The story
The Super Cub is the airplane that refuses to need an airport. Tube-and-fabric construction, tandem seats, and the ability to land on gravel bars, glaciers, and beaches made it the backbone of bush flying in Alaska and beyond. Working pilots trust it with their lives daily.
Bush pilots have modified the Super Cub so heavily over the decades that a completely stock original is now a rare find.
Quick answers
How do you identify a PA-18 Super Cub?
High wing, tailwheel, fabric covering, and often comically large tundra tires. Classic examples are Cub Yellow. If it's landing somewhere that isn't a runway, it's probably a Super Cub.
What does a PA-18 Super Cub sound like?
A slow, patient four-cylinder chug — often heard low and slow over rivers and ridgelines.
How fast is the PA-18 Super Cub?
Top speed is 113 kts.
How many passengers does the PA-18 Super Cub carry?
Up to 1. A typical layout is tandem 2-seat.
How far can the PA-18 Super Cub fly?
Range is about 400 nmi.
How big is the PA-18 Super Cub?
It is 22 ft 7 in long and 35 ft 3 in across the wings.
When did the PA-18 Super Cub first fly?
Its first flight was in 1949.
How many PA-18 Super Cubs have been built?
10,000+ built.
What do crews call the PA-18 Super Cub?
The Cub.
How rare is a PA-18 Super Cub in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first PA-18 Super Cub catch is worth 25 points.
