Cubs On The Loose: Old Airplanes - New Adventures (Paperback)

by NC-87881 (Author), Lyle Wheeler (Author) "Hi there-my name is NC-88474 (474 for short) and I am a Piper J-3 Cub..." (more)
Key Phrases: intrepid birdmen, nice soft grass, turf runway, Lock Haven, Mississippi River, Flight Service (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"A hartwarming story of flight in its purest form. Flying at its best. Simple, fun and relaxing." -- Thomas P. Poberezny, President, Experimental Aircraft Association

"Cubs On The Loose provides a unique and entertaining perspective from the Cubs' point of view." -- Billy M. Henderson, founder, Sun-'n-Fun Fly-in, Lakeland, Florida

"The unusual format, with the Cubs doing the talking, makes interesting and enjoyable reading." -- William T. Piper Jr., president and CEO (retired), Piper Aircraft Corporation

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: AMEA Cottage (September 8, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 0970989016
• ISBN-13: 978-0970989017
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #197,985 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I want a CUB!, January 26, 2003

By	Patty Thompson (Orlando, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

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.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Talking J-3 Piper Cub, August 22, 2007

By	Kathleen C. Winters "Author of Anne Morrow Li... (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Bought as a gift,, June 10, 2009

By	J. Douglass Paul Jr. (NH USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

While visiting the Piper Museum in Lockhaven Pa. the woman at the desk for that day and I were discussing Mr. Piper. She mentioned that she had been trying to find that particular book and was having difficulties. When I found it at Amazon.com I knew right away what I had to do.

The transaction was great, Reasonable price and shipping, Very fast and well packed.