CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL Climbed More than 7 Miles High, Breaking a 75 Year Record

In a truly mind-boggling and somewhat concerning performance, a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL has quite literally soared to new heights by climbing to an altitude of 37,609 feet above sea level. The previous record, set almost 75 years ago, was achieved by a Piper Super Cub at 30,203 feet.

The flight departed California’s San Luis Obispo Airport (SBP) on October 28 in near-perfect conditions. With pilot Jon Kotwicki at the controls and a little cooperation from Los Angeles ARTCC, the Carbon Cub UL reached its peak altitude in just over an hour, with temperatures at altitude dropping to -51°F.

Though Kotwicki flew with supplemental oxygen and a parachute, the aircraft itself retained the classic backcountry look: 29-inch Alaska Bushwheels, a turbocharged 160hp Rotax 916 iS, and bulky camera equipment.

"It was pretty dang cool to be in a tube-and-fabric bush plane that high, and it was surreal hearing airline pilots over ATC wondering what a Cub was doing up there,” Kotwicki said. “The UL is truly an amazing backcountry aircraft.”

Project oversight was provided by Cal Poly aerospace engineering professor and flight test expert Paulo Iscold, with technical support from Rotax, Aerocrafted, and Mountain High Equipment & Supply. And despite the flight not being officially sanctioned by FAI, there is no question that it smashes both Caro Bayley’s 1951 Cub record and the existing ultralight world record of 35,062 feet set by a Rutan Long EZ in 1996.

"This achievement exemplified everything we stand for — innovation, craftsmanship, and the courage to push limits," said CubCrafters VP Brad Damm. "The original vision of Jim Richmond, the founder of CubCrafters, was to take the Super Cub, considered the workhorse of backcountry aviation, and make it better. I think Jim would be the first to congratulate our team on what was achieved on this flight.”

FMI: www.cubcrafters.com