PIPER
J3 CUB
PIPER J3 CUB
SPECIFICATIONS
The Piper J3 Cub is a living piece of aviation history — and one of the most effective training tools available. Built in 1945, this iconic yellow taildragger teaches the stick-and-rudder fundamentals that make pilots smooth, precise, and confident in any aircraft. Instructor required and included in the hourly rate.
Why fly the Cub? Tricycle-gear aircraft hide rudder mistakes. The J3 Cub doesn’t. Tailwheel training demands proper coordination on every takeoff, landing, and crosswind — skills that carry over to every aircraft you’ll ever fly. Many pilots say it’s the best training investment they made.
| Year | 1945 |
| Make & Model | Piper J3 Cub |
| Registration | N98349 |
| Based At | Philip Billard Municipal Airport (KTOP), Topeka, KS |
| Gear Configuration | Conventional (Tailwheel / Taildragger) |
| Instructor Policy | CFI required at all times — included in hourly rate |
| Engine | Continental A-65 (65hp) |
| Cruise Speed | ~65 mph (57 kts) |
| Stall Speed | ~38 mph (33 kts) |
| Best Rate of Climb | ~450 fpm sea level |
| Service Ceiling | ~11,500 ft MSL |
| Fuel Capacity | 9 gallons |
| Fuel Burn | ~4 gph |
| Range | ~200 miles |
| Instruments | Basic VFR — airspeed, altimeter, compass, tach |
| Radio | Handheld / portable comm radio |
| Transponder | Not installed — Mode C transponder waiver |
| IFR Equipped | No — VFR day only |
| Controls | Stick (not yoke) — tandem dual controls |
| Brakes | Heel brakes |
| Endorsement Earned | Tailwheel / Conventional Gear Endorsement (61.31) |
| Recommended For | All certificate levels — any pilot wanting better stick and rudder |
| Minimum Certificate | Student Pilot or higher (with CFI) |
| CFI Policy | Instructor always on board — included in rate |
| Billing | Hobbs time per hour + Kansas tax. CFI included. |
OUR FULL FLEET
J3 Cub Tailwheel Training in Topeka
J3 Cub tailwheel training at Top Aviation Services takes place in N98349, our 1945 Piper J3 Cub based at Philip Billard Municipal Airport (KTOP). The rate is $165 per hour plus tax with the instructor included, and the Cub is flown for tailwheel instruction only.
Earn Your Tailwheel Endorsement
To act as pilot in command of a tailwheel airplane, the FAA requires a one-time logbook endorsement under 14 CFR 61.31(i). Training covers normal and crosswind takeoffs and landings, wheel landings, and go-around procedures until you are proficient.
Learn From a Tailwheel Specialist
Your J3 Cub tailwheel training is led by Justin T. Coletti, our General Manager and a Certified Sport Pilot Flight Instructor who specializes in the Cub. Meet the full team to see every instructor’s credentials.
Make Every Airplane Easier to Fly
The coordination you build in the Cub carries over to every aircraft you fly next, including our Cessna 172M and Van’s RV-12iS. See all of our flight training programs or call 785-251-3325 to book your first tailwheel lesson.