Piper 18 Super Cub
Piston • single engine • High Wing • Fixed gear
Range Visualization
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Payload vs. Range
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Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)
Default: 30 lbs
Passengers
lbs
@ lbs / pax
0 lbs
Fuel on board
gal
+ Weight
Range
Available Range
/ nm
Mission capable —
Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required —
You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind
( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight —
Reduce payload by lbs
to safely operate this aircraft.
Mission Profile
100
KTAS
Cruise Speed
2
Occupants
400
nm
Max Range
604
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Piper 18 Super Cub
Key Features for GA Buyers
The Piper PA-18-150 Super Cub is widely considered the ultimate two-seat bush plane. Unlike the J-3 or PA-11, the PA-18 (specifically the 150hp variant) introduces a full electrical system, flaps, and significantly more power, transforming it into a true utility workhorse.
- Unmatched STOL: With a takeoff roll of just 200 ft and landing roll of 350 ft (at gross weight), it can operate out of gravel bars, mountain strips, and clearings inaccessible to almost any other certified aircraft.
- Payload: The 150hp version has a useful load of over 800 lbs. Even with full fuel (36 gal), it can carry two adults and camping gear.
- Modifiability: It is one of the most modified airframes in aviation history. Common upgrades include “Alaskan Bushwheels” (tundra tires), belly pods, extended baggage compartments, and vortex generators.
- Value Retention: Super Cubs command premium prices and hold their value exceptionally well compared to other vintage Pipers.
Trade-offs
- Speed: It is not a cross-country machine. Plan on 100 kts cruise at best; with large tundra tires, this often drops to 85-90 kts.
- Cockpit Comfort: The tandem seating is tight for the rear passenger, with legs straddling the front seat. Heater performance in stock models can be weak for winter flying.
- Not LSA: Unlike the J-3 or PA-11, the standard PA-18-150 has a gross weight of 1,750 lbs, meaning it cannot be flown by Sport Pilots (requires a Private Pilot certificate and medical/BasicMed).
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 35.3 ft
- Length
- 22.5 ft
- Height
- 6.7 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 1,750 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 1,750 lbs
- Useful Load
- 820 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 36 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 100 KTAS
- Range
- 400 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 19,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 960 fpm
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