Super Cub Photo Gallery - Plane & Pilot Magazine

The J-3 Cub is a classic. The PA-18 Super Cub is downright iconic.

Wednesday, June 27, 2018 at 11:44 AM ET

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The Piper PA-18 Super Cub has been around for almost 70 years, and while it's the current darling of a new set of backcountry flyers, it's been a staple of bush flying pretty much since the get got. Photo by Bill Brine - CC by 2.0: Flickr

Key Takeaways:

The Piper PA-18 Super Cub has been a staple in bush and backcountry flying for nearly 70 years, known for its enduring utility and adaptability.
Its exceptional short-field capabilities are greatly enhanced by optional modifications like oversized tires for rough terrain (including gravel and shallow water) and floats or skis for water and snow operations, providing access to otherwise inaccessible locations.
Evolving from earlier designs with increased power and features, the Super Cub's robust and practical design offers excellent visibility through its tandem seating and front-seat solo position, and inspires ingenious customization among owners.
The Super Cub's influential design continues to inspire a generation of modern backcountry aircraft, preserving its legacy of rugged performance.

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Lower 48 types think of the Super Cub as being a relatively recent import into Alaska, but the PA-18 was there from the beginning, even before Alaska was a state, you know. This vintage, undated shot of a Super Cub shows the bird far from anything resembling civilization and its pilot not the least concerned about the fact.

Photo by Thayer Avery S, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – Public Domain