FX3 newbuild - any advice ?

[Meconiates]

So I am about 3 months into ownership of a 2016 Carbon Cub SS and have flown it 85 hours. I love the plane but there are a bunch of "issues" I have which I think the FX3 would "solve". Let me walk you through my thought process:

1. I want IFR. I live in the Northeast and during the summer months, coastal fog layers are a nuisance and I don't want to be grounded. Not looking to mess with icing or difficult IFR conditions.... I have a TBM for that.
2. I want real cabin heat. I am currently freezing my ass off in the SS
3. I would like a constant speed prop and an extra 20mph
4. The 340cc engine has its short comings.... In warmer temps, if you leave the power in, your CHTs will shoot above 400 degrees and in level flight you can exceed the green arc at high power settings. At the end of the day this is an LSA engine that's not mean to run anywhere close to 180hp continuous.
5. I have 24 gallon tanks in my SS and it pains me that I don't have extended tanks. I don't do well with range anxiety.
6. I think I want BRS for 4 reasons: (i) engine failure while IFR; (ii) engine failure while Night VFR; (iii) engine failure over extended water flight; (iv) mid-air collision from drone

I also toyed with the idea of doing a UL EAB as I love the Rotax 916 engine, but I suspect I would be happier with the beefier FX3 airframe and there is a lot of stuff standard in the FX3 that becomes an option with a UL. So when I price them both out, the $400k FX3 looks like a $450k UL. I also seem to live in area with constant gusty winds, and wind shear, so I worry about getting tossed around more in the UL along with the lower VNE and lower green arc speeds. And I don't live in a high density altitude environment where the UL clearly shines...

Anyway, just looking for a sanity check here to make sure the FX3 is right solution for my problem. I don't want to make a second "mistake". Would also appreciate any advise on must have options. For example, fuel belly pod seems like a nice to have option but at $13k seems silly. Same with the $10k ACME Titanium gear. But how about a EarthX battery to save some weight and get me more Cold CCA.

Finally, any current FX3 owners looking to sell? The current wait time for FX3 newbuild is about a year so figure I would throw that out there...

 

[Neal]

I love the FX-3 and it remains my personal favorite. I didn't want the SS as I wanted a plane that is a blend for cross country and backcountry. The IFR panel is popular and a great layout. I think you learned what you like and want and I think you're on the right path. I will say you have to "follow the money" and be smart about your options, get what you want, not what someone is trying to sell you. The price can run up fast and much of it is over hyped. Do your own due diligence, research, and get what you want.

 

[Meconiates]

I love the FX-3 and it remains my personal favorite. I didn't want the SS as I wanted a plane that is a blend for cross country and backcountry. The IFR panel is popular and a great layout. I think you learned what you like and want and I think you're on the right path. I will say you have to "follow the money" and be smart about your options, get what you want, not what someone is trying to sell you. The price can run up fast and much of it is over hyped. Do your own due diligence, research, and get what you want.

Thanks Neal, I appreciate the feedback. Your YouTube channel has been immensely helpful and has been a big part of my research process !!

 

[Neal]

The BRS discussion is one that you'll meet a lot of resistance on, you have to make your own decision on this. It's only 35 lbs and it doesn't really take up much space in the aft cargo, i.e. it doesn't prevent me from taking anything I would want to take. The FX-3 is nose heavy so aft weight is needed anyways. It is double what I paid for mine now, so be it, it's like a life insurance policy. I've had too much experience with near misses and friends lost in mid-airs and now with drones prevalent, I want the last option of survival.

The UL is the craze but it's also heavily marketed that way. I didn't care for the broomstick flight controls or the very stiff controls but it's an SS with a Rotax. I don't know anything about Rotax or how hard they are to get service but I expect that's probably a non-issue. I would never own a UL with a 7 inch G3X, those that have those are probably going to have a tough time selling them when the time comes. But I see they now allow the 10 inch G3X which I know they had to do as the original UL wasn't selling. You can also opt for G series flight controls on and on and I think you can even opt for Oratex on non UL cubs now, which I personally don't care for but some do for weight, etc. To each their own. So the UL/SS is not for me.

The X/NX is crazy expensive, but faster and as you know higher in the luxury line up but is also louder from what I hear (no pun intended) and obviously insurance will step up for that as well as it's already a tough pill to swallow on my FX-3 with a 400K hull value. All depends how you're going to use your cub. Are you going to be okay with a 600K cub in the backcountry possibly tearing fabric like one recent xcub owner did flying with Trent Palmer (great guy, I met him (the xcub owner)).

I have zero remorse about my FX-3 and glad I made it exactly how I wanted it with my mods such as upgraded landing lights, added taxi light, BRS, forward looking camera, TK1 shocks and TK1 tailwheel with larger tailwheel tire (11x4-5). Cargo pod which if you are considering you must get the brackets installed precovering or it could be an ugly mod later. The cargo pod allows me to keep the CG forward with my hoarding habits but also survival stuff that stays in it (tent, water, etc.) tie downs, etc.

A lot of decisions, you'll make choices now and then when arriving at build week they'll likely show you more options available. What you don't want to happen is take delivery and learn there is something you could have done but didn't know was an option.

Order up, let's go flying

P.S. I also opted for the float plane kit or whatever it's called which is the reinforced fuselage structure.

 

[lrobichaux]

I love the FX-3 and it remains my personal favorite.

The comports with the opinion of my CC sales broker - who has a few thousand hours in all of the models that CC makes. He says that the FX-3/EX-3 is the sweet spot.

The IFR panel is popular and a great layout. I think you learned what you like and want and I think you're on the right path.

Agree - do not skimp on avionics. You only need to look at the significant pricing penalty that the used market applied to non-IFR CC planes. Everyone these days wants an IFR panel and AP.

The BRS discussion is one that you'll meet a lot of resistance on, you have to make your own decision on this. It's only 35 lbs and it doesn't really take up much space in the aft cargo, i.e. it doesn't prevent me from taking anything I would want to take. T

I'm in Neal's camp on this one. If CC offered a BRS retrofit for my NXCub, it would already be installed.

The X/NX is crazy expensive, but faster and as you know higher in the luxury line up

I friggin' love my NX, with the only regret being that BRS will never be an option. CC has confirmed that because of extremely limited demand for the BRS option, they will not invest in the R&D to engineer a system for the X/NX. I deal with the noise with excellent ANR headset inside of a sturdy flight helmet.

You absolutely cannot go wrong with the FX-3. But as Neal said, do not compromise from what you want - color, equipment, condition, etc.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

Decide on the mission and build for that mission. Buy the aircraft you want, not what you think someone will want to buy from you later.

I did lots of modifications to my FX-3 after delivery and ended up with the configuration I wanted at far lower cost than buying those options from CubCrafters. I also had the pleasure/challenge of making the changes myself.

I have an IFR capable FX-3 with empty weight of 1170 lb. It frequently visits rough dirt runways but has never landed where no aircraft has been before. It meets my mission requirements except perhaps for range. I've been thinking of a quickly removable aux fuel tank for a while.

 

[Meconiates]

Decide on the mission and build for that mission. Buy the aircraft you want, not what you think someone will want to buy from you later.

I did lots of modifications to my FX-3 after delivery and ended up with the configuration I wanted at far lower cost than buying those options from CubCrafters. I also had the pleasure/challenge of making the changes myself.

I have an IFR capable FX-3 with empty weight of 1170 lb. It frequently visits rough dirt runways but has never landed where no aircraft has been before. It meets my mission requirements except perhaps for range. I've been thinking of a quickly removable aux fuel tank for a while.

I already have a TBM and access to a Cirrus SR22 so this FX3 build is primarily a "fun" plane. To me that means being able to explore every dirt strip and grass runway in my neck of the woods. I would also like to plan a few trips out west (eg. Idaho, Utah), and as I gain experience, would also like to do off airport exploring, etc. So I am happy to slap on 31s with ACME Pro and Stingers. But is not going to be some hardcore STOL competition plane or live at a 8k elevation airport.

But I would also like it to be serve as back-up when needed. For example, I live in Stamford, CT and I am closing next month on a 2nd home in Nantucket, MA. When I am taking the family to Nantucket, I will obviously take the TBM. But if I need to shoot over by myself or maybe just go with one of my boys, I'll take the Cub. And I don't want some benign fog layer over the summer to ground me. And I don't want the fact that it got dark to ground me either. So if I am ordering a plane, I want full IFR + night VFR + BRS. Because if I am ditching in the water, I would prefer to landing under the canopy of BRS chute vs. getting flipped upside down when the mains hit the water.

 

[Meconiates]

Update!!

Deposit is in. I have a build slot for June 8, 2026. I will continue to post updates in this thread as I have them.

 

[Neal]

Congrats! Looking forward to following along on your journey. Amazing times ahead for you.

 

[ve6yeq]

Deposit is in. I have a build slot for June 8, 2026. I will continue to post updates in this thread as I have them.

Wow - I had to wait almost 2 years for mine (deposit Sep 2022, delivery Aug 2024) and I am really happy with it.

 

[Neal]

Wow - I had to wait almost 2 years for mine (deposit Sep 2022, delivery Aug 2024) and I am really happy with it.

Not long ago it was only about a 3 month wait from order to build week. Glad to hear the orders are getting stronger for CC it appears as I was getting worried there for a bit.

 

[Meconiates]

Not long ago it was only about a 3 month wait from order to build week. Glad to hear the orders are getting stronger for CC it appears as I was getting worried there for a bit.

So Cubcrafters used to have 2 EAB build slots per week and then after the post COVID hangover they went down to 1 slot / week. Late last week my sales rep said they went back to 2 build slots a week so that opened up the build week I wanted…

 

[Meconiates]

Less than two months until my FX3 build and I am wondering if I should add the belly fuel pod. Would love to hear folks that have it how useful it is, how many gallons does it add, and whether you have any regrets getting it? I am coming from a 24g Carbon Cub SS and I absolutely hate that I don’t have any range / fuel flexibility. I have had to divert numerous times for fuel.

 

[Neal]

In my opinion, NO. At the very least have the brackets installed precovering (if it's not too late) for the Carbon Concepts cargo pod. You have extended range tanks which is about 5 hours of flying (8 gal/hr) as is (39 gal usable). Fuel will not be the issue, CG/weight is.

 

[ve6yeq]

In my opinion, NO. At the very least have the brackets installed precovering (if it's not too late) for the Carbon Concepts cargo pod. You have extended range tanks which is about 5 hours of flying (8 gal/hr) as is (39 gal usable). Fuel will not be the issue, CG/weight is.

During the build, I had the plumbing, wiring, and brackets for a fuel pod installed as well as the float kit installed - both currently unused.

The default "extended range" wing tanks gives me about 5 hours with 30 min reserve so plenty for all the east coast flying that I have done so far - I find that I really need a break and a leg stretch after 3 hours or so. The future fuel pod is is for the far north where avgas is not commonly available and for ocean crossing to Greenland and Iceland when I get enough experience.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

You have extended range tanks which is about 5 hours of flying (8 gal/hr) as is (39 gal usable). Fuel will not be the issue, CG/weight is.

What fuel reserve do you plan?

5 hours at 8 gph uses more than the 39 gal published usable fuel. I have flown my FX-3 for over 5 hours but fuel burn was far lower than 8 gph.

 

[Neal]

It is not what I do, it was just an example, maybe 8gph is wrong for example purposes, point is, you have sufficient fuel for most but do as you wish. I have flown twice down to uncomfortable levels and at that point I probably had 45min to an hour usable left, but it was beyond my comfort level. With that said, it's important to calibrate your G3X and pay attention to its numbers as well which is very accurate in my use. There are use cases for more fuel such as those going to Alaska so do what works for your needs. I don't need more fuel. I do have 2 AK fuel bags (5 gal each) which I will probably never use but that's an option as well for areas where fuel may be hard to find or you want to top off such as flying in Idaho, etc.

 

[Meconiates]

In my SS I find that 6 GPH (LOP) is a good economy fuel burn while 7-7.5 GPH is more cracking the whip but can only be used in calm air because at that power setting you are cruising in the yellow.

What are you guys seeing for fuel burn in the FX3 for long cross county legs?

The fuel bags are a good idea. I wish I had a couple of those with my during my Bahamas island hopping. Any particular brand / bag you suggest? And where would you store a fuel bags? In the aft cargo or in something like a cargo pod ?

 

[Neal]

I can't seem to find the ones I got I thought came from Alaska Airframes but a google search found something similar:

Sky Cowboy Liquid Containment Bag | Aircraft Spruce ®

Sky Cowboy Liquid Containment Bag This ultra-durable liquid containment bag is the perfect accessory for your backcountry adventure.

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[Neal]

In my SS I find that 6 GPH (LOP) is a good economy fuel burn while 7-7.5 GPH is more cracking the whip but can only be used in calm air because at that power setting you are cruising in the yellow.

What are you guys seeing for fuel burn in the FX3 for long cross county legs?

When I flew my FX-3 home from Yakima to VA if I recall I was around 8 gpm. Probably full forward on MP the entire time at altitude. Probably was 11.5-13.5 (with oxygen) west of continental divide, 9.5 east of that.

 

[Meconiates]

In my opinion, NO. At the very least have the brackets installed precovering (if it's not too late) for the Carbon Concepts cargo pod. You have extended range tanks which is about 5 hours of flying (8 gal/hr) as is (39 gal usable). Fuel will not be the issue, CG/weight is.

Ok now you have me thinking hard about a cargo pod and then when I need extra fuel, to get 2-4 of those 5-gallon fuel bags. Do you happen to know what the weight limit of the cargo pod is?

And can you elaborate on CG issues? Would a cargo pod help the CG issue by bringing weight forward vs. putting everything aft of the seats ?

 

[Neal]

You can ask Carbon Concepts for verification but I think it's 150 lbs IIRC. It's a great pod and has an aft door for long items like ski's, etc. if needed. I paid around 2800 delivered in 2021 dollars. CubCrafter's offerings for pods are insane! Dealers will tell you it's better fit and finish, blah blah. Whatever. Go with Randy Apling's pod, it's awesome and well built, super light (can't remember exact weight), great fit and finish and Randy will give you the specs for the rear mounts which CC already knows:

http://www.carbonconceptsak.com/

 

[Cactus Charlie]

What are you guys seeing for fuel burn in the FX3 for long cross county legs?

I have logged every drop of fuel I have put in my FX-3 for close to 6 years. Since 7/18/2020 I have run 6.8 gal/tac hour and 5.6 gal per "Hobbs" hour. Full disclosure - that was more local than long cross country.

I'm a retired racing glider pilot so I work the airmass on cross country flights and I also use the ECO display to pick optimum altitude and power setting for best range rather than best speed. By flying for best range you may save a fuel stop and be faster overall. (Hare and tortoise effect)

 

[Cactus Charlie]

And can you elaborate on CG issues?

My FX-3 has no weight or CG issues. I do find that handling is improved with a few pounds at the back of the aft baggage area. For several years I flew with a full case of water back there but recently changed to only half a case. I blame all my poor landings on that change (insert suitable emoji).

I'm only 170 lb and fly with the seat at the aft limit. The answer may be different for pilots of different build.

I changed my build choices up to a week after build week. Build week was the first chance I had to see if what I was considering doing was realistic. I decided it was not. They may not like it but there is some flexibility.

Edit to add - With the half case of water, tool bag, hiking boots, and misc other stuff my aft baggage weight is about 43 lb. You may not like the flare characteristics of the FX-3 with an empty aft baggage compartment. Put some useful weight back there if you like 3 point landings.

 

[Neal]

It never hurts to ask, I had things done at final build Okay, just adding some vinyl to the rudder (checkerboard) but always ask, they are very flexible which amazes me such as how far they go for custom paint designs, etc. You'll learn of options you probably didn't hear of prior to showing up, they'll probably show you a sheet of ideas, or my coordinator did with me. What I did not want to have happen was get to the end of this and realize there was something I could have done but didn't know about. I went through all of the listings on the CC preowned site to learn about what others had done, etc. I'm pleased with how it turned out, I think there Q/A could have done much better on both of my builds.