Pilot Medical Issue - Carbon Cub LSA to the rescue - Flight + Kit Plane Build

[@mitouch3202]

This is Mike. I'm the guy in the video building the Carbon Cub. Yes I finished the plane in the summer of 2017. I now have about 110 hours on it. It was just like one of the comments I read saying it was a blast to build it, but even more fun to fly it. All in it took 1.5 years to build or just short of 1,000 hrs.

[@FlightChops]

Congrats Mike! I can't believe it's been that long since we filmed this! I look forward to seeing it!

[@hiker2742]

@@FlightChops I want to get my private, but I take some heart meds... does this usually exclude from obtaining a private? Thanks and hope you are better now!

[@DavidHope1133]

@@FlightChops Can't wait for this video!

[@tristanruel]

Such dedication you have!

[@jimgaul67]

Hiker..... the FAA has a list of exclusionary drugs on their website or call a local Aviation Medical Examiner

[@richarddarlington1139]

As an R/C model builder and pilot, I can attest to the fact that there is no greater feeling than flying an airplane you built yourself. You alone are responsible for the quality of the build and the performance of the aircraft. For all you guys who can no longer pass the medical, I highly recommend it! I'm finishing up a 1/5 scale Christen Eagle right now and I can hardly wait to maiden the thing, white knuckles and all. I absolutely love it!

[@rasonjason4066]

I love building my own stuff! I couldn't afford the quality I like otherwise.

[@cnnw3929]

I used to be into the RC hobby. I even built a couple kits. But, since the FAA declined me a medical certificate, I decided that the RC kit building was a waste of time. I even sold a Great Planes Ultra .40 kit for pennies on the dollar, and nearly gave away all the rest of the RC kits, ARFs, and radios I had. None of them are available on the market anymore, and will probably appreciate in price. I now fly quad-rotor drones, a couple from DJI and one Autel EVO. They do everything I could want for my aerial photography hobby. And I don't even need a license, or any kind of test. As long as I'm in Class G airspace, nobody knows I'm there. :)

[@falutinfree1101]

Outside is old school Cub and inside you have a modern glass cockpit. I don't think it gets much better than that!

[@FlightChops]

'zactly!

[@df5118]

I recently flew in a carbon cub as a passenger and I was impressed! Awesome rate of climb and excellent views slowing it right down along the coast.

[@blancolirio]

The inspiration for your experimental RV build!

[@FlightChops]

Pretty much 🤓😎

[@christianseemann1618]

After after enjoying many Flight Chops episodes of you & the team building and flying your own RV over the year or two; it is super cool to come across this episode and witness your thought process towards building your own airplane change over the course of the video. Your dreams inspire many dreams in others. I started watching your channel in 2018 and began working on my PPC then, but had to take some time off until late 2020. I am about to take my check ride in the next month and look forward to earning my tail wheel and float endorsements this winter. The high quality of the FlightChops videos and your enthusiasm permitted me to continue to enjoy some of the best parts of flying even when I couldn't get into the air myself. Rock on and may your FlightChops be perpetually sharp :-D !

[@FlightChops]

Thanks so much for this Christian. I was searching comments for an other thing just now and came across yours here that I had missed initially.

[@steveo1kinevo]

Really cool little aircraft! Looks like it would be a blast to fly around.

[@FlightChops]

Totally!

[@55pilot]

I made my first solo in a Cub in 1955 and got my private license in it. It was one of the greatest airplanes ever built. I also worked at Piper for 10 years designing the PA-42 in Lakeland, FL until they shut the plant down.

[@cjm2005]

Microlights mate. Super light, awesome power to weight ratio, and rotax 912 engines which are reliable and economical (10 ltrs mogas / hour). They are awesome. They inspired me to fly again & my licence arrived last Tuesday morning. I'll be mostly flying an Ikarus C42.

[@IanHoyt]

A little added motivation to get my RV8 kit back out and start smashing rivets again!

[@alanluscombe8a553]

Did you ever get around to it?

[@astrogirl1usa]

How interesting! What a fun thing to do; build a kit plane. There is inherently something very satisfying, about completing a project and being able to use what you built.

[@goatflieg]

Another inspirational one. I know what you mean about four airplanes. My first dream was an Avid Amphibian, then it became an RV-8. After 13 years of waiting, and getting the empennage done, I finally order my quickbuild wings & fuselage TOMORROW! But... I love the Carbon Cub too. Just might be my second airplane...

[@markoda8455]

I've always have had a fascination with kit built planes. I found your piece very interesting and it was a sweet plane. Thanks

[@orestomeliukh4863]

I agree with the LSA thing if that's what's allowing this type of build. You take a classic and upgrade it to modern standards. Really nice and Mike is a champ!

[@brianhedrick4986]

Starting my Fixed Wing classes tomorrow! Your videos have kept the stoke ultra high! Thanks!

[@bishopcherrycoke6654]

very cool, that's one heck of a project. I hope Mike is taking pictures or video of his progress. I would love to see updates and of course the maiden flight.

[@jordanmemonster]

Loved this video. I wish these LSA kits were more affordable... Would make for a great project and long term puzzle.

[@KingGroupProductions]

What a cool airplane! Climb at 2100 feet per minute is amazing, but stable flight at 29 mph is even more surprising. Keep up the videos. I started flying in 1958 soloing in an Aeronca Champ.

[@prreith]

Coming from the car world, I can definitely confirm the list of guys who start projects and never finish them far exceeds those who do. You have two options, a large group of friends hammering it out (which usually doesn't happen) or chug away at it yourself. With the later, the problem for most is they don't understand it takes a drastic lifestyle change. One has to become something of a hermit, or be willing to shun their friends to find the time. The friends just won't get it and take it personally. And it's the very small, but crucial details that are the killers - small fittings, etc. Lots of patience & tenacity required.

[@prof2yousmithe444]

This is one of the key reasons I love your channel! Excellent video!!!

[@aviatorcrafty102]

If he got his medical sometime after 2006, then he can do basic med, a newly developed program that recently went into effect. Basically, instead of doing a third class medical (only applies to this class), you do a medical exam with a state licensed physician (regular doctor) every 2 years, and you fill out a portion of a "checklist" and the doctor fills out the rest, in addition to this you do a free online aeromedical course every 4 years. You have to keep the completed checklist and the certificate of completion for the medical course in your log book to be legal. Privileges wise you have these: Flying: VFR or IFR No restriction on horsepower No restriction on number of engines No restriction on gear type (fixed or retractable) Day and night flight Restrictions: Aircraft must have a maximum takeoff weight of no more than 6000 pounds You can't fly faster than 250 KIAS You can't fly higher than 18000 feet Definitely something he should look into

[@45631063]

thank you very much for this explanatory video on the drivers and devices maintenance for medical doctors

[@PlaneOldBen]

180hp in something that small sounds epic! Really enjoyed this video!!

[@MikeKobb]

That plane looks like such a blast to fly. Interesting that it has only electric trim. The Cirrus is like that, and I find it hard to trim perfectly, compared to planes with trim wheels where you can apply almost infinitesimal amounts of trim. One question: I see a whole lotta metal there. What makes it a "Carbon" Cub?

[@sugershakify]

It does have some carbon. The cowling, floor board, and some other trim pieces are carbon.

[@andrewzanas9387]

Thanks for this, Chops. Very enlightening tour of the ultralight experimental world.

[@crapper1]

i would love to get a cub they look like very fun airplanes to play around the area with

[@williegillie5712]

Amazing little plane. I always thought the cub was a marvel of engineering due to what it can do and where it can go that other planes cannot

[@MichaelOKeefe57]

Can't wait to see it once it's finished!

[@AdamLoya]

Check out the Flight Design CTLS I love flying it and it's only about $140k with a full glass cockpit

[@jjohnston94]

Are you on crack? My mortgage was $140k.

[@rojamb2012]

Think of it as a life-time investment.

[@ollopa1]

In some places you're lucky to find a house under $400k. I guess it depends on where you live.

[@1shARyn3]

Hint hint on the window crank for trim: It's a Piper-thing. Cherokees have the same dumb handle -- but worse --- it's on the headliner (great when you're on foggles and aren't supposed to be looking up for it)

[@markthibault8579]

Transport Canada needs to copy the Light Sport program from the US. That would give us access to a great many more affordable options for general aviation in Canada without all the restrictions associated with the Advanced Ultralight category, e.g. no night flying, 1232lbs gross.

[@davethepilot9881]

I loved the video, and especially the Carbon Cub. That said, I am probably a little biased because I am lucky enough to work at Cubcrafters where I'm surrounded by Carbon Cubs every day! I'd have to say that the only thing more fun than building a Carbon Cub is flying one!

[@FlightChops]

That's awesome! Can you score me a deal on one? :P

[@davethepilot9881]

Haha I might know a guy!

[@skryhashtag]

OMG the Treeeeees

[@tuckernielson1]

I have loved every flight chops video but this one is my favorite.

[@jcbolomey4608]

I would love to fly one of these. first airplane I flew in was a PA18. Great video!

[@AK-ky3ou]

Glad that guys gonna get to fly.

[@marvinadn]

Please keep us updated with this project

[@mcomeslast]

Gorgeous plane. Loved the lsa.

[@NathanH172]

I'm just a few hours south of CubCrafters, KVUO is my home airport.

[@joshstevens9162]

It’s funny you say around the 3:15 mark about how you have a lot of incomplete renovations around the house considering the vans build you are now in the middle of lol! Did you think back on this conversation when you were considering wether or not to build your own plane?

[@xkguy]

LSA was meant to get more people into flying but it wound up being the way guys get out of flying. I tried to go LSA but finding nearby instruction was impossible. I was told no one would certify me in most LSA, certainly not a home built. Instructors always wanted me to learn on a regular plane. I eventually quit. LSA is the way guys who are about to lose their medical stay in the sport...as they slowly 'get out' of it. I never met one person who got into flying through LSA unless they went to a place in Florida and spent a few weeks of intensive training. I really wanted to fly again (I soloed in my youth but gave it up) but LSA was a disappointment.

[@mcomeslast]

Yeah, I'm finding the same. I love these videos, but I'm not going to invest money in this until they get rid of the third class medical. I am going to set up a sim program.

[@paulcarstens2601]

Loved the video Steve. Roni really liked hearing Mike describe the kit-build process. Also, - $4000.00 worth of prizes, plus a hangar kitten! lol, Well done. Proud to be a Patreon supporter.

[@FlightChops]

+Paul Carstens - thanks so much Paul! And I really appreciate all the work you put in as "producer" making those productions in ATL happen!

[@gpowerdragon9852]

I wonder how many Garmin flight computers you can squeeze in there and the sweet autopilot for the windy days

[@keysthinking]

Thanks for being a real down to earth pilot

[@limadeltazulu]

piper cub and its other versions, the best and most beautiful airplane in the world.

[@tpowell453]

That looks like a nice plane. A real plane. I like it.

[@Michael-4]

Super video. Lots of detail in the right areas. Thanks.

[@freerange2417]

It should also be noted that the carbon cub kit doesn't have to be built as an LSA, it is only an option. We built ours to the full 1865 LB Gross weight category and are not restricted by any LSA requirements. It really is a great kit and a blast to fly!

[@FlightChops]

I think that's what I would do - build it for the full max gross the air frame is designed to handle.

[@martyb6903]

Like watching your programs Well done It really is helping me learn the ropes and hopefully solo and get my ppl Thanks!

[@thecountbassy_]

Nothing in the $50k-$60k range for for LSAs? Isn't that about how much it costs to build a Kitfox?

[@xkguy]

When I first heard about LSA I thought ...great, an easy way to get into aviation. After a year I learned that LSA is used almost exclusively to out of aviation. By that I mean finding a place to get LSA instruction, in an LSA plane and someone who will do your sign off in your plane...does not exist in Las Vegas and most other places. LSA has become a way to get out of the PPL world yet continue to fly. I have resigned to wait until I retire and go to Florida for a few weeks to get my LSA training and license.

[@thomasabramson100]

Did you try a short field landing when you had her at 27 mph with full control couldn't help thinking this would be a great plane to win the Valdez stol competition. can you hold in the brakes all the way just before touchdown ?

[@phildeeznuts3162]

Awesome video!!! thanks for putting this ☝. Please keep all videos coming, but more home builts would be awesome!!! thanks

[@jasonpayne1240]

This video is really inspiring to see how an aviator found a way to pursue his passion despite a medical problem. Any excuse I could come up with not to build my cub or even to earn my license just seems invalid.

[@fractuss]

Excellent editing on your videos.

[@pinchflat]

steve. if you are ever near St.louis let me know. My uncle has built several kit planes as well as designed and built his own plane in his BASEMENT!

[@FlightChops]

That's awesome!

[@MrSamdoe100]

Great insight, Carbon Cub remains a dream ;) . great video.

[@tomasolivieri1615]

Beatiful & Cool Plane... I want to have one..!!

[@blackgenesisishere]

this channel is so awesome, thanks for sharing these great videos!!!

[@calebcheshire3430]

Cool to see the mix of a classic Cub with the digital PFD! #BoseA20

[@jolujo5842]

Excellent educational runs. KUDOS

[@douggrant4008]

Something wrong here. FAR 61.303(b)3 [A person seeking a Sport Pilot certificate must - ] Not have had his or her most recently issued medical certificate (if the person had held a medical certificate) suspended or revoked or most recent Authorization for a Special Issuance of a Medical Certificate withdrawn. You can't get a Light Sport certificate once you have lost your medical.

[@FlightChops]

His medical wasn't lost or revoked, he had an issue that he believed would not allow him to get a medical renewed... I changed the title to reflect that.

[@douggrant4008]

Thanks, I didn't mean to be critical, just to save some people some headaches if they were thinking about going Light Sport with a revoked or suspended medical. The title under "Published May 28, 2016 still says "Does Losing your Medical mean you can't be a pilot anymore?" and leads people to believe the answer is 'no." And, obviously, the email was sent out with an incorrect title so the FAR information may still be relevant to those who are thinking LSA.

[@FlightChops]

I appreciate the feedback - it is totally valid - I will edit that line in the description as well - I see now that it is confusing.

[@cmeGordy]

that is so cool I would really love to have one myself frankly I would like to own and fly several planes in my life. Such a cool plane specifically seeing how slow it can fly that is awesome.

[@Shwepnick]

Another awesome Flight Chops video! I loved this one!!

[@JaxTellerRC]

Very cool video! Really enjoyed watching this. Great job!

[@enzojarretta2040]

Fantastic airplane

[@regressmenot]

Would love to know how Bob's progress with his kit is going.

[@kajun4]

What a fun little airplane! If you haven't already, take a look at "A Plane is Born" here on KZbin. It's a nicely done miniseries about building a kit plane and it manages to be very entertaining.

[@douggrant4008]

Love the video and the plane.

[@ryanesrey667]

Your videos are great man shoutout from vegas

[@smaze1782]

What a great video. Thanks FC!

[@arvidsamuelsson]

You make great videos. I sure do enjoy them. Keep ut the good work!

[@jackgilmore8383]

That was wonderful I like that video it's got me and drifted now to one know if I could fly and like to build my own some day maybe some day

[@Nick1011]

great video can you make a video about the things in your flight bag because i am a student and want to know what i should put in my flight bag

[@FlightChops]

thanks. I'm not sure it is worth an entire video, but I will think through it and at the very least post a list somewhere. Please email me and I will send you a draft of the list when ready. flightchops at gmail dot com

[@Nick1011]

+FlightChops maybe part of a video? and thanks for the reply

[@Lucrsaintgenies]

Great video as always

[@john3Lee]

Another brilliant episode... Thank you :)

[@jimmaria1492]

How much is this guys kit .... also i wonder about all the steps with the faa and costs with that it would be nice if that was in the videos.

[@cofferdamn]

thats really awesome

[@mikepaz4870]

Thank you

[@repalmore]

When I work on something complicated it seams every so often a bolt or part will hit the floor and disappear. I think I will make the floor absolutely smooth and close ALL the gaps under shelves and suspend workbenches from the wall. I'm sure I'll figure out a way to disappear a part anyway. ;o(

[@DeadBaron]

This is my dream plane. Going to be YEARS before I can even afford the license to fly one, much less build one. Got to love this economy... and with job automation around the corner, it will only get worse.

[@CreatorCade]

I hear yah man I'm in the same boat

[@kiwiaviator7983]

Cool stuff, thanks again for another great vid!

[@mitchellkasdin1899]

I like that comment “ I have a lot of incomplete renovations in our house”

[@gimallo1107]

Can you please tell me the name of the song ? The link is broken.

[@isaacbrooks1430]

Great video!!!

[@outlawflyer7868]

ok, so that was a pretty cool plane. now i want to build my own plane under the LSA but i have no welding experience what so ever or any kind of kit plane building experience so I will need to hire someone to do the welding for me. A long time ago i heard that in order for a persons plane to be under a certain guide line that he/she would have to do like over 50% of the build himself/herself. Can you tell me if its more or less or even true in the matter or were the heck i can find this info out myself? Thanks...

[@kennethcohagen9037]

All these years after the cub was designed it still uses rounded ends on the wings, rudder and elevators. Is there any advantage to that, or are squared ends better?

[@brandendavis6369]

Can u do another video on the carbon cub?

[@FlightChops]

Yes, yes I can :) we have actually already filmed a fairly epic production with CubCrafters - it is in post production - please see the video on my channel titled: "Average Pilot FLYING everything! Fighters to Bush Planes to Choppers: 2017 teaser"

[@BasedSM]

you should come back and fly with him if he has completed his plane

[@VFuzz]

I never knew this exsisted, thats really cool! Also, do you know if anyone can assemble a carbon cub or do you have to be a certified A&P mechanic?

[@JLDoctorWho]

No, you don't have to be an A&P. In fact, you don't need anything at all except time, space, and money. Experimental aircraft are by definition amateur built. If you are looking for a really fun aircraft that is an "easy" build the Sonex is another alternative. Look up the EAA if you want more info on building airplanes.

[@SaltyDawg-wu5kr]

IS THAT STRIP IN GEORGIA CLOSE TO MALARDS LANDING ?

[@parapluie6228]

Really enjoyed the video and do admire the aircraft. One big drawback, however, is the kit price, which is a big deterrent to budget-minded builders. You should make a video on one of the Sonex aircraft for those with a sharper eye on budget. #BoseA20

[@SabrinaBraden-n7n]

Fun but beware high winds, the light aircraft do not play well in high winds.

[@circa326]

Can you hover this like an rc plane?

[@TheBrassCaster]

CHARLIES FIELD; "Where the heck are we". It takes money to go flying, lots of money. The reason for ; "Paterons". I fell through the cracks on that on one issue: "Money". If you are not money entitled,,,,,,,, dream on. I learned that the HOBBS time was more than I could afford. CFI's, the ones I met, with one exception were mostly interested in building hours. GLIDERS, the tow plane and glider rental were in some other world. I went to hang gliding. Money issues still in place. My job simply could not take back seat.

[@TheMyrmeldjyr]

Great video. I really love the Carbon Cubs. Why can't us europeans enter the contest?

[@falutinfree1101]

Might have something to do with taxes. I'm just guessing though.

[@FlightChops]

+Jens Fagerberg - I didn't realize it was limited - something must have changed - please email and I will look into solving this.

[@Sparky2]

I heard somewhere that once you have the PPL and lose the medical, that you can't go back to LSA. I guess I heard wrong. That's cool. Also... I'm torn between the carbon cub and the SuperStol XL by Just Aircraft. any advice on this?

[@douggrant4008]

No, actually you are right. FAR 61.303(b)3

[@FlightChops]

His medical wasn't lost or revoked, he had an issue that he believed would not allow him to get a medical renewed... I changed the title to reflect that.

[@Sparky2]

+FlightChops None of my business either way, but it was open for discussion I thought due to the video (which was great BTW). Thanks for the reply!

[@FlightChops]

All good - it is open for discussion, and I don't want any one being confused, so I've applied the feedback and changed the title, and will also edit the description.

[@billiondollardan]

Is Mike's plane done? It's three years later

[@DeltaPilot9er]

wow. just wow. this is really insperatianolal.

[@SommerAdric]

Cub ❤️

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Did he finish it?