We've operated this Cub since 2022, and have loved every minute of it! The power of the Continental O-200 is quite a difference from the regular 65 and 85 HP Cubs out there, and indeed a bit stronger than the 90 HP Cub that is our everyday workhorse. Truth be told, I hate to see it go, but the High School Cub is going to be completed soon enough, and once the wings go on it, we just don't have tha hangar space for 3 Cubs. 

The airplane was restored in 1992.  which included the addition of the bigger engine, sealed struts, Cleveland wheels and brakes, shoulder harnesses and the installation of two 12 gallon wing tanks, which completely eliminates the header tank and eliminates any fuel inside the cockpit. The fuselage and tail were recovered with Superflite and finished in polyurethane. The interior is clean, the floorboard is varnished and the Cubs overall appearance is spectacular (in fact, the students here call it "the pretty one"). All the modifications are properly documented and approved via 337 and/or DER approval. The airframe logs begin in 1961, and the engine since new. The engine has 1430 hours since overhaul, which might increace very slightly as we ferry it to display and promote the raffle. We will award the airplane with a fresh annual and full tanks of fuel. We can also arrange ferry and a tailwheel checkout if needed.    

The museum was created to inspire the next generation of Aviators, and if there was ever a task that could be easy and hard at the same time, I'm betting inspiring a bunch of todays kids would fit the bill. We've never had a paid employee, but the expenses of running an operation like this are incredible...and ongoing. Insurance, Hangars, Fuel and Maintenance don't come at the same price as our all volunteer workforce, and while some folks seem to think "non profit" means "no expenses", it simply isn't so.  

But we knew it going in. My Dad used to say "Nothing worthwile comes easy". The kids work here in exchange for their flight lessons (a lesson in life thats probably as valuable as the flight time). We use the funds created by our Raffles, Fly-Ins and other events to support our activities. If we have surplus, we award yearly scholarships to the flight and mechanic students who have gone on to Colleges and Universities. Has it worked? Yes, overwhelmingly so. 7 young professional pilots have began their journey here... not bad for a little town inthe middle of nowhere and a population of 2600. But we are growing.  Beginning in 2023, our local School District allowed us to offer Aviation/Aerospace and Mechanic courses taught in High School to dovetail with the flight lessons offered by the museum. Who knew. We've got 12 more in the training pipeline now... with more interested kids coming into the program next year. 

So, when you hit the support button, buy a raffle ticket or even a meal at the fly in, understand you are making an investment into a kids future. We're simply the conduit that makes those opportunities available locally. On behalf of myself and all the volunteers here, we Thank You, from the bottom of our hearts. 

Good luck everyone!

Jim