Question...been getting interested in a small taildragger lately.

I thought all PA-18s were Super Cubs, and all Super Cubs had flaps.

Would someone be interested in typing a short reply to summarize Super Cubs? Any books or other good reference materials like there is for Bonanzas?

This may be a good place to start:

https://www.supercub.org

Brad

IIRC, the Aviation Consumer Used Aircraft Guide article on the Super Cub is very good.

The 90HP Super Cub would have been manufactured without flaps, but they can be modified into a 150HP with flaps.

I don't want to derail OP's question, but I have a question that's related: what's the most Cub-like or closest-to-being-a-Cub airplane with metal wings?

Bearhawk Patrol or LSA are good choices. really nice airfoil on both.

Thanks all! Great places to start!

Wonder if this is it? Seems like a good starting point…

https://www.aviationconsumer.com/uncategorized/piper-super-cub/

Somewhere in my library, I have some paperback books on the various early Cubs. They are probably still in print if I could find the name and author.

The J-3 metamorphosed to the PA-11 and then the Super Cub. I do think the very earliest Super Cubs had no flaps.

I think some make a bigger deal of rag wings than they should. If they are in good shape, they will outlast many pilots.

Jg

They are great planes, really most suited IMHO to less improved and shorter landing sites. Most today will be at 150 hp O-320, but it's one of the most STC'd airplanes out there, so variations abound.

They will fly more slowly than most any other two seat aircraft; the downside is their cruise speed is low, but that's not a matter where one is going to need a Super Cub for the most part.

Will work out of strips less than 1000' easily, shorter with some practice. Fly one 20-30 hours a year, very nice, but again, it suits a purpose.

don't get hung up on flaps. The early, lighter PA18's with no flaps and the small continental engine, those are some of the nicest flying planes ever built. The only problem with them is you can't find one for sale.

https://resources.univair.com/docs/tcds-for-piper

There are descriptions online but for the best comparisons go through the various Type Certificate Data Sheets first. Gives a better idea of gross weight, airspeed limits and the tricks are in the notes at the end for what combinations of props, engines etc are approved. These are not STCs but are modifications that can be done per the drawings if available.

Supercub.org for sure

If I sold my plane I’d get a 150hp or better, full mods, ideally if I had time I’d build one off this

https://www.airframesalaska.com/Ultimat ... -ultak.htm

Or maybe a widebody

I just spent 4.2 hours in my Super Legend Cub yesterday. Just like all airplane decisions, define your mission before you buy. If your mission is short flights by yourself, get the lightest, simplest Cub you can find. It will fly better and be cheaper. If you are going to carry a load, do long cross countries, etc. , then start thinking about more power. My main point is that more power does not equal more fun in the Cub world.

We have owned 150 hp PA-14 and PA-18, 180 hp PA-18, and currently own 180 hp Super Legend that began life as a 115 hp.

Best version I could find. It’s too bad the upper left hand corner isn’t more clear.