Piper PA-11 Cub Special

Key Features for GA Buyers

The Piper PA-11 Cub Special is the bridge between the legendary J-3 Cub and the PA-18 Super Cub. Produced briefly between 1947 and 1949, it offers significant quality-of-life improvements over the J-3 while retaining the light, fun handling of the original.

• Solo from the Front: Unlike the J-3, which must be flown solo from the rear seat for weight and balance reasons, the PA-11 allows the pilot to solo from the front seat. This provides vastly improved visibility.
• Enclosed Cowling: The PA-11 features a fully enclosed “pressure cowl” (similar to the Super Cub) rather than the J-3’s exposed cylinder heads. This improves engine cooling and aerodynamics.
• LSA Eligible: With a maximum gross weight of 1,220 lbs, the PA-11 qualifies as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA), making it accessible to Sport Pilots or those flying without a medical.
• Wing Fuel: Fuel is stored in a wing tank (typically left wing) rather than the J-3’s fuselage tank, improving safety and cabin legroom.

Trade-offs

• Availability: With only ~1,500 originally built, they are rarer than J-3s or Super Cubs.
• Cruise Speed: While faster than a J-3, it is still a slow aircraft (approx 75-85 kts), suited for low-and-slow sightseeing rather than cross-country travel.
• Cockpit Width: The cabin remains narrow (standard Cub width), which can be tight for two large occupants.