As you may know, the Alaska Airmen’s Association decided to delve into the world of experimental bush planes for this year’s Airplane Raffle Fundraiser. CubCrafters was the logical manufacturer to collaborate with, given their exceptionally high-quality aircraft, immaculate reputation, and their proprietary Builder Assist program. The FAA requires owners of amateur-built aircraft to assemble 51% of the aircraft. CubCrafters has curated a process that allows owners to contribute almost exactly that amount of work towards the completion of their own Carbon Cub FX-3. This is accomplished over two build phases.
The NextGen Build team first traveled to Yakima, Washington in November to complete the initial week-long phase. The team consisted of Association staff, a board member, and—most importantly—three Anchorage School District (ASD) educators. The two full time teachers and one technical consultant work in ASD’s Career and Technical Education programs teaching metal fabrication and aviation maintenance. During the initial phase, technicians guided the team members through fabricating, cutting, and molding many different parts of the plane.
The second phase, Final Assembly, took place this March. The Association brought Aras Sirvelis along to help assemble the Carbon Cub. Aras has used funds from three Association scholarships to obtain his Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) aircraft maintenance certificates and has been an active volunteer with the NextGen Club for years. He was invited to join us in Yakima as a celebration of his accomplishment. The Association is proud to help local aviation professionals achieve their ambitions. Together, the team installed the spinner, seats, control sticks, ailerons, rudder, elevator, and many other parts. An FAA Designated Airworthiness Representative met with everyone at the Cub Crafters facility and signed off the aircraft as ready-to-fly!