By Jay Carpenter
Texas Aviation Association
Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR) is a jewel in the crown of general aviation airports in Texas. This airport, located 65 nautical miles northeast of downtown Dallas, was named “Airport of the Year” in 2003 by Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Aviation Division. Further developments are being planned to expand and improve the facility. Additionally, a new company, American Legend Aircraft, is sprouting its wings with the successful production replica of the aviation icon, the Piper Cub.
I revisited Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport in November of 2006 and found many improvements since I was there in 2005. New hangars were built and many others are on the planning boards according to airport director Joey Baker. Also, money has been appropriated to resurface the existing taxiway and hard surface runway ( 17-35) plus the addition of PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator) lighting. Speculation is that the parallel grass turf runway will soon be incorporated into the main frame of airport operations.
“The preliminary engineering report for the new improvements is due any day now,” said Baker. “We are also going to break ground on 10 new hangars within the next two months.” According to Baker, the project is funded through Federal Aviation Administration Entitlement grants.
The buildings will house single and light twin aircraft. “Several existing hangar tenants are expected to move into the new ones and their vacated hangars should soon be filled as demand for aircraft housing is high. The site of the new hangars will be midfield just east of the old terminal building,” Baker said.
Another project that is not yet official is the registration of the grass strip on aeronautic sectional charts. “Expect to see a picture of that project develop in the next six months,” said the director. Baker expects an immediate, increasing utilization of the grass strip. Users will include local tenants, area aviation enthusiasts plus both customers and employees of American Legend Aircraft Company who produce the Light Sport Aircraft modified version of the Piper J-3 “Cub.”
American Legend began its business at the Sulphur Springs Airport in 2004. President Tim Elliott and a group of dedicated general aviation enthusiasts received certification of their Light Sport Aircraft “Cub” model in July of 2005. The company employs 53 skilled workers that handcraft each aircraft from raw materials. The original Piper Cub has a long rich history that began in the 1920’s. The popular aircraft now has a new Light Sport version manufactured by American Legend.
Light Spart Aircraft (LSA) is a new category of aircraft recently certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FM). This aircraft does not mandate that the pilot carry a current medical certificate as required by pilots of all other aircraft. Therefore, many pilots that have allowed their medical certificate to expire, will now have the opportunity to continue flying in LSA aircraft. The planes ore certified for flight in Visual Flight Rules (VFR) weather conditions and can only be flown during daylight hours. At a cruising speed of around 100 mph, the Legend Cub is not an aircraft designed for long cross-country flights. This plane is made for fun flying!
Jim Lewman, marketing representative for American Legend Aircraft, said that “The Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport was chosen as the site for manufacturing because of the already existing great facilities of the airport, an existing parallel grass runway, and the adjacent Lake Sulphur Springs, which is the perfect place for a Float Harbor.” Lewman also indicated that the friendly atmosphere of the local citizens and the year ’round good weather conditions in Texas are optimal for aircraft manufacturing. The company is producing seven aircraft a month and there is a three-month waiting list for delivery; a very respectable production rate. Cost for a new Legend Cub runs about $88,000 depending on what options the customer desires.
The Legend Cub is a two-place, single engine piston-powered aircraft designed to meet Light-Sport Aircraft certification requirements. It has an empty weight of 870 lbs. The Legend Cub is propelled by a l 00-horsepower Continental 0-200 engine with electric start. Equipped with optional floats, the aircraft is capable of water takeoffs and landings. Two models are available. There is the AL3C- 100 Open Cowl (like the original Cub) and the AL1 1C-100 Closed Cowl which presents a faster plane because the cylinders are not protruding from the cowling. There is also an optional engine package featuring the Jabiru-3300, 120 HP engine.
The American Legend Cub is painted in the traditional “Piper Yellow” with a black “lightning bolt” trim displayed on the side of the fuselage. However, the company is also introducing another paint scheme, that of the Piper combat aircraft. Painted in a military olive green, highlighted on the wings and fuselage with black and white stripes, this version of the Legend Cub looks almost identical to the famous WWII Piper L-4 Cub. That famous aircraft was nicknamed the “Grasshopper” by its pilots and the spotters who sat in the back, looking for enemy positions on the ground.
The lightweight Legend Cub can be outfitted with modern avionics such as a glass panel for engine monitors and flight attitude instrumentation. One can also order Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation which includes Nexrad weather color displays, terrain and aircraft avoidance, and XM satellite music. “We can even install an auto pilot system if the buyer likes,” said Jim Lewman.
In July of 2006, American Legend took occupancy in its new assembly and delivery facilities at the Sulphur Spring Municipal Airport. The buildings are located just north of the new terminal building. Groundbreaking for the new facility took place in November 2005. Construction was completed six months later. The construction comprised of two buildings: a 20,000-square foot hangar and an adjacent 5,000-square foot hangar. The larger structure is being used for aircraft assembly and the Research & Development Department for future projects. The second hangar is being used for sales and marketing. American Legend will continue to use a 21,000-square foot manufacturing facility currently under lease. The company’s manufacturing assembly and delivery facilities total more than 45,000 square feet.
The grass strip adjacent to the 5,001 X 75-foot hard surface runway is utilized every day by the tail dragger Cubs. Originally designed to land on off-airport surfaces, these Cubs are right at home at Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport. Should a Float Harbor be developed on the adiacent Lake Sulphur Springs, then float kit equipped Cubs as well as other float planes will be able to fly into and dock at yet another facility of this great airport. The Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport has it all, facilitating everything from the lightweight Sport Cub to the fastest business iets. Jet A and l 0OLL fuel are available from a friendly group of city employees at the new terminal building, where all of the comforts of home are available, including a fireplace in the lounge area.
With the ongoing success of American Legend Aircraft and the future improvements coming to Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport, the aviation enthusiast indeed has a jewel of a facility to enjoy. Don’t forget to stop by The Red Barn Cafe to refuel the crew!
