General Aviation News

Because flying is cool

Cub tops list of classic aircraft

By · ·

A survey conducted by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of the top classic aircraft shows the Piper J-3 Cub is No. 1.

The survey asked about more than 35 aircraft designed or built prior to Dec. 31, 1960, according to AOPA officials.

The Piper J–3 Cub came out on top with 36.27% of the 2,305 votes, followed by the Beech Model 17 Staggerwing in the No. 2 position with 35.36% of votes.

A Piper J-3 Cub.

Also placing in the top 15:

3. Beechcraft Bonanza

The distinctive V-tailed Bonanza Model 35 was produced from 1947-1982. (Photo by Hayman Tam)

4. Beechcraft 18

5. Aeronca Champ

6: Cessna 195

7. Globe Swift

8. Ryan Navion

9. Spartan Executive

10: Cessna 170

11. Grumman Goose

12. Waco F Series

13. Ercoupe

14. Piper Cherokee

15. Cessna 182.

What do you think? Did the survey get it right? What planes are missing that you think should be on the list?

Put your picks in the comments below.

Reader Interactions

Share this story

Become a better informed pilot.

Join 110,000 readers each month and get the latest news and entertainment from the world of general aviation direct to your inbox, daily.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Curious to know what fellow pilots think on random stories on the General Aviation News website? Click on our Recent Comments page to find out. Read our Comment Policy here.

Comments

  1. 1949-51 Cessna 140A. 525 built
    1946 -48 Cessna 120 & Cessna 140
    Over 8000 built
    One of the best training aircraft of the Classic era

  3. I think the Cessna 210B would be the best early 60s aircraft barr none. They are still good usable aircraft today. Best for the money today.

  4. Not in the upper range, but far more versatile than some of the others. the Stinson 108 Series is a beautiful and nice handling aircraft. I owned a 108-3 for over 20 years and always got complimentary comments by everyone who saw it. It had been upgraded with a Lycoming 190 HP engine.which gave it a little better performance. Manufactured right after WWII until 1949, it’s definitely a great Classic.

  5. I have a 1946 J-3 Cub, it would be on top of my list, but my Comanche PA24 would be in the top 15 some place.

  8. Scratch the Cherokee and 182 and add a Howard DGA-15 and a Fairchild Model 45. Two real classics from a classic era.

    And how could a deHavilland Beaver not be on the list? Or any of the classic bush planes from the early days besides the Goose?

  9. You guys apparently just went by the number of aircraft produced. The Interstate Aircraft Company of Mines field (Now known as KLAX) in El Segundo California
    produced just over 300 Interstate S-1A Cadets in the months after Pearl Harbor.
    Cadets were powered by the same engine as the Piper Cubs (Cont A-65-8), but we’re faster, easier to maintain and stronger than the Cubs. They handled much better and are simply a delight to fly. There is an EAA group/Type club that provides technical expertise and social activities.
    E.Miller (serial# 254) NC 37411 Fort Worth/Dallas Texas.

    • TriPacer? Are you kidding? I learned to fly in aPiper Colt but that doesn’t make it a great airplane even though it was a good trainer!

  11. Considering it’s length of service, how about the Cessna 172. Not an antique, but almost.

    • I agree based on the length of production and use alone the C-172, first full year of production 1956, should be on this list.

  15. I think the Cessna 180 should be on the list rather than the Cessna 170 even though the 170 is a pretty good airplane!

    • Have to admit that I may be somewhat biased, since I am lucky enough to own a 1945 J-3 and a 1953 C-170B