Piper PA-11 Cub Special Aircraft (PA-11)

The Piper PA-11 Cub Special is a refined postwar development of the J-3 Cub, built from 1947 to 1949. A fully cowled engine, relocated fuel tank and solo flying from the front seat set it apart from the J-3, and engines up to 90-100 hp gave it noticeably better performance. The PA-11 is a sought-after classic taildragger that bridges the J-3 and the later Super Cub.

Piper PA-11 Cub Special aircraft for sale

2 used Piper PA-11 Cub Special aircraft for sale · 2-seat · Reference price ~$65,000 ($40,000–$110,000) · updated 2026-07-06

Piper PA-11 Cub Special Specifications

Model spec

The Piper PA-11 Cub Special is a 2-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 75 kt (139 km/h), a range of 275 nm (509 km), and a useful load of 500 lbs (227 kg).

Performance
Cruise75 kt (139 km/h)
Range275 nm (509 km)
Service Ceiling12,000 ft (3,658 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineContinental A65-8
Horsepower65 HP
Fuel Burn4.5 GPH (17 L/h)
ICAO TypePA11
Weights & Seats
Seats2
Useful Load500 lbs (227 kg)
Production1947–1954

Piper PA-11 Cub Special for Sale

Piper PA-11 Cub Special asking prices range from $40,000 to $77,500, with a median of $58,750 (market reference $65,000).

$40,000
For Sale
Reg# N672CC US
Location Acton, CA
$77,500
For Sale
Total Time 310
Reg# N527RD US
Location Aguila, AZ

Compare Piper PA-11 Cub Special

Detailed comparisons for the Piper PA-11 Cub Special are being prepared.

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Piper PA-11 Cub Special Price & Cost

How much does a Piper PA-11 Cub Special cost? Used PA-11 Cub Special prices: $40K – $77K, average $58K (median $58K); market reference $65K, across 2 priced of 2 active listings.

Piper PA-11 Cub Special Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Piper PA-11 Cub Special Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (4.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$2,790/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Piper PA-11 Cub Special

When buying a Piper PA-11 Cub Special, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.

What to check before buying

  • Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
  • Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
  • Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Piper PA-11 Cub Special

How much does a used Piper PA-11 Cub Special cost?
As a desirable postwar Cub, the PA-11 holds value well. See the live price range and median above; fabric, engine time, originality and any STOL or float setup affect pricing.
How is the PA-11 different from the J-3 Cub?
The PA-11 Cub Special has a fully enclosed engine cowling, a wing fuel tank, solo flight from the front seat and more horsepower, giving it better looks and performance than the earlier J-3 Cub while keeping the same classic tandem layout.

Piper PA-11 Cub Special Inventory by Country

United States2

Piper PA-11 Cub Special by Decade

2010s1

Piper PA-11 Cub Special Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Piper PA-11 Cub Special. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 2026-07-06 · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data