Cubcrafters Aircraft
19 used Cubcrafters aircraft listings · $184,900–$590,000 · last refreshed 32 min ago
About Cubcrafters Aircraft Company
CubCrafters, headquartered in Yakima, Washington, is the leading manufacturer of modern backcountry and bush aircraft in the United States. Founded by Jim Richmond in 1980 as a Piper Cub restoration and modification shop, CubCrafters evolved into a full-production manufacturer of new aircraft designed specifically for off-airport adventure flying. The company produces approximately 80-100 aircraft per year and has delivered over 1,000 aircraft total. If you are looking for a CubCrafters aircraft for sale, you are shopping the pinnacle of modern STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) bush plane design.
The Carbon Cub line is CubCrafters' most popular product. The CC-19 Carbon Cub SS was the first all-new certified Cub-type aircraft in decades — powered by a Continental O-340 (180 HP), it weighs just 1,320 lbs gross and takes off in under 200 feet. The Carbon Cub FX (Experimental/Amateur-Built category) and Carbon Cub EX (kit version) offer the same airframe with builder flexibility. The newest model, the XCub, is a more capable backcountry machine — a Continental O-340 (180 HP) or Lycoming O-360 (215 HP) powered tandem two-seater with a 92-gallon fuel capacity, 1,200+ nm range, and the ability to carry an additional passenger or 500+ lbs of gear on tundra tires, floats, or skis. The XCub takes off in 175 feet and lands in under 200 — genuine STOL numbers verified by real-world bush pilots.
The Top Cub is CubCrafters' certified Part 23 model — a PA-18 Super Cub type certificate with CubCrafters improvements. The Sport Cub S2 is an LSA-eligible model for the recreational market.
Used CubCrafters values are exceptionally strong due to high demand and limited production. Carbon Cub SS models trade at $200,000-$280,000, XCubs at $280,000-$400,000, and Top Cubs at $180,000-$250,000. Kit-built Carbon Cub FX/EX models range from $140,000-$220,000 depending on build quality and equipment. These aircraft depreciate slowly — many sell for near or above their original purchase price. Key pre-buy items: fabric condition (Poly-Fiber covering), landing gear attachment points (these aircraft see hard use on rough strips), engine mount condition, and float attachment fittings if equipped. CubCrafters operating costs are low ($60-$90/hr) due to fixed-pitch propellers, simple systems, and modest fuel burn (8-12 GPH). The CubCrafters owner community is passionate and the factory in Yakima provides excellent customer support.
Cubcrafters Aircraft for Sale
Price $184,900–$590,000
Cubcrafters Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a Cubcrafters aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Cubcrafters aircraft (also known as Cubcrafters choppers or Cubcrafters helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
The cost of a Cubcrafters aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Cubcrafters Models
Single Engine Piston
Cubcrafters Models — Specifications
Model specCompare Cubcrafters Aircraft
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Frequently Asked Questions — Cubcrafters
CubCrafters XCub vs Carbon Cub — what is the difference?
The XCub is a FAA Part 23 type-certified aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate, easier to finance and insure, higher resale value). The Carbon Cub is an experimental/amateur-built kit (lighter, more customizable, requires builder involvement). Performance is similar, but the Carbon Cub has approximately 50% fewer parts and weighs 300+ pounds less than a comparably equipped Super Cub. The XCub cruises faster (150 mph), has a higher useful load (nearly 1,000 lbs), and features modern pushrod ailerons. Choose the XCub for certified simplicity; the Carbon Cub for ultimate lightweight performance.
How much does a CubCrafters XCub cost?
A new CubCrafters XCub starts at approximately $350,000-$400,000 depending on configuration and options. The Carbon Cub FX-3 kit starts around $230,000 for the complete kit, with finished flying examples costing $280,000-$350,000. Used XCubs hold value extremely well due to limited annual production and high demand. CubCrafters has a growing waitlist. On AeroGurus, CubCrafters listings average approximately $349,500.
Is the CubCrafters XCub good for backcountry flying?
The XCub was specifically designed for backcountry flying and excels at it. Key capabilities: takeoff in under 200 feet with tundra tires, climb rate over 1,100 FPM, ability to operate from rough unprepared strips, and a useful load of nearly 1,000 pounds (enough for camping gear plus passengers). The XCub can take off and land in patches that seem accessible only to helicopters. Combined with a 150 mph cruise for getting to and from the backcountry, it is arguably the best-certified bush plane available new today.
CubCrafters vs Piper Super Cub — which bush plane is better?
CubCrafters took the fundamentally sound Piper Super Cub design and reinvented it with modern materials and engineering. The Carbon Cub has 50% fewer parts, weighs 300+ pounds less, and climbs at 2,100 FPM vs approximately 700 FPM for a Super Cub. The XCub adds 180hp, modern avionics, and FAA certification. The original Piper Super Cub (out of production since 1994) remains a classic with a huge aftermarket, lower acquisition cost ($60,000-$150,000 used), and romantic heritage. For raw performance, CubCrafters wins. For budget and nostalgia, the Super Cub endures.
Cubcrafters Inventory by Country
| United States | 53 |
| Canada | 2 |
Recently Sold Cubcrafters
| 2025 CARBON CUB EX2.5 | $295,000 |
| 2023 Carbon Cub FX-3 | $409,000 |
| 2009 CC11-160 CARBON CUB SS | $192,500 |
| 2018 FX-3 | $329,000 |