As the autumn leaves in Garrett County reach past their peak, there’s a special kind of magic that happens in the skies. This season, a vintage Piper Cub—its bright yellow frame stark against the vivid reds, oranges, and yellows of fall—has been the subject of an exciting photography project. Using a drone to capture the aircraft in action has brought a fresh perspective to both the beauty of this classic plane and the charm of the autumn landscape that surrounds it.
The Piper Cub, a single-engine light aircraft introduced in the 1930s, has always been a symbol of freedom and adventure, inviting viewers to think about a simpler time when flying was a thrill available to only the boldest souls. Its iconic design has captured imaginations for decades, but capturing its essence with a drone allows for unique angles and views that are seldom seen.
With the plan carefully curated with the pilot, the drone was positioned alongside the Cub and the images reveal incredible details— the delicate ribbing on the wings, the small but mighty wheels, and the sleek lines that make the Cub a timeless classic. The golden color of the plane, set against the fiery leaves and vibrant grass runway below, creates a dynamic contrast that makes the craft leap off the page. With a careful balance of technique and artistry, the drone images offer a mesmerizing perspective, as if we are flying alongside the Piper itself, gliding over the rolling mountains of Garrett County.
Seeing the classic Cub soar through the crisp autumn air is special on its own, but watching it from the perspective of a drone opens up a new dimension of fun. The drone moves like a dance partner, diving and soaring in sync with the plane’s movements, capturing its wings as they dip gracefully above the treetops, or zooming in to capture the sunlight glinting off its classic yellow body.
And it isn’t just about getting the shot—it’s the joy of the moment and something I’ve been waiting to capture. There’s something wildly fun about steering a drone to mirror the plane’s flight path, feeling almost like you’re flying up there too, and seeing the world from an angle you’d only dreamed of.
A heartfelt thanks to our pilot, Bob, for creating an absolutely perfect subject for a day in the skies!
