We’re pleased to report that Kitplanes magazine has published a comprehensive listing of Super Cub kits. This cover story is contained in the March 2012 issue of Kitplanes and prominently features the Super 18 (helloooooo, cover girl!). We were happy to talk with author Dave Prizio about the Super 18 but wanted to clarify and expand upon a few parts of his otherwise very informative and well-written article.
On page 13 of the article, in regards to kit completion costs, Dakota Cub Director of Marketing Amy Gesch is quoted as giving an estimated completion cost of $98,400 for a kit “with a used engine, no radios, and no paint.” The cost we list on our price lists uses estimates for a used, mid-time engine, prop, covering materials (fabric, primer, paint), instrumentation, wheels, brakes, and tires. The estimated $98,400 DOES include paint; however, it should be noted that these are estimated materials costs. Vendor pricing may change without notice, and builders should also note that these costs do not take into consideration any labor costs (if the builder decides to seek partial assistance).
We seek to provide builders with our best judgment of what they can expect to invest in their airplane. The experimental market is beautiful because of the wide variety of kits and options available for them, but it can make estimating costs potentially difficult. For this reason, we have chosen to give basic estimates. It is possible to build a Super 18 at the numbers we have stated, but more likely that the builder will find different options to incorporate that could affect the final cost (this is true of any kit).
On page 14, the article states “Dakota Cub has two models of its Super 18.” For the purposes of this article, this is true because the article focused on non-LSA aircraft and discusses the Super 18-160 and -180. However, we do offer (as mentioned on page 15) a third kit, the Super 18 LT. The S18-LT can be built as an LSA with a gross weight of 1,320 lbs or up to 1,600 lbs for pilots seeking more utility.
On page 15, the picture of the AOSS on a Super 18 mentions in the caption that “AOSS is an option” on Super 18s. While the AOSS is standard equipment on the certified Super 18, builders are free to explore different suspension options such as bungees or hydrasorbs. We recommend the AOSS because we feel it is a great solution for all uses, but can assist builders in procuring any system.
We do want our builders to know that we can help them source many other components, including engine and prop. We do not include them in the basic kits in recognition of the many different choices, but also wish to make the building process as simple as possible. Please let us know if there is anything we can help with and we’ll be happy to assist.
The table on page 18 gives a great at-a-glance comparison of different kit options. Unfortunately, our empty weight and gross weight numbers accidentally got switched. To clear any confusion, the empty weight of the Super 18-160 is 1,150 lbs and the gross weight is 2,050 lbs. The empty weight of the Super 18-180 is 1,250 lbs and the gross weight is 2,300 lbs. Additionally, 23-gallon fuel tanks are standard equipment for both the -160 and -180 kits, for a total of 46 gallons of fuel. The table states that 18-gallon tanks are standard; this is incorrect. We can furnish 18-gallon tanks to builders who prefer the smaller tanks, but this is not a common request.
Remember that it is possible to use different engines on all kits. We have named them in accordance with what we believe is a good match, but builders are free to pursue different options (there’s no such thing as too much horsepower). You can put an O-360 (180 hp) on a Super 18-160, or use modified engines like the O-375, etc.
We must also mention that we have tested our kit components more thoroughly than any competitor because our kits are comprised of certified parts. This means every part we supply to you, with the exception of raw material for builder-produced items (such as the material for the builder-made boot cowl), has either a PMA (Parts Manufacturing Approval) or a type design approval through our type certificate. What does this mean to you? It means the airplane will do what we say it will do and won’t let you down. Our numbers are backed up by extensive testing, not best guesses. As we like to say: No games–honest performance. We invite you to come visit us at Sun ‘n’ Fun, Oshkosh, or at our facility in South Dakota, to learn more and come for a demo ride. Hey, we’re looking for an excuse to go flying as much as you are!
The March 2012 issue of Kitplanes is available online to subscribers and should be in the mail. Non-subscribers can find Kitplanes at a local bookstore like Barnes and Noble (expected to be available beginning February 15-20, depending upon store location).
–DCA
What's Up at Dakota Cub 