Dakota Slotted Wing Provides Slower Stall Speed And Better Handling

By Maria Morrison

Piper Cub pilots are always looking for ways to land shorter, stall at lower speeds, and takeoff with less runway. All of these could be accomplished with the Dakota Slotted Wing, which is being called "the safest Cub wing sold on the market."

Dakota Cub has been exhibiting off and on at AirVenture for several years. They promote their slotted wings, which are normal wings with an extra piece attached to the leading edge. The extra fitting has a large gap at the bottom and a small opening at the top. This stuffs a lot of air into a small area and increases airflow over the wing. More airflow on the top decreases stall speed and gets better handling at slower speeds.

Along with the new leading edge, Dakota Slotted Wings have square ends. This allows there to be a longer aileron and flap, which improves drag when flaps are extended and better handling at slow speeds.

In the 1940's, Piper tried to produce an L-14 with similar wings. Unfortunately, when WWII ended, so did the deals between Piper and their customers. There are two L-14s in the world today, both flying.

Dakota Slotted Wings are currently available only for the PA-18 with a 150 horsepower engine and standard gross weight. There has also been verbal confirmation from the FAA (no paperwork yet) that the wings will be approved for the PA-12 as well. The wings are made with .032 and .025 aluminum.

Dakota Cub is open to special orders. STCs are available for many different parts. Wings can be covered until the silver stage by Dakota Cub using the Poly Fiber system. Based in Valley Springs, South Dakota, Dakota Cub will recommend shipping options of covered wings in the 48 states.

FMI: www.dakotacub.com