Monday, August 24, 2015

Champs vs Cubs Part One Ends With Close Finish

Congratulations Team Cub.
Part One of The Aviation Migration Challenge, Champs vs Cubs, is over.  It was a close race right up to the finish.  In the end though, it was Team Cub for the win.

What started last year as a whim, pitting two planes against each other in a simple good natured contest, has turned into this year's talk of the town.  Who in aviation hasn't taken part in this debate?  Its merits have been churned by writers, flung carelessly from bar stools, and sprung on boring conversations since the first Champ was built.  As far as aviation is concerned, it may be the biggest rivalry which exists.
So maybe you're wondering, how do we expect to bring it to resolution?  That's easy.  One aircraft may take in more air through the fuselage, the other may be a better flier, and each of them may be fun, but there is only one thing that can make either of them truly exceptional, the pilot.
The way we see it, it's the spirit of the owners and pilots which makes the deciding difference.  And along that line of thinking, the easiest way to identify the true winner is to see which make attracts the best pilots. 
OK, I know, now you're wondering what constitutes "the best pilots?"  That too is easy.  The pilots who do more than fly them around the pattern once a month.  Drawing that out to its logical conclusion (sounds logical to me), the best plane will therefore be the one on hand in the largest number.
Still doesn't make sense to you?  Let me spell it out.  The best plane is the one mostly commonly flown by aviators willing to fly the distance for no other reason than to have fun.  And ultimately, this means the winner will best represent the true spirit of grass roots aviation.
Congratulations Team Cub.  You were behind until the last few days.  Somehow though, you pulled it off.  I suspect Team Champ will have you in their sights for parts two and three.  But until then, enjoy the win.
Aeronca, Piper, Aeronca, Piper.
 
 
Don't miss The Aviation Migration - September 18th-20th, 2015.  It's going to be fun.
Lee Bottom, a refuge for aviators.
 

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