champ is roomier and has better visibility. Tcraft is faster. J-3 s slowest of all.

[@improvsax]

My Dad learned to fly in a 1945 Taylorcraft Continenal 65- 1946. NC-39227 Seattle area. He also flew a Dentist he worked for float plane from Lake union. I still have interest in these old planes, even though i never learned to fly. I have spent time in small planes, but mostly helicopters (for work, in the Olympics mostly)