Piper J-3 Cub vs Taylorcraft BC-12D
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Piper J-3 Cub
- For sale now
- 26
- Median asking
- $63,100
- Range
- $34,050–$88,500
- Model years available
- 1939–1947
Taylorcraft BC-12D
No active listings right now.
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) | Piper J-3 Cub | Taylorcraft BC-12D |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 3 | 40 |
| Serious | 0 | 7 |
| Fatal | 0 | 5 |
| Fatalities | 0 | 6 |
| % Fatal | 0% | 12% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Piper J-3 Cub | Taylorcraft BC-12D |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $34,050 – $88,500 | $20,000 – $38,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 2 | — |
| Horsepower | 65 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 65 kts (120 km/h) | — |
| Range | 191 nm (354 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 11,500 ft (3,505 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 1,220 lbs (553 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 455 lbs (206 kg) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 4.0 GPH (15 L/h) | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper J-3 Cub or Taylorcraft BC-12D?
It depends on your mission and budget.
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?
Piper J-3 Cub: from $80,000.
Taylorcraft BC-12D: from $34,215.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper J-3 Cub and Taylorcraft BC-12D?
J-3 Cub engine: Continental A-40 (65 hp).
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?
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