Aviat Husky vs Piper Super Cub

The Aviat Husky and the Piper Super Cub are two icons of backcountry flying — the modern, factory-built Husky and the legendary Piper Super Cub. The Husky is the contemporary bush taildragger with more speed and modern build; the Super Cub is the classic STOL workhorse that defined backcountry flying. Where each trades now is below.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Aviat Husky

No active listings right now.

Piper Super Cub
For sale now
56
Median asking
$135,000
Range
$62,115–$231,000
Model years available
1944–2023

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)Aviat HuskyPiper Super Cub
All events7
Serious1
Fatal0
Fatalities0
% Fatal0%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Aviat Husky Piper Super Cub
Piper Super Cub
View 57 listings →
Median $135,000
Price Range $62,115 – $231,000
Category Single Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 2 2
Horsepower 180 HP 150 HP
Cruise Speed 113 kts (209 km/h) 100 kts (185 km/h)
Range 766 nm (1,419 km) 400 nm (741 km)
Service Ceiling 20,000 ft (6,096 m) 19,000 ft (5,791 m)
Max Gross Weight 1,750 lbs (794 kg)
Useful Load 925 lbs (420 kg) 800 lbs (363 kg)
Fuel Burn 8.0 GPH (30 L/h) 7.7 GPH (29 L/h)
Engines 1 x Piston 1 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Aviat Husky or Piper Super Cub?

Bottom line: Choose the Husky for a modern bush plane — factory-new availability, a bit more speed and contemporary build, ready for floats, skis and rough strips. Choose the Super Cub for the timeless classic — legendary short-field performance, a huge modification and support community, and vintage character. On safety both are tailwheel bush singles that reward tailwheel proficiency and currency; the difference is era and character, not safety. Modern bush plane, or the legendary Cub.

Pick the Husky if…

  • Faster cruise — 113 kts vs 100 kts.
  • Longer range — 766 nm vs 400 nm.

Pick the Super Cub if…

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between the Aviat Husky and Piper Super Cub?
The Husky is a modern, factory-built bush taildragger; the Super Cub the classic STOL workhorse. Both excel in the backcountry — the Husky a little faster and newer, the Cub the legendary original.
Which is the better STOL airplane?
Both are superb short-field performers; the Super Cub is legendary for it, while the Husky is a strong, modern equivalent. Setup, tyres and pilot skill matter as much as the model.
Do they need tailwheel training?
Yes — both are taildraggers and require tailwheel proficiency and currency, especially for backcountry and float operations.
Which is better, Aviat Husky or Piper Super Cub?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Husky cruises at 113 kts with 766 nm range. The Super Cub cruises at 100 kts with 400 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Super Cub: from $355,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aviat Husky and Piper Super Cub?
Cruise: 113 vs 100 kts. Range: 766 vs 400 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?
Husky: 2 seats / 925 lb useful load. Super Cub: 2 seats / 800 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