Piper Supercub PA18-150

THE trouble with old aeroplanes is that they’re, well, old. If they had a hard life in a military role, then they’re more than likely tired and have odd modifications, such as rocket launchers and weird radios.

That’s certainly the case when these ex-Israeli Army Piper Supercubs arrive at Alan Lovejoy’s workshop just a few minutes from Popham Airfield. But when they leave a few months later, having been completely remanufactured, they’re immaculate.

The aircraft we flew was just that, finished in stunning Cub Yellow. Every inch of the aircraft had been restored, taken back to the bare metal frame, cleaned, resprayed and recovered. Every fastener was new, the floorboards replaced, and the seats re-upholstered. Inside the two-seat tandem cockpit, the instruments had been reconditioned by CSE or replaced, switches and facias renovated, knobs, pedals and control stick cleaned to look like new. “Basically they arrive scruff y but serviceable,” said Alan. “We completely rebuild them.” And take off the rocket mounts.

We flew with Chris Thompson, who has the job of test-flying the completed aircraft, initially from a 60-yard long patch of grass outside the workshop, round the corner to Popham. This Supercub had the full set of perspex windows, including the roof panel, so visibility was superb. Takeoff was typical tailwheel: forward with the stick as soon as you’re moving, tail up, and within seconds we were airborne using just the tiniest part of Popham’s grass.

We climbed to 3000ft so Chris could check the transponder operation with nearby Odiham, then performed some gentle stalls and steep turns. The Supercub stalls at 43kt clean, 39-40kt with one stage of flap but a full flap stall is so slow that the ASI is inaccurate with so little airflow. The aircraft is hugely enjoyable in turns, reacting instantly and precisely to stick and rudder inputs.

This aircraft had been sold, so Chris made the landing back at Popham, while I just looked around the cockpit, surprised at how well-equipped the aircraft was. It had a full set of instruments, a Bendix King KY97A radio and KT76A transponder, and a GPS power socket. It was comfortable too, and behind the rear seat was a large baggage area with a 50lb weight limit.

Ten of these Supercubs are still going through the remanufacture process. The price depends upon the final spec – this one did not have a cockpit intercom, for instance – and also what register it’s going on, US, UK or wherever. One has even been sold to the Serengeti Nature Reserve to patrol for poachers.

 Piper Supercub PA18-150
PERFORMANCE
Max speed 113kt
Cruise speed 100kt
Stall speed 43kt (clean)

SPECIFICATIONS
Engine Lycoming O-320 producing 150hp
TTAF 3168
TTE 1781 TSO 316
Year built 1982

PRICE
From US$75,000

SELLER
David Glass
T: 01256 393515 W: www.pipersupercub.co.uk