Thanks Jeff. I missed the last part of your question earlier; a SportCub is more than adequate for light to moderate back country work. Big Brother Clay stopped into Johnson Creek and several other strips while working and flying a SportCub. It can handle the occasional mountain gathering with delight. And not that speed matter's below 200kts; but while delivering a SportCub, I had a 180 SuperCub in chase and we both paced at 2500rpm/110mph. So if your buddies go out for a flight, you can keep up. If you're serious, call them up and ask for a demo and fly up to Rimrock (4S6). It sits about 3000msl and will give you a good feel of the airplane at altitude.
George, great pictures of the sandbox adventure! Looks like it was a blast.
Lynn; you're correct, I used 2/3's of the 900ft runway. I'm positive the airplane can lift off a whole lot sooner, but I won't push for the max performance takeoff unless it's warranted. I practice to be competent and capable of using 100% of the aircrafts performance, but try to never put myself into a situation where I need it. It becomes a financially dangerous area, when you push any piece of equipment to it's limit. Plus I'm not going to risk a life other than my own for an extra 300 feet. If you look at the video again, you'll see the camera stops bouncing about halfway down the takeoff roll; it was ready to fly.
Only once have I put myself into a situation where I need EVERY BIT of performance. I was in a SportCub on takeoff when the airplane had to fly NOW. I can honestly say, if it had been a SuperCub, Husky, J3, or Champ; I would have had a broken airplane. Because of that, I hold a SportCub with high regard and respect.
BccCubGuy; they 26" Airstreaks. That airplane was the 2007 Southeast demo and spent majority of it's time on pavement. We never saw any adverse wear, and I'm in love with them. Hope to put a set on my Champ soon.
As for high altitude ops, I've cruised at 14,500 and 15,500 still making +500fpm. Clay could give better first hand knowledge of high DA situations. I use to get the occasional phone pic of him cruising along at 17,500msl, picking up the winds headed east bound.
nkh
nkh