Piper PA-18 Super Cub
Last updated: 2026-04-21
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a two-seat, fabric-covered tailwheel aircraft powered by a 150 hp Lycoming O-320, the de-facto standard for tailwheel endorsements and short-field bush-flying training across Europe. It is a workhorse of European EASA general-aviation training fleets, used at both DTO and ATO operators for hour-building and rating progression. Its straightforward piston single-engine layout is ideal for early SEP rating training.
What is the Piper PA-18 Super Cub used for in flight training?
The Super Cub's tailwheel configuration demands precise rudder coordination during ground operations, teaching crosswind techniques that transfer to all subsequent types. Its tandem seating and clear forward visibility allow instructors to observe student inputs precisely from the rear seat. The lightweight airframe and powerful engine give impressive short-field performance, ideal for instruction on soft grass strips common in European GA. Pilots who earn their tailwheel endorsement on the Super Cub consistently report improved rudder discipline on all subsequent types.