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Used Aircraft Guide

Piper J-3 Cub

The price premium is worth it for nicely restored models.

Larry Anglisano
Verified

Edited By:

Omar Filipovic

A J-3 is at home on the grass. That’s a 1946 model J-3C-65 in the main image. It works well for stepping into the world of tailwheel flying.

Forget the nostalgia for a moment, will you? We think the J-3 can be a decent airplane for newbs building tailwheel skills. Work those landings on the turf and the pavement and kick around the local area sightseeing without burning a lot of gas.

Now remember the nostalgia. It’s cliche to call an authentic Cub the most recognizable aircraft in U.S. history, but it is. Everyone loves these  icons because they’re just fun. But shop carefully—you’re buying an airplane that might be 85-plus years old. Simple systems, sure, but a full-up expert restoration will cost big.

Larry Anglisano

Editor in Chief Larry Anglisano has been a staple at Aviation Consumer since 1995. An active land, sea and glider pilot, Larry has over 30 years’ experience as an avionics repairman and flight test pilot. He’s the editorial director overseeing sister publications Aviation Safety magazine, IFR magazine and is a regular contributor to KITPLANES magazine with his Avionics Bootcamp column.