From 2013: America's Iconic GA Airplane Celebrates Its Heritage

Whether you fly ultralight, LSA, certified airplane, military jets, or wide-bodied airliners, there is one aircraft type that practically personifies aviation. That airplane is the Piper J-3 Cub. The 75-year-old design is perhaps the most recognizable, and most copied, airplane that has ever graced the skies.

In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the airplane, more than 125 Cubs have landed on the grounds of Wittman Regional Airport for AirVenture, 2012. And 75 of those airplanes flew in in a "mass arrival" early in the week, filling the south parking area along runway 18-36 with a virtual sea of yellow ... with the occasional glimpse of white or red. It was literally Cubs as far as the eye can see.

The people who fly Cubs are passionate about their airplanes. They talk about low and slow, doors open, wind in their face and hair, seat of the pants flying in their vintage airplanes. They take great pride in the "care and feeding" of their 65 to 75-year-old airplanes, many of which look as if they could have rolled of the factory floor the day before yesterday.

Everyone is passionate about their airplane, but Cub owners and pilots seem to be a special breed. We hope they're flying them for a long time to come.

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