Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1946 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser is a three-seat high-wing light aircraft introduced in 1946 as Piper's first postwar civilian design, offering more room and power than the wartime J-3 Cub while retaining the simplicity and affordability that made Piper famous. It bridged the gap between the Cub and the four-seat PA-14 Family Cruiser.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.96 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Three-seat high-wing fabric-covered light aircraft, enlarged from the PA-11 Cub
- Tandem-plus-side-by-side-rear seating with wide windows and high visibility cabin
- Continental or Lycoming engine in a cowled nose; classic postwar bush plane
A classic high-wing fabric-covered Piper with a rounded Cub-style fuselage, large side windows, a cowled nose engine, and a conventional tail — wider and roomier than the J-3 Cub but recognisably from the same family.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser has a length of 6.96 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 10.8 m (35 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 2 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Introduced immediately after World War II to capitalise on the anticipated boom in personal aviation, the PA-12 was aimed at pilots wanting more than a two-seat trainer. Production ran until 1948, with 3,759 aircraft built, and the type remains popular on the used market and for float conversions.
Variants
The PA-12 was offered with various engine options; it was succeeded by the PA-14 Family Cruiser (four seats). Float-equipped versions are common on the bush-flying market.
Where you'll see it
Widely used for personal and utility flying across North America and beyond; popular in Alaska and Canada on floats. Not a military type.
Related aircraft
- Piper PA-15 Vagabond
- Piper L-21B Super Cub
- Piper NE-2
- Piper PA-20 Pacer
- Aeronca 11 Chief
- Avia Av-36 Bojar
- Avions Fairey Belfair
- Castel C-310P
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