Some Alaska pilots gave a fitting tribute to the man many credit with turning the Piper Super Cub into practically a state symbol. F. Atlee Dodge died last month at the age of 88 and last week more than a dozen Super Cubs formed a parade over Lake Hood. “Known throughout the world as the guru of the Super Cub, F. Atlee Dodge specialized in the engineering, designing, fabrication and certification of parts not only for the Cub but for all aircraft operating in Alaska’s unique flying conditions,” Dee Hanson, executive director of the Alaska Airmen’s Association, said in a statement. “Atlee will remain one of the most valiant, colorful, hardworking, and honest personalities of Alaska aviation.”
Dodge’s shop in Anchorage earned dozens of STCs for not only for the PA-18 but for just about every other kind of aircraft used in the state. From preheaters to airframe modifications, they were all aimed at helping operators cope with the extreme demands on their aircraft in a place that’s more dependent on air transportation than most.
