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04.01.2026 - Initial article
The PA-12 Super Cruiser, an evolution of the J-5, is often thought to be a stepping stone to the PA-18, but it possesses some beloved characteristics all its own.
Summary
The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser is an American three-seat, high wing, single-engine conventional landing gear-equipped light aircraft that was produced by Piper Aircraft between 1946-48. The PA-12 was an upgraded and redesignated Piper J-5.
Photos
Model distinctions
There is technically only one model PA-12, but each specimen is individually graded by the number of STCs it's had applied. The 150hp engine STC is the big one, followed by the addition of flaps.
Specifications
This is not required but is certainly appreciated by any who come after you doing their research. Here's a basic suggested list of specs to include:
| Aircraft specs | - |
|---|---|
| Make, Model | |
| Produced | |
| Engine model | |
| Propeller(s) | |
| Landing gear | |
| Tires/wheels/brakes | |
| Wing span | |
| Chord | |
| Length | |
| Wing area | |
| Max gross weight | |
| Approximate Useful load | |
| Fuel capacity |
Notable issues
There are some common performance considerations with some models, as well as some well-documented recurring points of interest that potential buyers should look out for. Lack of or exclusion from popular STCs, for instance.
Modifications
Below are the categories of airframe modifications.
Airframe
| Modification | Applicability | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
Baggage / cargo
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Controls
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Engine
| Modification | Applicability | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|---|
Fuel system
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Landing gear / brakes / tires
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Propeller
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Seating and Restraints
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Skis
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Wings
Adding Flaps
The PA-12 did not originally feature wing flaps, but many have been modified to add them. One route to legally adding flaps is to reference the PA-12 type certificate, item 602:
"Flap installation installed in accordance with Mainair, Inc. (formerly Marden Airways, Inc.), Waterville, Maine, PA-12 Flap Kit No. 1000-M and Installation Instructions dated January 22, 1949."
The PA-14 "Family Cruiser" was based on the PA-12 design, close in almost every specification, but added a 4th seat. It also added flaps.
Below are the drawings from Marden Airways detailing the flap design. This can be installed on a PA-12 with a logbook entry and reference to the PA-12 TCDS.
| Modification | Appoval | Documents/Drawings |
|---|---|---|
| Marden Airways Drawings for installation of PA14 Flaps on PA12 | No STC — approved by Type Certificate reference |  Drawing 1  |
| - | - | Drawing 2  |
| - | - | Drawing 3  |
Thanks to Brian Sparks of Independence, Oregon for providing these.
Windows
| Modification | STC Number | STC Holder |
|---|---|---|
Please cite all sources if possible for information and photos if you compiled using research.
- Written by Zane Jacobson
- Lead photo by Zane Jacobson
This article is a stub. Please help expand it. Suggest other valuable backcountry-oriented options of mods for this aircraft, or send along useful documentation like 337s, manuals, etc.
- 4.1.2026 - Initial post and formatting of article
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