Piper PA-11

The Piper PA-11 Piper Cub version (also called the Cub Special) is a later production, two-place variant of the Piper J-3 Cub light propeller-driven aircraft.

Description

The airframe is basically the same as a J-3, however, the engine mount is slightly lower, the windshield more sloped, the cowling is closed, there were at least one wing tank, both seats were slightly moved back, and solo flying was usually from the front seat. Early PA-11s had a Continental A65-8 engine, while the later ones had a Continental C90-8 engine. Several current-production light-sport aircraft are being produced based on this configuration. On the early PA-11s, the fuselage was painted with a metallic blue on the lower half the rest being Lock Haven Yellow. The later PA-11s were all yellow with a simple brown stripe.

The aircraft formed the basis for the next evolution in the Piper Cub series: The Piper Super Cub. The PA-11 and its successor, the PA-18-95, share many common traits. With a gross weight of 1,220 lbs. and average empty weight of 850 lbs., the PA-11 is a light enough to perform well, yet heavy enough to maneuver easily in more wind than the lighter J-3 Cub. The PA-11 is capable of short take-offs and landings, yet turns in a respectable cruise speed for its configuration. Given that the airplane falls into the modern day category of light sport aircraft it is a popular airplane to acquire and commands a premium price.