Our Equipment
Our Super Cubs are waiting for you…
“YOU are in the Front seat”.
Fly with Confidence in Our Expertly Maintained Super Cubs
Our fleet of PA-18 Super Cubs is meticulously maintained, ensuring both performance and reliability in Alaska’s rugged backcountry.
Whether you’re pursuing your seaplane rating, brushing up with a float refresher, mastering mountain flying, completing a Flight Review, or joining us on an unforgettable floatplane adventure, you can trust that your training begins with safe, well-maintained equipment.
At Alaska Float Ratings, safety is not just a standard—it’s a promise.
N917VK
N917VK is the grandfather of the fleet. This PA-18-150 has been flying with students in Alaska for multiple decades. VK recently went through the maintenance conversion for the 2,000 lbs Weight Increase STC to allow for a higher payload.
This payload increase is incredibly useful in Alaska. It provides use with the ability to fly with more fuel, getting us much farther range, which increases the variety of lakes and back country areas we can explore (though, we don’t need to go very far from Upper Trail Lake to find at least a dozen amazing training areas).
What Is a Weight Increase STC?
A Weight Increase STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) is FAA-approved documentation that allows an aircraft to legally carry more weight than it was originally certified for. This includes higher gross weight limits, meaning the aircraft can take off with more total weight onboard.
How Does It Improve Performance, Range, and Safety?
Increased Payload – You can carry more fuel, gear, or passengers without exceeding legal limits—especially valuable for bush flying and long trips.
Extended Range – With the ability to carry more fuel, you can fly longer distances without needing to refuel as often.
Operational Flexibility – You gain more options for loading the aircraft for specific missions, like training, cargo, or remote landings.
Enhanced Safety – Flying legally within a higher certified weight ensures the aircraft performs safely and predictably, especially during takeoff and landing.
In simple terms, a Weight Increase STC gives your aircraft more muscle—more capacity to carry what you need, go farther, and do it all safely.
N7862P
N7862P posing for a picture on the beach and Bench Lake. You may notice on the leading edge of the wings that 62P has vortex generators.
What Are Vortex Generators?
Vortex Generators are small metal or plastic fins, usually placed on the top surface of an aircraft’s wings or tail. They stick up just slightly and are carefully positioned to control airflow over the surface.
How Do They Work?
VGs create tiny, controlled swirls of air (vortices) that energize the airflow over the wing. This helps the air stick to the surface longer instead of separating, especially at slower speeds or higher angles of attack.
Why Does That Matter?
By keeping the airflow attached, vortex generators help:
Reduce stall speed – The wing keeps lifting at lower speeds.
Improve control at slow speeds – Especially during takeoff and landing.
Enhance safety margins – Particularly in backcountry or short-field operations.
Increase stability – Better control and handling.
In short, VGs help aircraft fly more safely and efficiently—especially in demanding conditions like mountain flying or floatplane operations.
We have them on all our aircraft. No reason not to – it’s all in the name of safety. Much safer with them than without them.
N5767D
N5767D performs like a little sports car. With a relatively new 160 hp engine this airplane has incredible climb performance for a super cub. Fun to fly, and is the most unique of all our Super Cubs. 67D is the only one of our aircraft that still displays it’s style by maintaining it’s original paintjob.
It also carries an extra belly tank fuel pod in case we ever need to make an extended range flight. But who would really ever need a 7 hour flight range in a Super Cub? It’s far more fun to stop and explore every few hours.
What Are Belly Fuel Pods?
Belly fuel pods are external fuel tanks mounted underneath the fuselage (belly) of an aircraft. They’re designed to carry extra fuel and are commonly used on bush planes and floatplanes where extended range and flexibility are critical.
How Do They Improve Performance, Range, and Safety?
Extended Range – Belly pods add significant fuel capacity, allowing for longer flights without needing to stop and refuel—especially useful in remote areas.
More Flexibility – With extra fuel onboard, pilots can plan more direct routes or safely detour around weather without worrying about running low.
Weight Distribution – When properly loaded, belly pods can help balance weight and maintain aircraft stability, especially useful in floatplanes.
Emergency Backup – Extra fuel means added peace of mind, giving pilots more time and options in unexpected situations.
In short, belly fuel pods are a simple but powerful upgrade that increase range, enhance mission capability, and improve safety—particularly in rugged, off-grid flying environments like Alaska.
N82941
N82941 is the newest addition to our fleet. It made the trek all the way from Utah to Alaska and doesn’t want to go back south.
With a brand new paint job, upgraded interiors and the performance of a brand new 160hp engine, this aircraft is pretty and a blast to fly.
The 160hp, higher performance engine in 941 is an upgraded or more powerful version of the standard engine, with more horsepower. It delivers more thrust and can handle greater demands in challenging environments like high altitude and short lakes with confined areas for departure and approach.
How Does It Improve Performance and Safety?
Shorter Takeoffs – More power means quicker acceleration, so you can get airborne faster—especially helpful on short or remote lakes.
Better Climb Rate – You gain altitude faster, which is important for clearing obstacles and flying safely in mountainous terrain.
Improved Load Capacity – More horsepower allows the aircraft to handle heavier loads without sacrificing performance.
Stronger in Tough Conditions – Whether it’s gusty winds, high elevation, or hot temperatures, a more powerful engine helps the aircraft perform reliably and safely.
In simple terms, 941 has more “get-up-and-go”—it climbs better, carries more, and handles tough flying conditions with added confidence.
Early morning fog over the lake, before the sun “burns it away”.