With 22 kits completed and exports to the USA and Australia, Kevin's creation is set to make waves in general aviation worldwide.
By Willie Bodenstein
11.01.2026
Kevin always had a dream; to one day design, build, and fly an affordable, easy-to-build, and easy-to-fly general aviation aircraft. His dream came true with the Teddy, a wood-and-fabric aircraft somewhat in the mould of the classic Piper Cub.
Practical and pretty, the Teddy flew like a dream and was displayed at numerous airshows across the country. However, the era of wooden aircraft had largely passed, giving way to aluminium-and-fabric designs.
For a while, Kevin placed his dream on hold and focused on building Skyworx, his AMO based at Krugersdorp (FAKR), into a company with an impeccable reputation. Yet, the dream remained alive, quietly growing until he finally began putting his ideas on paper. He knew exactly what he wanted his next aircraft to look like and how he wanted it to fly.
Initially working in his spare time, Kevin began shaping his vision. With encouragement from his wife Vanessa, he eventually committed to building a prototype. Five years ago, the first Orion Cub, ZU-IVS, in its distinctive red-and-blue colour scheme, took to the skies for the first time, with Dale de Klerk at the controls.
The first Orion Cub, ZU-IVS, in its striking red and blue livery at Krugersdorp (FAKR), where Kevin's dream quite literally took flight.
On Friday, 12 December 2025 exactly five years after IVS's maiden flight and with 500 hours on the clock, two kits were packed and securely loaded into a container at FAKR. Their destination: Orion's U.S. distributor in Binghamton, New York, where a team is standing by, eager to get the aircraft assembled and ready for their first flights.
Kevin plans to visit the distributor toward the end of January to assist in preparing the aircraft for the American market and to ensure that the Orion Cub makes a fitting debut at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026.
Kevin's dream has truly taken flight. With his determination and the dedicated team behind Orion, there is little doubt that the Orion Cub will soon become a familiar name not only in South Africa and the USA, but worldwide. Kits have already been exported to Australia, and interest continues to grow.
Considering what Kevin and his team have achieved in just five years, there is every reason to believe that in the next five, the Orion Cub will firmly establish itself as a household name in general aviation across the globe. Proof that passion, persistence, and a clear vision can make dreams take flight.
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Willie Bodenstein
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