The folks at Sportair USA think the American Cub replicas are rather expensive, with at least one model topping $163,000. So, what if you’d love a Cub-like aircraft yet you haven’t won the lottery? How about iCub? (Or how about a Rans S-7LS Courier? It also carries a much lower price and flies wonderfully well.)
Sportair USA is known for its supersleek Sting or the high-wing Sirius, both carbon fiber creations. A couple years ago it took over the importing of Zlin’s Savage, rebadging it as the iCub, justifying the trendy name through the use of an Apple iPad up front mated to an iPhone 4 in the rear. An onboard wireless system shares flight and engine info without copper wire clutter. Cool, huh? Even with the innovative thinking, these birds are kinder on your budget.
Bill Canino, president of SportairUSA, coined a new phrase when he said, “Zlin Aviation builds one of the world’s most popular lines of Cub fly-alikes.” Indeed the Zlin is not a Cub. It’s lighter and uses the Rotax engine. “We are now able to offer [Savage models] in America at prices $40,000 to $50,000 below the competition,” he said. To prove the point, the Arkansas company lists Savage Cub (pictured) for $78,790, ready-to-fly, including shipping, fees and registration. New, lower prices on other aircraft in the Savage line are $71,090 for the Classic, $74,490 for the Cruiser, and $87,610 for the iCub.
SportairUSA has become a full-line supplier to the LSA industry with additional aircraft such as SeaRey; unique, innovative equipment; plus a full avionics shop. Centrally located in the USA, you probably want North Little Rock Municipal Airport (ORK) in your waypoints list.
For more information: SportAir.aero
For more on Sport Pilot and LSAs: ByDanJohnson.com
