Piper Super Cub

In Alaska, remote parts of the state are known as "The Bush," and Bush Pilots fly into and out of these isolated places, providing a vital lifeline by helping in emergencies, carrying supplies for hunters and adventurers, and delivering mail to villages. The first Piper Cubs were built in the early 1930's and quickly became popular with Alaska Bush Pilots because of their outstanding wing design and very light weight. When the first Super Cub was introduced in the 1950's, Piper increased the engine size to a 150 HP engine while keeping the basic body of the plane much the same. Although production ended in the 1980's, thousands of Super Cubs are still in Alaska, and they remain the preferred plane for the most remote and difficult landing strips. A 1956 PA-18 Super Cub had a frame made of extremely lightweight Chrome-Molly tubing that weighed only 175 pounds, and its skin was a thin sheet of fabric with a special coating. The average weight of a fully equipped Super Cub was 1100 pounds. It could be fitted with skis in winter, pontoons in summer, or tundra tires for landing on very rough terrain. Despite many advances in aviation over the years, the Piper Super Cub remains a favorite and the trademark plane of Alaska Bush Pilots.

Chena Ridge, Alaska · United States