Piper Aircraft
PA-18 Super Cub
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a legendary two-seat tandem taildragger and the definitive backcountry bush plane. With a high-lift wing, light wing loading, and rugged fabric-and-tube construction, it delivers extraordinary short-field and off-airport performance. Beloved for glacier, float, and tundra-tire operations, it remains in demand decades after production and inspires a thriving STOL kit-plane community.
- Iconic backcountry / bush taildragger
- Extraordinary short-field (STOL) performance
- Tandem two-seat, fabric-and-tube construction
- Float, ski, and tundra-tire capable
- Lycoming O-320 power (typically 150–160 hp)
- Strong resale value and devoted following
PA-18 Super Cub key specifications
- Range
- 392 nm
- Cruise speed
- 100 kts
- Passengers
- up to 2
- Max take-off weight
- 1,750 lb
- Engines
- 1 × Piston
About the PA-18 Super Cub
The Piper Aircraft PA-18 Super Cub — part of the Cub Series family — is a single-engine piston aircraft aimed at affordable personal flying and owner-operation. It entered service in 1949 and is now a long-serving design with a deep support and parts network, developed in the United States.
On performance, it offers a maximum range of about 392 nautical miles and a cruise of roughly 100 knots. It seats up to 2 passengers and is powered by 1 Lycoming O-320 engine.
Its 392 nm range makes it well matched to short-haul hops and local operations. It is certified for single-pilot operation. Before committing to the PA-18 Super Cub, weigh it against the closest alternatives below and talk to an advisor about acquisition and operating costs.
Gallery
Performance
Full specifications
Operator and certification details for the PA-18 Super Cub, plus the complete performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant sheet — free with an account.
20 more specifications — performance, dimensions, weights and powerplant — are free with an account.
Value & depreciation
How a piston single like the PA-18 Super Cub typically holds value — indicative, class-typical retention of a new example against age. Run your own year and hours in the valuation calculator for a specific estimate.
Indicative only — actual value depends on hours, maintenance-program status, avionics, condition and the current market.
Pricing & seller quotes
Aggregated market pricing and multi-seller quotes — shared with verified partners.
Pricing is shared with verified partners
We aggregate live market pricing and seller quotes for the PA-18 Super Cub. Request a quote and our team will send tailored pricing and availability — or sign in if you’re an approved partner.
Prefer a quick public estimate? Estimate the PA-18 Super Cub cost of ownership with our free calculator.
Ownership & ROI calculator
Model the true economics of owning or chartering the PA-18 Super Cub. Pre-filled with realistic defaults for this type — adjust any assumption and the results update instantly.
Model the economics of the PA-18 Super Cub
Create a free account to see the true cost per flight hour and annual ownership cost. Upgrade for the full five-year ROI projection, charter profitability and a client-ready report.
How the PA-18 Super Cub compares
Side by side with the most similar piston singles.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
Beyond the spec sheet
Buying or operating the PA-18 Super Cub? Get an independent acquisition recommendation, or see how fleet management keeps operations, maintenance, crew and compliance in one place.
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