Keep in mind that Cubs are some of the hardest planes to take off without ground looping or premature lift-off. They look like gentle trainers, but around here it's been fun at times watching 'hot' pilots fighting a new cub all over the runway. I have an H9 with a .65 Saito and a 13 x 6 prop that will take off a sweet as a lamb if you do it right, but will bite you the first chance it gets if you goof...

• The J-3 has a very narrow stance and critical gear placement relative to CG.
• You must let the tail come w-a-y up since the shape of the fuselage bottom will fool you into thinking it's nose low when the wing is still at a positive angle of attack.
• You need toe-in on the landing gear to avoid ground loops.
• You should use a large diameter, low pitch prop and bring power on gradually. (in fact they will usually break ground before you're all the way up on the throttle)
• NO ailerons (well at least the least you can get away with) on take off. Cubs fly well on just rudder.
• If you have a computer radio, mix 20 - 25% rudder with your ailerons just in case you have to level the wings on take off and use them. - It sure improves the turns too.
• Keep it at a fairly flat climb angle and don't make hard turn inputs until you have flying speed after take-off.
• Make sure both wheels are free and one is not binding or harder to spin.

The list can go on more, but that pretty well vents my spleen -

quint