Hey all looking for some guidance. New member but commercial pilot. Looking to buy my first airplane. I’d like a backcountry airplane but don’t have the monies for a super cub. I’m looking at a super cruiser but I’m open to any suggestions that will perform as close to a super cub as possible without the cost. I know I may not get all the performance but I’m just looking for something to carry me plus one and gear in and out of smaller airstrips.

Thanks in advance

PA12's are great planes

You can pick up a nice Maule for under 100K.

Bellanca Scout, great value for the dollar I think or a hopped up short wing Piper and that's from a very happy 170B driver

A Bellanca 7GCBC. Great planes that are very underrated. Can do some aerobatics with them as well.

What is your budget?

Welcome.

Shortwing Pipers do a lot of things pretty good. Especially with only two people and bags. And they’re really affordable.

150hp PA-12 with flaps is a wonderful airplane. Almost as good a performer as a PA-18, but much more room and a bit faster.-Great bang for the buck and inexpensive to operate and maintain.

Thanks everyone this is great! I wasn’t expecting so many replies. $100k is too much for me. I’d like to keep whatever I get under 50 which I know most likely won’t get me much. I found a pa-12 with the 150hp engine but I’m not sure if it has flaps or not. It’s listed for $35k so I’m relying on you all to tell me if that’s a price I should stay away from. I’m going to look at the bellancas a little closer as well. I’d love to get a 170b but those are getting pricey as well.

As much as I loved my 7GCBC, for two adults and gear on a budget I'd go with a Pacer. Useful load is somewhat limited on the 7GCBC. Super fun plane for one adult and a kid with gear though.

Until very recently I had a lowly 115hp PA-12 with flaps along with my Maule. The -12 was a Gas! The flaps allowed it to do everything I wanted. With a 0-320 it would be the ticket. The room in the back is just fantastic for that economic of an airplane.
26” Goodyear’s and a climb pitch prop gave me 107 mph consistently straight and level down low. All went pear shaped up high tho, just “normal” SC cruise speeds.

Are you willing to look at a homebuilt? Avid Flyers are pretty cheap, as are older Kitfoxes.

kenegetz wrote:Thanks everyone this is great! I wasn’t expecting so many replies. $100k is too much for me. I’d like to keep whatever I get under 50 which I know most likely won’t get me much. I found a pa-12 with the 150hp engine but I’m not sure if it has flaps or not. It’s listed for $35k so I’m relying on you all to tell me if that’s a price I should stay away from. I’m going to look at the bellancas a little closer as well. I’d love to get a 170b but those are getting pricey as well.

Frankly, a PA 12 for that price is PROBABLY a project. Good ones are going for a LOT more than that.

At your price point and mission, I too would recommend a good short wing Piper (Pacer or Tri Pacer) or a Stinson.

A Citabria is a great airplane, but you’ll have to really watch useful load with loads as stated. Same goes for PA 12.

And if you’re a commercial pilot, you probably want to stay legal to protect that piece of plastic.....

MTV

kenegetz wrote:Thanks everyone this is great! I wasn’t expecting so many replies. $100k is too much for me. I’d like to keep whatever I get under 50 which I know most likely won’t get me much. I found a pa-12 with the 150hp engine but I’m not sure if it has flaps or not. It’s listed for $35k so I’m relying on you all to tell me if that’s a price I should stay away from. I’m going to look at the bellancas a little closer as well. I’d love to get a 170b but those are getting pricey as well.

Many times the cheapest airplane/car/motorcycle/boat/house is the most expensive.

Consider a straight tail 182, incredibly capable airplane at a reasonable price.

Kurt

I definitely have to stay legal, and safe so nothing I’ll be flying into will be too risky. Bummer about the price on that pa12. I figured it was too good to be true. I still might ask for more info and pictures to check it out a little more.
Sounds like I need to start looking more at short wing pipers and I’m also liking the idea of a straight tail 182. I’m not opposed to home builds I’m just not familiar with what’s out there.

kenegetz wrote:I definitely have to stay legal, and safe so nothing I’ll be flying into will be too risky. Bummer about the price on that pa12. I figured it was too good to be true. I still might ask for more info and pictures to check it out a little more.
Sounds like I need to start looking more at short wing pipers and I’m also liking the idea of a straight tail 182. I’m not opposed to home builds I’m just not familiar with what’s out there.

Oh I’d definitely look closer at that 12. Just be very skeptical, and prepared to walk or run away.

There are still deals out there occasionally. Just be careful.

MTV

I am not very far from you, in Butte Montana, so I invite you to hop on the interstate and come down to take a look at my Pacer to see what is possible. Mine is a superb example, an original Pacer, total rebuild in 2007 absolutely beautiful, about 300 SMOH, O -320 150hp with Sutton exhaust (no AD, more power), VGs, light starter, oil filter, ADS-B in and out, no tread light weight Desser 8:50X6 tires, ABW tail wheel, climb prop, cruise at 125mph, back seat out for camping gear, strobe wing tips, VFR. I am not trying to sell this to you, but it will give you a good example of what to look for. If I were trying to sell it, I would not accept less than $45,000. That is a high price for a Pacer, but this is not an average Pacer. Let me know if you would like to see it. PM or phone:406-565-9583
Charles

It's not a super cub, but I love my C120 w/O290D. It was relatively cheap, easy maintenance and with a few small upgrades I've been able to get my feet wet in backcountry flying.

hamer wrote:It's not a super cub, but I love my C120 w/O290D. It was relatively cheap, easy maintenance and with a few small upgrades I've been able to get my feet wet in backcountry flying.

IMG_2945 (1).jpg

Read his post which described his mission. Then read the one about staying legal.

MTV