HangarMath

Piper PA-18 Super Cub

Single Piston · 1949-1994 · 4,200 active US registrations

FAA Registry DataUpdated Mar 2026
Piper PA-18 Super Cub

Piper PA-18 Super Cub

Get Quote

Purchase Price

$30K-$200K

Horsepower

150 hp

Fuel Burn

7.5 gph

Cruise Speed

100 kts

Cost/Hour

$67.00/hr

US Fleet

4,200

Ownership Cost Summary

Purchase

$30K-$200K

Annual Fixed

$5K-$12K

/yr

Hourly Variable

$67.00/hr

/flight hour

5-Year Total

$89K-$325K

Purchase Price$30,000 – $200,000
Annual Fixed Costs$5,115 – $11,540 /yr
Hourly Variable Cost$67.00/hr
Annual Cost (100 hrs/yr)$11,815 – $11,815 /yr
Annual Cost (200 hrs/yr)$18,515 – $18,515 /yr
5-Year Total Cost$89,075 – $324,700

Cost estimates based on published data and industry averages. Actual costs vary by condition, location, usage, and maintenance history.0

Specifications & Engine

Performance

Horsepower150 hp
Cruise Speed100 kts
Max Speed115 kts
Range400 nm
Service Ceiling19,000 ft
Rate of Climb960 fpm
Stall Speed39 kts

Engine & Weights

EngineLycoming O-320-A2B
Engine Typepiston
TBO2,000 hrs
Overhaul Cost$25,000-$35,000
Overhaul Reserve$15.00/hr
Fuel Burn7.5 gph
Fuel Capacity36.0 gal
Max Gross Weight1,750 lbs
Empty Weight1,030 lbs
Useful Load720 lbs
Propfixed

Source: FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet, ENGINE.txt registry. TBO and overhaul costs from industry standard data.

Market Prices by Year

Typical asking prices. Actual prices vary by condition, total time, avionics, and engine time.

1950-1959
$30K
1960-1969
$44K
1970-1979
$62K
1980-1989
$90K
1990-1994
$138K

Similar Single Piston Aircraft

Compare the PA-18 Super Cub to other single piston aircraft.

Insurance Estimates

Annual hull + liability premiums by pilot experience.

new ppl$2,588 – $3,738/yr
experienced$1,915 – $2,340/yr
atp$1,104 – $1,518/yr

Hangared aircraft save 15-30% on premiums

Covered tiedown vs. open tiedown also affects rates.

Get Your Real RateCompare insurance across similar aircraft

Rates are estimates only and vary by hull value, pilot experience, training, location, and carrier. Contact an aviation insurance broker for accurate quotes.

Fuel Cost

7.5 gph at ~$6.50/gal 100LL

$49

/hr

$4,875

100 hrs

$9,750

200 hrs

Prices vary by region. View by state.

Fleet & Registration

4,200

Active US Registrations

Total Produced9,014
Active Fleet %47%

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (active, valid registrations).

More from Piper

View all Piper models

Hangar Cost at Your Airport

Popular Avionics Upgrades

Common avionics upgrades for single piston aircraft. Prices include typical installation.

GPS / Navigator

Garmin GTN 650Xi

Popular

Garmin

$10,800 - $16,000

~20hr install

Avidyne IFD440

Avidyne

$9,000 - $13,000

~14hr install

Avidyne IFD550

Avidyne

$14,000 - $19,000

~16hr install

Garmin GNX 375

Garmin

$6,000 - $8,500

~16hr install

Garmin GTN 750Xi

Garmin

$16,000 - $22,000

~24hr install

Autopilot

Garmin GFC 500

Popular

Garmin

$7,000 - $12,000

~40hr install

TruTrak Vizion

TruTrak (Honeywell)

$6,000 - $9,000

~30hr install

Garmin GFC 600

Garmin

$15,000 - $22,000

~50hr install

Glass Panel / EFIS

Garmin G5

Popular

Garmin

$2,200 - $3,500

~8hr install

Garmin G500 TXi

Garmin

$11,000 - $17,000

~30hr install

Dynon SkyView HDX

Dynon Avionics

$4,500 - $8,000

~20hr install

Aspen EFD1000 Pro MAX

Aspen Avionics

$6,000 - $10,000

~16hr install

Garmin GI 275

Garmin

$3,500 - $5,500

~10hr install

ADS-B Transponder

Garmin GTX 345

Popular

Garmin

$4,500 - $6,500

~12hr install

Appareo Stratus ESG

Appareo

$3,000 - $4,500

~10hr install

uAvionix tailBeaconX

uAvionix

$1,800 - $2,500

~4hr install

L3Harris Lynx NGT-9000

L3Harris

$5,000 - $7,500

~14hr install

Engine Monitor

JPI EDM-930

Popular

JP Instruments

$3,500 - $5,500

~16hr install

Insight G4

Insight Avionics

$2,500 - $4,000

~12hr install

Electronics International MVP-50P

Electronics International

$4,000 - $6,000

~18hr install

JPI EDM-900

JP Instruments

$2,800 - $4,500

~14hr install

Transponder

Garmin GTX 345

Popular

Garmin

$4,500 - $6,500

~12hr install

Garmin GTX 335

Garmin

$3,200 - $4,800

~10hr install

Garmin GTX 345R

Garmin

$4,000 - $6,000

~14hr install

Audio Panel

Garmin GMA 345

Popular

Garmin

$2,800 - $4,000

~8hr install

Garmin GMA 245

Garmin

$1,600 - $2,500

~6hr install

PS Engineering PAR200B

PS Engineering

$2,500 - $3,500

~8hr install

Com Radio

Garmin GTR 225A

Popular

Garmin

$2,500 - $3,500

~8hr install

Garmin GTR 205

Garmin

$2,000 - $3,000

~10hr install

Trig TY96A

Trig Avionics

$2,800 - $4,000

~8hr install

Prices are approximate installed costs and vary by shop, aircraft, and existing wiring. STC approval may be required. Always verify compatibility with your specific airframe.

Find a Maintenance Shop

4,000+ FAA-certified repair stations across all 50 states.

Browse Maintenance Shops

Tools for the Piper PA-18 Super Cub

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Piper PA-18 Super Cub cost?

A Piper PA-18 Super Cub typically sells for $30,000 to $200,000 depending on year, condition, total time, and avionics.

How much does it cost per hour to fly a Piper PA-18 Super Cub?

The variable cost is approximately $67.00/hr, including fuel, oil, and engine reserve.

What is the fuel burn of a Piper PA-18 Super Cub?

Approximately 7.5 gallons per hour at normal cruise.

What are the annual costs of owning a Piper PA-18 Super Cub?

Annual fixed costs run $5,115 to $11,540/yr before fuel and engine reserves.

How much does an engine overhaul cost on a Piper PA-18 Super Cub?

$25,000 to $35,000, TBO of 2,000 hours.

How fast does a Piper PA-18 Super Cub fly?

Cruises at approximately 100 knots with a range of 400 nm.

How many Piper PA-18 Super Cub aircraft are still flying?

There are 4,200 Piper PA-18 Super Cub aircraft with active US registrations according to the FAA Aircraft Registry.

Important Disclaimer

All cost estimates, specifications, and data on HangarMath are provided for informational and educational purposes only. This information does not constitute financial, legal, or aviation safety advice. Aircraft ownership involves significant financial risk, and actual costs can vary dramatically from estimates shown here. Always conduct your own due diligence, hire a qualified A&P/IA mechanic for prebuy inspections, consult with an aviation attorney for purchase agreements, and work with a certified financial advisor before making aircraft purchase decisions. HangarMath makes no warranties about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented. We are not responsible for any financial losses, property damage, personal injury, or death that may result from decisions made based on information found on this site.