CubCrafters

06/02/2026

PRESS RELEASE - CubCrafters Announces Exclusive Rotax 916 iS Performance Software Upgrade Developed in Collaboration with Luke Czepiela and RS Flight Systems

This exclusive FADEC software enhancement delivers improved acceleration, climb performance, cruise speed, and energy management, all through software alone with no hardware modifications required.

Known for his historic Bullseye landing atop the helipad of Dubai's iconic Burj Al Arab hotel, one of the most challenging precision aviation feats ever accomplished, Luke Czepiela worked closely with RS Flight Systems to refine the Rotax 916 iS engine management software and unlock additional performance across the Carbon Cub UL's flight envelope.

Pilots can expect:
• Quicker acceleration during takeoff and go-around operations
• Improved climb performance and increased cruise speed
• Improved deceleration and energy management

Available now for eligible CubCrafters Rotax 916 iS-powered aircraft. Contact CubCrafters Parts Sales to learn more.

Read the full announcement: https://cubcrafters.com/c/2026/06/press-release-cubcrafters-announces-exclusive-rotax-916-is-performance-software-upgrade-developed-with-luke-czepiela-and-rs-flight-systems/

Delivers Improved Acceleration, Climb Performance, Cruise Speed, and Energy Management Through Software Alone Luke Czepiela flying the Carbon Cub UL in Red Bull livery (Photo by Michal Ludwiczak) YAKIMA, Washington... Read more »

06/01/2026

Wait... has a human ever been above a moving Carbon Cub before? 🤯

Professional kiteboarder Lasse Walker and pilot Łukasz Czepiela teamed up to make aviation history with this incredible stunt.

The wild thing about the Carbon Cub is that it can fly so slowly that it opens the door to stunts and camera work that would be impossible with most aircraft. The airplane might be flying in the 40-50 mph range while still maintaining controlled flight, which dramatically changes what's possible compared to a typical airplane.

05/28/2026

Fresh air, endless views, and nowhere else to be. Hard to imagine a better way to start the day.

This is exactly what the Carbon Cub UL was built for — simple adventure, incredible capability, and access to the kinds of places that make you stop and appreciate how big and beautiful the world really is.

Espresso on a mountaintop. The perfect Montana morning. ☕️

05/26/2026

Some airplanes are more than machines….They carry stories, memories, and generations of adventure.

Tomorrow’s newsletter features the story behind CubCrafters, from founder Jim Richmond’s early days rebuilding Super Cubs to a special PA-18 restoration that has been part of one family’s story for decades.

A story about legacy, craftsmanship, and keeping great airplanes flying. 🛩️

Photo 1: Jim Richmond holding the tail of a PA-18 in the backcountry.
Photo 2: Jim Richmond standing next to the certified Top Cub.
Photo 3: Bayne standing next to his PA-18 after landing on a road in Texas to check crops.
Photo 4: Sunset after a good day of redfish fishing.

Be sure to sign up for the CubCrafters newsletter and watch your inbox tomorrow morning.

05/25/2026

Freedom is never free. 🇺🇸

This Memorial Day, we remember and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. May we never forget the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of our fallen heroes.

05/22/2026

PIREP from Golden Eagles Team Captain Ethan Michon of Embry-Riddle Prescott. ✈️

Last fall, Embry-Riddle Prescott added three NXCubs to its precision flying fleet, and this marks the first time we’re seeing them compete at the National NIFA SAFECON event. The Golden Eagles are utilizing the NXCub in message drop and precision landing competitions, including both power-off and short field landings.

Ethan was part of the committee that helped determine the team’s next aircraft platform. The goal? Find an aircraft with plenty of flaps, capable of carrying full fuel and two people while still performing at density altitudes above 9,000 feet.

“The NXCub checked all of those boxes and then some.”

After retiring their longtime Cessna 150 competition aircraft due to an aging fleet and increasing difficulty sourcing parts, the team spent time competing in Cessna 172s during the transition. Now, the future looks bright for the Golden Eagles and precision flying in the NXCub.

Today also marks Ethan’s final landings with the team. A recent graduate, Ethan competed in 3 NIFA Regionals and 4 NIFA SAFECON Nationals and shared that NIFA has been one of the best experiences of his college career. Congratulations, Ethan, on graduation and your upcoming class date with Republic Airways. We’re excited to see where aviation takes you next! ✈️

What is NIFA SAFECON?

This week, 31 collegiate aviation teams gathered in Moline, Illinois, for the 2026 National SAFECON competition hosted by NIFA (National Intercollegiate Flying Association). Widely considered the “best of the best” in collegiate aviation, teams compete in both flying and ground events, testing precision, discipline, teamwork, and aviation knowledge. National champions will be announced tomorrow night.

05/21/2026

Congrats to Eric and his wife Nancy on their 2nd place finish in the Valdez Flour Bombing competition out of 8 aircraft! 🏆

Bombing from 400’ AGL, Eric and Nancy didn’t take the competition lightly. They calculated the exact number of seconds the flour bomb needed to be released to hit the target at just the right spot. The systematic approach paid off, and now they have a trophy to show for it!

If you’ve never tried flour bombing, it’s a fun and surprisingly challenging competition. As Eric and Nancy proved, a little strategy, thought, and computation can go a long way!

05/17/2026

New airplane. Big adventure. ✈️🔥

is enjoying the journey home to Florida in his brand-new Carbon Cub UL after picking it up at .180.

📍 45 Ranch, Idaho

This is what adventure looks like. 🙌