American Legend Cub

FLYING Staff

Monday, October 31, 2005 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The American Legend Cub is a modern Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) that stylistically resembles the J-3 Cub but incorporates significant structural (all-metal), technological, and convenience improvements like dual doors, front-seat solo capability, and wing-mounted fuel tanks.
Leveraging LSA deregulation, the company achieved rapid design and "certification" with significantly lower costs compared to Part 23 aircraft, demonstrating the rule's aim to foster quicker and more affordable development of simple, two-place planes.
Despite being more expensive than a restored J-3, the Legend Cub appeals to experienced pilots seeking a new, nostalgic aircraft with modern amenities, enhanced safety features, and a warranty, allowing many to fly under sport pilot privileges.

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If you had the choice between buying a real J-3 or an LSA knockoff of a J-3, wouldn’t you pick the real McCoy? I used to think it was a no brainer. I’m not so sure any more.

I stopped by the home of the American Legend Aircraft Company in Sulphur Springs, Texas, located about an hour east of Dallas, to fly the company’s brand new little Cub clone. I love flying taildraggers off of grass strips. I was really looking forward to it.