Aeronca 11AC Chief vs Piper J-3 Cub
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Aeronca 11AC Chief
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1947–1947
Piper J-3 Cub
- For sale now
- 26
- Median asking
- $63,100
- Range
- $34,050–$88,500
- Model years available
- 1939–1947
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Aeronca 11AC Chief | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 3 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Aeronca 11AC Chief | Piper J-3 Cub |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $25,995 | $34,050 – $88,500 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | 65 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 80 kts (148 km/h) | 65 kts (120 km/h) |
| Range | 300 nm (556 km) | 191 nm (354 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 12,000 ft (3,658 m) | 11,500 ft (3,505 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 1,220 lbs (553 kg) |
| Useful Load | 500 lbs (227 kg) | 455 lbs (206 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 4.5 GPH (17 L/h) | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x Piston |
Which Should You Buy: Aeronca 11AC Chief or Piper J-3 Cub?
Pick the 11AC Chief if…
- Budget matters — from $25,995 vs $34,050, you save ~$8,055.
- Faster cruise — 80 kts vs 65 kts.
- Longer range — 300 nm vs 191 nm.
Pick the J-3 Cub if…
- More inventory — 29 listings vs 3.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Aeronca 11AC Chief or Piper J-3 Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 11AC Chief cruises at 80 kts with 300 nm range.
The J-3 Cub cruises at 65 kts with 191 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Aeronca 11AC Chief: from $6,500.
Piper J-3 Cub: from $80,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aeronca 11AC Chief and Piper J-3 Cub?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40 (65 hp).
Cruise: 80 vs 65 kts.
Range: 300 vs 191 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
11AC Chief: 2 seats / 500 lb useful load.
J-3 Cub: 2 seats / 455 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data