5 Months Later

By Nick Poucher

At the end of August, the Lakeland Aero Club took delivery of our new Recruit Cub that we assembled during Sun ‘n Fun.

A team of our members went to Bessemer, Alabama for the summer to work with Patriot aircraft to learn about painting and covering our new airplane. Over the course of the summer our members gained valuable knowledge and experience learning about the intricate fabric covering process.

All the Aero Club’s aircraft and previous projects have all been worked on and assembled by our members and it was important that this aircraft was no different.

I had the privilege of flying the Recruit Cub around Alabama prior to bringing it back to Florida and compared to the hundred hours I have in vintage Cubs, this airplane was quite impressive. From the time you get into the airplane you can already feel how much more comfortable this airplane is with a wider fuselage and modern seats. Additionally, the takeoff performance is stunning. From the time the throttle is opened it feels like you are flying almost immediately and the landing capabilities are just as impressive with help from the Acme Aero suspension.

The Recruit Cub did not disappoint while flying cross country either, with the modern comfort and Dynon avionics this aircraft was quite enjoyable to fly over the seven hours it took to get home.

Now that the Recruit Cub is home at the Lakeland Aero Club, we are excited to begin utilizing the advanced avionics and new aircraft to offer a modern platform for our members to continue learning with.