Piper PA-11 Cub Special
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
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Fuel on board
gal
+ Weight
Range
Available Range
/ nm
Mission capable —
Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required —
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( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight —
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Mission Profile
76
KTAS
Cruise Speed
2
Occupants
300
nm
Max Range
368
lbs
Wet Payload
About the 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.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 35.2 ft
- Length
- 22.3 ft
- Height
- 6.7 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 1,220 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 1,220 lbs
- Useful Load
- 470 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 17 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 76 KTAS
- Range
- 300 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 16,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 900 fpm
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