Product Description Cubs On The Loose: Old Airplanes -- New Adventures is an irresistible series of true adventures with vintage Piper Cubs and their owners. NC-87881, lovingly restored for author Lyle Wheeler, has the time of her life flying with fellow Cubs and their "humanoids" just as they had in the past --- without modern navigational tools.
They represent a group of birdmen and birdwomen around the world who appreciate the Piper Cubs and their cousins, the Taylorcrafts, Aeroncas, Luscombes and many others. The Cubs, flying in formation, landing on grass runways and displayed at airshows provide excitement to those who enjoy the "lost art of low-and-slow, long distance flight."
As the narrator of this series of true barn-storming trips, NC-87881 notes that most Piper Cubs have not survived into retirement. "However, some of us are lucky enough to find ourselves in the hands of loving humanoids who treat us as actual living members of their families".
Fly with Wheeler and 881, and their companions, on their nostalgic excursions as they discover America, past and present. See the stary skies, experience the unpredictable weather, put your flat little donuts on the lush grass runways as you travel with these fun-loving travelers.
Along the way, the Cubs learn that fuel advertised is not always fuel available, that weather conditions can be a challenge when flying without modern insturments, that their humanoids are quick to accept the comfort of a bed rather than sleep on the ground. They meet wonderful friends --- humanoids and aircraft relations --- on their travels, and see the world from a special perspective.
Customer Reviews:
Nostalgia Reigns, Reviewed August 25, 2007 We old-time tail-dragger pilots cannot pass a J-3 Cub without looking it over. If you have not flown in one, you should, just to appreciate the machine. Wheeler has put together a nostalgic story told by the Cubs themselves with their pilots referred to as "humanoids". The story involves the kind of flying we all dream about; namely, flying from grass field to grass field, camping under the wing, and doing it again the next day. Many humorous flying situations are told to the reader, with the "humanoids" often taking the brunt of the humor. Modern pilots who fly with "glass" instrument panels and funny-looking individual landing wheels on the front of their aircraft may not appreciate the tale, but those pilots who have been trained in slow tail-draggers will enjoy it.
A Talking J-3 Piper Cub August 22, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I loved this nonfiction book, and so will you if the bygone, barnstorming era of rag-and-tube planes interests you. In the 1990s a pack of J-3 Piper Cubs piloted by a sundry assortment of "humanoids," including a retired Pan Am airline captain, roamed the eastern US and found adventure at every corner.
This book describes their odysseys, but what makes it especially captivating is the narrator, a 1946 Cub identified as NC-87881, one of the pack. She tells the story to her owner, pilot/author Lyle Wheeler whom she calls a humanoid. She and her sister Cubs poke fun at present-day aircraft, such as a "snooty little" Cessna 150, and sometimes moan about their owner's flying skills.
A great read and highly recommended.
I want a CUB! January 26, 2003 5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I loved the concept of talking planes. I would be scared to think what the planes I've flown in have said to other planes about me! This is a WONDERFUL book about the Old School way of flying that Cub Owners can Still DO! I'm jealous! But reading the book is the next best thing. VERY visual images are brought up. The beauty of flight... the beauty of our country seen from above by a slow flying Cub. If you fly, or enjoy reading about flying, you'll need to read this.
All rights reserved. Amazon.com is a trademark of Amazon.com Information about prices, products, services and merchants is provided by third parties and is for informational purposes only. Caribbean Travel Books does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.
