Seatbelt Airbags, New Landing Lights Available On Legend Cub

Don't be surprised if you see a plane at your local airport soon that looks like a Cub... and even sounds like a Cub... but is outfitted with equipment more commonly seen in the most modern general aviation aircraft out there. This week, American Legend Aircraft Company announced an expanded array of optional safety equipment available for the Legend Cub light sport aircraft.

The company recently began offering two new safety options on the Legend Cub. The first is a dual wing-mounted pulse landing light system, that greatly increases visibility of an aircraft and improves vision for the pilot in ground operations. A single wing-mounted landing light was previously, and is still, available.

The second safety option now available is an airbag seatbelt system by AmSafe, for which testing and ASTM approval has been completed.

These latest offerings add to the ever-burgeoning list of available equipment to the Legend Cub. As ANN reported last year, the Sulphur Springs, TX-based planemaker announced at Oshkosh 2007 the availability of a TruTrak ADI Pilot II autopilot (shown at right), and artificial horizon -- equipment one may consider superfluous in a Cub, but of considerable benefit to pilots flying cross-country.

Many Legend Cubs are also equipped with state-of-the-art avionics. A popular option is a Garmin navigation and communications stack, providing multi-function guidance and information, including display of TIS traffic. Avionics options also include a Dynon glass cockpit; communications options include choices of intercom, transponder, and radio for the well-connected pilot.

"Options seemed to be the theme at the US Sport Aviation Expo held recently in Sebring, FL," a company representative told ANN. "Many prospective customers contemplated what their perfect airplane might include. The answer is often found in a Legend Cub."

But there's more. A ski-equipped Legend Cub -- which can takeoff, land and taxi on snow, ice, grass and even hard surfaced runways without the need to change -- provides owners the opportunity for snow and ice operations, and scenic wintertime flying. A second alternative to wheels, the Legend FloatCub provides year-round enjoyment for fans of water flying.

The Legend Cub is equipped, or can be retrofitted, with one of two ELT options -- including a conventional system operating at 121.5 MHz, and an upgraded 406 MHz unit operating on both frequencies. The satellite processing of 121.5 MHz units is scheduled to end on February 1, 2009. The next generation 406 MHz units send a stronger digital signal and offer additional benefits.

With a choice of engines and propellers, performance of the Legend Cub can be tuned to climate, terrain, and particular flying qualities. No currently available S-LSA, except the Legend Cub, offers both the Continental and Jabiru engines. Propeller choices include wood, metal, and composite options.

Appearance options on the Legend Cub include choice of paint. Customers can decide among a traditional, and widely recognized, yellow paint scheme with striping options. Also, among the currently flying Legends Cubs are PA-11-style two-tone and L-4-style military paint schemes. Color, numbering and marking options can be incorporated into a customer aircraft to suit individual wishes.

Comfort options on the Legend Cub include an upgraded leather interior, cabin lighting choices, vented windows, and XM radio entertainment. From a maintenance and operational perspective, Legend Cub buyers can choose among engine add-ons such as an air/oil separator, spin-on oil filter, and standard 6.00 or larger 8.00 tires.

FMI: www.legend.aero