Greg Koontz Lands His Super Legend Cub On A Pickup Truck…Intentionally!

We will start this report with a riddle… Is it possible to have a 5,000 foot runway and a 30 foot runway on the same airport, occupying the same space, at the same time? The answer is yes, if Greg Koontz is landing his Super Legend HP Cub on the top of a specially equipped pickup truck that is speeding down the 5,000 foot runway.

American Legend Aircraft Company announced the successful completion and testing of a new Super Legend HP aircraft to be used in Greg Koontz Airshows’ World’s Smallest Airport flying routine. Pilot and performer Greg Koontz concluded the tests of the Super Legend by successfully landing the aircraft on top of a moving pickup truck.

The newly manufactured Super Legend will be the featured aircraft in Greg Koontz’ “Alabama Boys / World’s Smallest Airport” airshow act. The Super Legend HP is a stock aircraft that incorporates options specific to the airshow. These include a Smoking Airplanes 3.5 gallon smoke system, and a larger step to allow easier access to the cabin. The Super Legend HP features a 180 HP Titan engine.

Don Wade of C&D Aviation provided assistance with the fabrication. Wade summarized Koontz’ initial reactions by saying, “Greg is extremely pleased with how easy it was to transition to the Super Legend. The airplane flies so similar to the original [J-3], which has made it possible. Greg is one the most precise airshow pilots in world. You have no idea how difficult landing on the truck is. You have just six inches either side of the wheels.” Wade concurs with Koontz on the new aircraft’s capabilities, “I love the Super Legend. It performs great, and this really shows when Greg flies it.”

Steve Gustafson, member of the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, took the newly manufactured Super Legend through its initial flight trials. Impressed with its takeoff performance, Gustafson commented, “You don’t need an airstrip or a runway, you just need a pad. I lifted off at about 30 feet and I wasn’t even trying that hard.” He added, “Responsive. Plenty of power. Really easy to fly.”

Greg Koontz has been performing in airshows since 1974, then a member of Colonel Moser’s Flying Circus. Koontz credits having learned his maneuvers from retired Air Force Colonel Ernie Moser, “the best in the business,” he qualifies. Koontz has held his Level 1 SAC card since 1976.

The Legend Cub and Super Legend will be on display at the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in in Lakeland, FL, April 5–10.

(Image provided by American Legend Aircraft Company)

FMI: www. www.legend.aero   www.gkairshows.com