Latest STOL Aircraft takes flight with Powerful 916 Rotax Engine. Trent Palmer Explains

In this video we take a close look at the Legend Nomad STOL with Trent Palmer, a brand-new 2025 backcountry aircraft built around the Rotax 916 powerplant. Instead of speaking with a factory representative, I’m joined by Trent, the owner and builder of this aircraft, who worked directly with Legend Aircraft through a factory build-assist program. The Nomad is based on the PA-18 Super Cub design but features significant structural and aerodynamic upgrades, including a redesigned wing with an extended leading-edge cuff and a longer trailing edge that adds lift while reducing drag. One of the standout features of the Legend Nomad is its extreme short takeoff and landing performance. With even a slight headwind, takeoff distances are around 60 feet, and landing distances are similarly short. Stall speeds are impressively low, with indicated stalls around 37 mph and likely even lower in real-world conditions. The Rotax 916, being lighter, turbocharged, and fuel-injected, delivers full power up to 15,000 feet, allowing the aircraft to cruise efficiently at around 105 mph or push up to 120–125 mph while using significantly less fuel than traditional Lycoming-powered Cubs. Designed for serious backcountry use, the Nomad is built to go places most aircraft can’t. With large tundra tires, upgraded suspension, and a massive extended baggage area, it’s ideal for hunting, fishing, and remote camping missions. The aircraft offers roughly 900 pounds of useful load, multiple baggage compartments, and even the ability to carry Starlink for in-flight and off-grid internet connectivity. This is a purpose-built STOL machine for pilots who want maximum freedom, capability, and performance far from paved runways. This video was filmed at the Sun N Fun Airshow, Lakeland, Florida. #TrentPalmer #LegendNomad #STOL #BackcountryFlying #BushFlying #Rotax916 #SuperCub #ExperimentalAircraft #Aviation #ShortTakeoff #AircraftBuild #SunNFun #Flying