Taxiing
You’ll quickly notice that the XCub does not like to taxi at 35 knots. It may take you a couple of seconds to reach the runway, but this is okay. It will still be there when you arrive.
You’ll find that if you just go full throttle like you’re wont to do in your 388, she will kick like a mule, and you’ll most likely end up inside another plane or in a field south of the ramp or something. We know you’re getting used to the feel, so there’s some leeway, but not if it’s because you’re approaching the Cub’s Vr while taxiing.
Takeoff
Clearly, it’s a lot harder to keep straight without some good rudder control than your typical commercial aircraft. We get that. We aren’t going to panic if you weave a bit, maybe skirt the edges a bit (I know I did that more than a few times when I first tried her out).
However, just because she is quick to be wheels-up doesn’t mean that there aren’t some things to consider:
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Don’t turn directly over the ramp at 50 feet off the ground and overfly all other ground traffic.
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Do extend your upwind a little bit. Maybe you don’t need to go out five miles, but you should not be doing 360s in the pattern.
In Pattern
When you’re in the pattern with the Cub, it’s physically possible to get landings in at an incredible rate. However it’s not an ideal way to fly around other traffic.
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Give time for sequencing before you’re already turning your base not even having passed the threshold on the downwind.
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Pay attention to takeoff clearances for both your runway and intersecting runways. Controllers can Call your base, but it’s even better if you take the initiative to allow a departure in between yourself.
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The Cub has a final approach speed of 55-60 kts. This means that 388 behind you is going to catch up pretty fast. Be prepared to be sequenced behind someone sooner than you’d like, and when you are, extend your distance abeam the centerline a bit. If you’re number one, you’ll be pretty close on the downwind, since it makes such tight turns. However, if you’re sequenced behind a commercial jet on a pass or two, don’t keep flying that downwind a tenth-of-a-mile abeam the centerline. Give the other inbound a little lateral separation.
Exiting the Runway
As with taxiing, exiting the runway can be tricky in the Cub. You can only expedite so much without losing control. (Consider that a huge factor in your sequencing on full stops, too, since you’ll take extra time to vacate.) That said, while not speeding, do keep rolling until you come to an exit.
In choosing an exit, do not choose the exit nearest the hold short for takeoff. you may be able to physically stop her by then, but that just creates havoc when you try to exit into a long line of aircraft waiting for takeoff or on their way there.
Formation Flights
Just a (general) reminder since the Cub lends itself to some fun formation flights:
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All planes in formation need “Flight of X” in their callsign
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Only one member of the formation communicates with ATC, but all should be on the frequency to hear.
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If multiple people communicate with ATC, or there is otherwise no indication given that you are a Flight of X, you will be treated as separate flights for the purposes of commands and separation. (“He’s my friend” doesn’t override separation rules, so remember the callsign and single communicator.)
When You Think You’re Alone
No, it’s not okay to takeoff from the ramp because you can beat the taxi warning. And, no, “I didn’t know there was ATC around” is not the justification some seem to think. Always 👀 somewhere. 😛
