Buying a Piper Cub in Canada: J-3, Super Cub & Carbon Cub

Buying a Piper Cub in Canada — the J-3, PA-11, PA-18 Super Cub and modern Carbon Cub, what to check on fabric and tube, floats and bush use, and what they cost. From MarketPlane.ca.

The classic Canadian bush and float aircraft

Few aircraft suit Canada like a Cub. From the pure-fun J-3 to the do-anything PA-18 Super Cub to the modern Carbon Cub, they fly slow, land short, and take floats, skis and tundra tires without complaint. They also hold their value like little else. This guide covers the family, what to check on fabric and tube, and what to pay — for the live number, see current Canadian aircraft prices by make and model.

The family, briefly

J-3 Cub — the original 65-hp two-seater; light, slow, pure joy, modest useful load.
PA-11 Cub Special — an enclosed-cowl evolution of the J-3, a bit more capable.
PA-18 Super Cub — the workhorse; more power and useful load, the definitive bush/float aircraft.
Carbon Cub / CubCrafters — modern, light, powerful, and the priciest to buy.

What to check before you buy

On a fabric aircraft, the two big-ticket items are fabric age/condition (a recover is expensive) and steel-tube-frame corrosion — inspect the lower longerons and the tailpost area carefully, and read the records for past corrosion work. Add the usual: engine time against TBO, logbook continuity and AD compliance, and on float/bush aircraft, careful checks for corrosion and hard-use damage. Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from someone who knows fabric aircraft.

What it costs — and next steps

Cubs are cheap to fuel but hold strong resale value, and float/bush examples command a premium. See the live Canadian market for current prices, and what used aircraft actually cost in Canada for ownership costs. You'll want complete logbooks and the Transport Canada registration transfer; if you're eyeing a US aircraft, run the import cost calculator first. Then browse Cubs and other aircraft for sale in Canada.

Common questions

How much does a Piper Cub cost in Canada?

A wide range: original J-3s and PA-11s vary hugely with condition and restoration quality, PA-18 Super Cubs command a premium (especially float- and bush-equipped ones), and modern Carbon Cub / CubCrafters aircraft are the priciest. See current Canadian asking prices at /models.

J-3 Cub or Super Cub — what's the difference?

The J-3 is the classic 65-hp two-seat trainer — light, slow, pure fun, limited useful load. The PA-18 Super Cub is the workhorse: more power (up to 150+ hp), far more useful load, and the definitive bush and float aircraft. Super Cubs cost more to buy and hold their value strongly.

What should I check on a fabric-covered Cub?

Fabric condition and its age/records (a recover is a major expense), the steel tube frame for corrosion — especially the lower longerons and around the tailpost — wood or metal spar condition depending on model, and complete logbooks. On float and bush aircraft, check for corrosion and hard-use damage carefully. An independent pre-purchase inspection is essential.

Is a Cub a good first taildragger?

The J-3 is one of the best aircraft to learn tailwheel flying in — light, honest and forgiving of the right technique. You'll need a tailwheel checkout and some conventional-gear time. The Super Cub is more capable but also more airplane; both reward good stick-and-rudder skills.

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