PRESS RELEASE – Carbon Cub UL Soars to Record Altitude of 37,609 ft

Factory-stock Carbon Cub reaches new heights … Literally!

Pilot Jon Kotwicki at 37,609 feet, the unofficial new service ceiling for the Carbon Cub UL.

San Luis Obispo, CA — October 30, 2025 — In an incredible demonstration of the capability of modern backcountry aircraft, a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL climbed to a verified altitude of 37,609 feet (11,460 meters / 7.12 miles) above sea level over the California coast on October 28, 2025 — setting an unofficial new world altitude record for Cub-type aircraft.

This historic climb surpasses the previous record of 30,203 ft (9,206 m) set by pioneering aviator Caro Bayley in a PA-18 Piper Super Cub over Miami, FL in February of 1951. Bayley’s record was recognized internationally by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) in the C-1b light-aircraft class, earning her the prestigious Blériot Medal, and has stood the test of time as the high-altitude benchmark for light STOL aircraft for almost 75 years.

Garmin G3X panel showing Carbon Cub N14UL passing through 35,720 feet (pressure altitude).

MISSION TO REACH NEW HEIGHTS

The Carbon Cub UL represents the latest evolution in CubCrafters’ mission to build the highest performing backcountry aircraft. This record-setting climb showcased cutting-edge engineering of the Carbon Cub line focused on exceptional power-to-weight ratios, modern powerplants, and incredible efficiency, all while keeping the aircraft in a typical bush plane configuration.

“This achievement exemplified everything we stand for — innovation, craftsmanship, and the courage to push limits,” said Brad Damm, VP of CubCrafters. “The original vision of Jim Richmond, the founder of CubCrafters, was to take the Super Cub, considered the workhorse of backcountry aviation, and make it better. I think Jim would be the first to congratulate our team on what was achieved on this flight”  

Although not an official FAI record attempt, the Rotax 916 iS powered Carbon Cub UL was also easily able to surpassed the current official FAI Ultralight category world record altitude of 35,062’ which has been held by a Rutan Long EZ since 1996. 

Piloted by Jon Kotwicki, the Carbon Cub UL began its climb at 9:55 a.m. out of the San Luis Obispo Airport (KSBP) under ideal weather conditions and with approvals from Los Angeles ARTCC. The aircraft reached its peak altitude of 37,609 ft after approximately 62 minutes of climbing, with an outside air temperature of -51 °F / -46 °C.

This project was a team effort. The turbocharged Rotax 916 iS engine was developed by Rotax in collaboration with CubCrafters and Rotax served as a technical advisor on the project. At extreme altitudes, Kotwicki relied on supplemental oxygen supplied by project partner Mountain High Equipment & Supply and wore a parachute as a precaution due to the unknowns. 

Despite thin air and extreme cold, the aircraft maintained remarkable stability and control throughout the flight. “The Cub flew really easy,” Kotwicki said. “We were outside the normal realm of operating parameters, so we were proceeding with caution. It was pretty dang cool to be in a tube-and-fabric bush plane that high, and it was surreal hearing airline pilots over ATC wondering what a Cub was doing up there.”

The team behind the record-breaking Carbon Cub UL altitude flight. From left to right: Tres Clements (Aerocrafted — hangar, tools, and ground support), Jon Kotwicki (Fly8MA — pilot), and Paulo Iscold (Professor, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo — project oversight)

The team’s goal was to reach 30,200 ft to break the record for a Cub-style airplane, but with the perfect conditions, Kotwicki continued to 37,609 ft. “We didn’t know how high we could go, and we were honestly surprised we reached that altitude with 29” Alaska Bushwheels installed and all the camera gear onboard. The UL is truly an amazing backcountry aircraft. We could have gone directly from over 37,000’ to landing and taking off from any unimproved dirt strip anywhere in California. That’s what makes this machine so versatile,” Kotwicki explained.

“This is my 17th aviation record, and it was one of the most fun to go after,” said Paulo Iscold, Professor in Cal Poly’s Aerospace Engineering program and Project Manager for the record attempt. “The entire team was great to work with. From CubCrafters and Rotax to Aerocrafted and Mountain High, we couldn’t have asked for better partners or a better aircraft for this project.” He continues that: “In test flying we plan for everything to go wrong. When everything goes right — that’s the flight you wanted, that’s the flight we got.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

CubCrafters is grateful to every partner who helped prove that even a bush plane can reach the stratosphere. We want to especially thank the following people and organizations for their collaboration and professionalism that made this record-breaking flight possible:

• Flight Test Lead: Paulo Iscold (Professor, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) — project management and oversight.

• Test Pilot: Jon Kotwicki (Fly8MA) — for his expert airmanship.

• Engine Partner: Rotax — for technical guidance and flight test analysis.

• Aerocrafted: Tres Clements — for providing hangar facilities, tools, and ground support.

• Oxygen Systems: Patrick McLaughlin at Mountain High Equipment & Supply — custom-built oxygen regulator and system.

• CubCrafters: Pat Horgan and Brad Damm — for continued vision and support.

• Air Traffic Control: Los Angeles ARTCC Special and Military Operations coordination team and air traffic controllers — for safe flight monitoring and for providing the airspace for the record setting flight.

ABOUT CUBCRAFTERS

Founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, CubCrafters has its roots in classic grassroots aviation history while delivering modern, innovative aircraft. We design and manufacture Experimental, LSA, and Certified planes known for exceptional backcountry performance. Our Carbon Cub family redefines the flying experience with advanced materials, powerful engines, and modern design. The flagship XCub expands backcountry capability with greater speed, range, and payload than others in its class. We modernize classic aircraft designs with cutting-edge engineering, lighter composites, upgraded avionics, and improved safety—combining tradition with top-tier performance. Our newest UL-class aircraft brings next-gen engine and airframe tech to the field, minimizing environmental impact without sacrificing capability. The key to our success is delivering unmatched value in personal adventure aviation.