Posted this on Supercub.org...lots of views...no comments yet.

My father and I have been planning to build and aircraft for a few years and have just about covered every possible build scenario/make/model. We've come to the conclusion that we want a STOL bird. We're seriously considering a kit/components from Backcountry(I'm a big fan of Wayne Mackey's slats) in the form of the "BOSS" as it provides side by side seating so Dad can be Co-pilot. I currently own a Decathlon so he's used to the back seat.

I plan on keeping the Deke for inverted fun. The BOSS looks to be nice for the possible need to carry 4, but perform well with 2 on board. I realize there are allot of 4 place "STOL" planes out there that would be less of a financial burden...but, this is equally about the build for us.

I know there aren't many of this type flying...but if possible, could anyone shed some light on the flying characteristics as compared to the tandem models? Is the BOSS essentially a carbon copy of Wayne's SQ-4? If so, how does she fly, Wayne?

The only video I found was on Vimeo.

Thanks!

I can't recall the owners name, but I looked over a brand new SQ last summer at Johnson Creek during the supercub.org fly-in. It had just been completed. The guy is active over on sc.org, not sure if he is here. Sure was purty - can't tell you how it flew other than what the guy told me. It was heavy with a lot of glass, autopilot, and comfort features.

Only thing I can add is from someone who built an SQ2: It is a complex build. If you have a lot of building experience no problem. If not it may not be the ideal 1st project.

Their stuff sure is cool!

When I was looking there just wasn't much information available about it yet, which is if course because it's newer. Looks like a sweet machine though from the few pics I've seen.

Sounds like a trip to Douglas would be worth your time. Nothing like a first hand visit to the factory, though I have no idea if they have a demo on hand, probably not. I would hazard a guess that like the rest of their birds, it will be a fantastic flier, though not cheap.

Hey! An active crowd...now that's what I'm talking about ; )

We've spoken with Bruce a bit last year regarding the Outlaw 3 (Cruiser). But now leaning toward the side-by config for a change. We hunt the Bighorns each year..so we'll have to drop down and see the factory...though a special trip will most likely be in order since we're anxious to start.

gbflyer- In your experience, what were the most complex areas of the build. I think we have the root skills to be competent (machining, auto restoration, fabrication) but I'd be very interested to hear from someone who has been there!

This IS our first aircraft build, and it will most likely be our only. That's why we want to build something that will also be a good investment of our time from a quality standpoint. It seems the quality from this shop is up to par. I'd be open to suggestions/experiences in that regard as well.

Thanks for the replies so far! It seems there is little info out about this bird...I'll see how much I can gather and post my findings.

Jasers, welcome to the board!

I was looking at the SQ4/Boss a couple of years ago and ended up talking with Randy Goza who was in AK but representing Backcountry Super Cubs. He is a great guy and very knowledgeable.

They did not have a 4 place flying yet, but I had the chance to meet up with Randy on the Knik up in AK and follow him around as he flew his SQ2. I was blown away.......the performance was unlike anything I had ever been around in the STOL world. Of course there is the never ending debate on the usability of a slatted wing in the real world etc, but the way he flew that airplane just looked like a lot of FUN!!

I was also really impressed with how much baggage room was in the SQ2 and the quality of the airplane was beautiful.

Anyways, didn't answer your question, but I had fun remembering and talking about the SQ's, haha!

Here is a rough video that we shot off the cuff that shows very little of the SQ2, but I don't think I have ever "giggled in my headset" as many times as I did that day watching Randy fly.



Maybe try Randy Goza at:
[email protected]

Brent

Jasers wrote:Hey! An active crowd...now that's what I'm talking about ; )

We've spoken with Bruce a bit last year regarding the Outlaw 3 (Cruiser). But now leaning toward the side-by config for a change. We hunt the Bighorns each year..so we'll have to drop down and see the factory...though a special trip will most likely be in order since we're anxious to start.

gbflyer- In your experience, what were the most complex areas of the build. I think we have the root skills to be competent (machining, auto restoration, fabrication) but I'd be very interested to hear from someone who has been there!

This IS our first aircraft build, and it will most likely be our only. That's why we want to build something that will also be a good investment of our time from a quality standpoint. It seems the quality from this shop is up to par. I'd be open to suggestions/experiences in that regard as well.

Thanks for the replies so far! It seems there is little info out about this bird...I'll see how much I can gather and post my findings.

Hi Jasers,

Call Jamie Schlay 9-oh-7-two four 0-seventeen 64.

They built one (SQ2) and I believe are or have been dealers. He's a southern boy who will shoot it straight.

Jasers wrote:The only video I found was on Vimeo.

This is the SQ-2 not an SQ-4, but you still might enjoy the videos.

http://www.backcountrypilot.org/forum/alaska-prebuy-flying-13861

And welcome.

That is a huge wingspan.... for effectively a Maule derivative.





I would be interested to read some more specifications / performance.

There is a spec sheet comparing the available models on BC Supercubs site.

http://www.supercub.com/factory%20other/Spec%20sheet.pdf

Interesting that proposed dry weight is only 130lbs more than the standard config Cruiser. In theory, it should perform quite well. The cargo room blows me away.

If the BOSS performs anything close to the other Mackey inspired birds, it should be great.

Thanks again for the welcoming/constructive replies!

Only video of SQ-4 in action that I know of....

Check out that cabane....I've never seen one like that. I like it and can see how it would work great with that wider fuselage. A deeper cabane vee I'm told is better then a shallower one, the deeper one transferring more landing loads to the fuselage sides (something like that). So a shallower vee on a wider fuselage is somewhat of a compromise, this design gets around that it would seem, cool.

Damn I wish March would get here quicker.

Jasers wrote:Only video of SQ-4 in action that I know of....

Great find. Those rudder pedals are very interesting, the torque tube looks to be 18" or so off the floor and the pedals hang down. Never have seen anything like it. I wonder what the design reasoning behind those is? Looks to me like a nice clean floor though with no cracks for pencils to fall through.

Jasers wrote:Only video of SQ-4 in action that I know of....

That dude certainly didn't waste useful load on anything he didn't feel like he needed!

Wow - it sure can fly slow when empty. I wonder how it looks when it's fully loaded.

It looks as though this is Mr. Mackey himself flying hunters in and out of drop zones. You can see the departures look like the plane is working, probably loaded with gear/meat(still performing very well). The arrivals look empty to me(this would make sense...returning for another load).

I dig the rudder pedals...no clutter or cracks like Zzz mentioned...I have size 15 feet, so these pedals would be great for warm boots etc(which tend to get clunky in my size). I usually wear flat bottom tennis shoes in my Decathlon for pedal feel and to not inadvertently mash a toe-brake ; )

What happens in March, Barnstormer?

Very cool plane. I too like to rudder pedals, keeps the floor clean and solid. I like to long wing is another feature I like. It made me think twice about my planes to eventually buy a Bearhawk kit...then I saw the price tag for the BOSS kit, 60K