1946 Piper J-3

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HAPPYDAN
Posts: 390
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:49 am

1946 Piper J-3

Post by HAPPYDAN »

Just finished my intro flight in a Piper J-3. What a GAS! The Cub is a really cool little plane. No electrics, hand propped, hand-held radio, cramped seating. But, what a gas! With only 3 instruments (tach, ASI, ALT) you have no choice but to look out the window. And, more important, I found it MUCH easier to fly than the Skycatcher I've been training on. Go figure. No surprise that WWII pilot wannabees soloed in 8-10 hours. Blasting along at 70 mph (not knots), I became one with the countryside. Kind of like riding a bicycle, 1,500 feet up. Manny, the CFI, is around my age, and we hit it off right away. It will lift off at about 40 mph, and slowly climb out at 60. Landing is best power off, plenty of rudder authority to maintain directional control, catch the float, slowly assume climb attitude and let it settle. I experienced none of the horror stories I've heard about "taildraggers". Take off was very similar to the Skycatcher (more right rudder!) and landing was much slower (35ish) and easier, even in a slight crosswind. No brakes needed during taxi or landing. Nice. The most unpleasant part of the flight was getting into, and out of, the cockpit. Tough on a 64-year old beat up body!
SportPilot
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Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by SportPilot »

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Last edited by SportPilot on Sun Mar 20, 2016 7:45 pm, edited 1 time in total.
3Dreaming
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Location: noble, IL USA

Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by 3Dreaming »

I'm guessing you were sitting in the rear seat. If you think it was bad getting in the rear you should try getting in the front.
Nomore767
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Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by Nomore767 »

If you really like it…you might want to look later at the Legend Cub and the CC Sport Cub.

Based on the J3 classic (particularly the Legend) they have starters, radios, and you can fly from the front seat! Some have glass and autopilots but that's a bit much for me. Still, they offer a similar flying experience with a bit of the modern accessories.

Still, hard to beat being low and slow with nowhere really to go…in a J3! Enjoy! :D :D
HAPPYDAN
Posts: 390
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 11:49 am

Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by HAPPYDAN »

3Dreaming wrote:I'm guessing you were sitting in the rear seat. If you think it was bad getting in the rear you should try getting in the front.
Yeah, I was in the front. Surely there must be some "trick" - that or pilots in 1946 were much smaller!
Also, just to be clear, the Skycatcher is a very capable aircraft, just a lot to take in for an old dog (me) trying to learn a new trick.
SportPilot
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Joined: Mon Aug 25, 2014 3:39 pm

Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by SportPilot »

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Last edited by SportPilot on Sun Mar 20, 2016 7:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
3Dreaming
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Joined: Sun Jan 10, 2010 6:13 pm
Location: noble, IL USA

Re: 1946 Piper J-3

Post by 3Dreaming »

SportPilot wrote:
HAPPYDAN wrote:
3Dreaming wrote:I'm guessing you were sitting in the rear seat. If you think it was bad getting in the rear you should try getting in the front.
Yeah, I was in the front. Surely there must be some "trick" - that or pilots in 1946 were much smaller!
Also, just to be clear, the Skycatcher is a very capable aircraft, just a lot to take in for an old dog (me) trying to learn a new trick.
You should be flying the J3 from the rear seat since that's where you sit solo.
I agree! The airplane is also easier to fly from the back. There is a better view of the runway out the sides, and it is easier easier to feel the coordination.

I have spent plenty of time in the front od a J3 giving instruction, and there is an art for getting in the front seat. The best method for me is to sit on the door sill and swing my feet in first, then slide into the seat. Sometimes I would also stand on the tire and swing my Left foot in first before sitting on the door sill. It just takes practice.
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