More than just a pretender to the throne...Rather than
saying "this aircraft is a copy-Cub," Preceptor
claims that the N-3 Pup "pays visual tribute to the
Cub." Yes, its resemblance to Piper's J-3 Cub is no
accident and its ground handling, mild stall characteristics,
and the fuel economy of the 40-hp, four-stroke TEC (the
company formerly called Mosler... kinda like the artist
formerly known as Prince) engine remind many pilots of the
J-3.
Wing Area
122.0 sq. ft. |
Takeoff Dist .
150 ft. |
Length
16.50 ft. |
Landing Dist . 100 ft. |
|
Max Gross Wt . 535 lbs. |
VNE 95 mph |
Empty Wt .
254 lbs. |
Cruise
55 mph |
Payload
281 lbs. |
Stall
27 mph |
Fuel Capacity
5 gal. |
Climb Rate
600 fpm |
|
Seats 1 |
Service Ceiling 10,000 ft. |
Cabin Width
23 in. |
|
|
Engine 40 hp |
Construction Tube, Fabric |
|
Plans Available |
Est. Bldg. Time 300 hrs. |
Approximately 450 Pups are in the air, and we're sure that,
too, is no accident. In addition to the fact that the high
wings of this taildragger monoplane are detachable (they will
fold after just 5 minutes of work), the Pup only burns 1.8 gal
of fuel per hour!
Here's another sweetheart just right for new and
underconfident pilots. A positive stability profile melds well
with a docile control range that is long on response but short
on sensitivity. The bird has very little problem in the
stall... just a mild buffet and very good rudder authority
throughout... and exceptional ground manners. It can be flown
fully enclosed, so cold weather gremlins do not necessarily
have to stick it out on the ground. The bird has a pleasant
cruise personality and good crosswind manners, to boot.
It's also interesting to note that Preceptor offers a
"Come and Build Program," two weeks at the home
office where you can build your tube-and-fabric bird under the
watchful eye of Bob Counts, designer of the craft (250 to 300
hours of work should complete your plane).
Top speed is 63 mph; cruise speed is 60 mph; rate of climb
is 600 fpm. Wingspan is 30.5'; length, 16.5'; height, 5'.
Preceptor N-3 Pup
ZOOM REPORT: This is a very mild-flying airplane...
I mean really mild. As rowdy as the Super Pup can be, the
ultralight N-3 is simple and uncomplicated. Highly recommended
for new pilots with a need for simple, fun flying.
USA Aircraft Ratings: Preceptor N-3 Pup
- Design/Engineering: B.
- Ground Handling: B-.
- Flight Characteristics: B.
- Company Profile: B. Small company, limited staffing,
nice folks.
- Kit/Plans: B-.
- Bang for the Buck: A-.
- Risk Factor: 4.
- Final Grade: B. Recommended.
PRECEPTOR AIRCRAFT CORP.
4250 US 64/74 A Hwy
Rutherfordton NC 28139
704-286-1926 The above courtesy of
http://www.av8r.net/issues/march96/top12.htm |
