Cubs2Oshkosh

I would think that it would behoove the powers to be to encourage a mass flight of Cubs to Oshkosh for the 75th anniversary. Following the training tips & tricks from the Cessna, Bonanza, and T-34 groups and adjusting for a speed of around 70 M.P.H, a mass fly-in after training would be safer than mass individual flights mixed in with other aircraft.

As an example, in 2003 I flew my Cub with another Cub as a flight of two using the normal Fisk approach. Now, there is no way we could even come close to the 90 knot speed for this approach. Flying trail, I watch in amazement as other aircraft tried to follow us down the tracks. Everyone finally gave up and proceeded to pass us on the right. I didn’t see anyone follow the rules which say “ If you have to “S-turn” to follow an aircraft, break off the procedure; return to Ripon; and follow another aircraft of similar speed and altitude”.

I would offer a challenge to other states in that I believe Ohio would be represented by 30 Cubs at Oshkosh. Looking forward to the anniversary and hope a date is set soon!

Currently, there are no plans for a Piper Cub 75th anniversary at Oshkosh. That is both bad news and good. At least things are not written in stone. Anything is possible. However, I believe that it is time to start planning the event.

 Dana McCulloch from the Cub Club said “We are not planning anything for the 75th Anniversary in Oshkosh, that type of planning would be handled by EAA in Oshkosh.  At this time we do not know of any plans regarding this.”

 In talking with H.G. Frauyschy at E.A.A., he seems to believe the type clubs should start the process. And, he is busy with the current 2011 Oshkosh work.

 It may be up to us to suggest what year (2012 or 2013) and what we would like to see happen. As I may not be around for the 100th anniversary, I don’t want to miss having a 75th.

At the www.j3-cub.com forum site, I started a poll in the flyin area for what year. Don't think I can do a poll on this site!

Found this article in the October 1987 issue of Sport Aviation by Frank Kingston Smith --> Puddle Jumpers

“A few weeks before EAA'Oshkosh broke out, a letter was shoved under the door of this cage. It was an invitation from Cal Arter inviting the resident wordsmith to come to Lock Haven for Sentimental Journey -- the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Piper Cub. It was an invitation he could not refuse. “

To be consistent, maybe the 50th anniversary of the Piper Cub should be this next year (1987+25=2012)

If so, then there is no time to waste in planning the event.

I mailed this letter to Ohio J-3 Cub owners this week. Hope to add Indiana and Michigan owners to the sent list this next week. I would encourage all Cub owners, from J-2 to Super Cub to Carbon Cub, to participate. Would be great to see a mass of over two hundred Cubs arrive and park together.

 According to FAA records, you are the proud owner of a Piper Cub. If that’s true, you might be interested in activities for the 75th Anniversary of the Piper Cub.  I would invite you to fly your cub to MERFI at Grimes Field in Urbana to discuss plans for the 75th Anniversary.

 As of today, nothing has been announced concerning the Cubs 75th Anniversary. By the time of the MERFI fly in, September 10th thru 11th, I would hope that EAA, Sentimental Journey, Cub Club and other interested parties would have plans in the works for the anniversary.  If not, then let’s start a grass roots effort to begin the planning.

 There are over 200 Piper Cub owners in Ohio. It would be fantastic if thirty or more Ohio cubs would participate in flying, as a group, to Sentimental Journey and or Oshkosh next year. 

 I would encourage our neighboring cub owner to participate with us to make the flight an even greater adventure. In that regard, I will invite all interested parties to the MERFI fly in this fall.

 More information about the planning for the 75th will be posted on the MERFI.com site. Be advised that Grimes Field has a well maintained 3,000 foot north/south grass runway not listed on many charts that is west of the paved.

Please feel free to call or e-mail me with helpful hints or advice.

Fly safely,