This 2021 CubCrafters NXCub Is a STOL-Designed ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Modern adventurer bridges gap between extreme performance and cross-country convenience.

FLYING Staff

Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at 10:35 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

2021 CubCrafters NXCub [Credit: Aerista]

Key Takeaways:

Aircraft For Sale's "Today's Top Pick" is a 2021 CubCrafters NXCub, praised for its unique approach to backcountry flying with a robust trailing-link nose gear.
Powered by a 215 hp Lycoming engine, it offers impressive STOL capabilities (120 ft takeoff) and cruise speeds up to 150 mph, with the option to convert to a taildragger.
This low-time (275 hours) aircraft is meticulously maintained, features advanced Garmin G3X Touch avionics, and is equipped for remote strips with new Alaskan Bushwheel tires.
Listed at $479,900, it presents a turnkey opportunity to acquire a versatile STOL aircraft and skip factory waitlists.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 2021 CubCrafters NXCub.

For years, the backcountry has been the exclusive domain of the taildragger, but the NXCub represents a fundamental shift in that philosophy. Engineered for pilots who want the legendary performance of a Carbon Cub without the ground-loop anxiety of a conventional gear aircraft, the NXCub utilizes a robust trailing-link nose gear to tackle unimproved strips with confidence.

This particular airframe is a pristine, low-time example of the breed. With only 275 total flight hours since new, it has been meticulously maintained and recently underwent a fresh condition inspection in November 2025. Cloaked in a striking “firecracker red” paint scheme with carbon-fiber accents, the aircraft features pulse lights for enhanced visibility and a custom rudder that ensures it stands out on any ramp.

A 215 hp Lycoming CC393i powerhouse is at the heart of the aircraft and was developed specifically to maximize the NXCub’s power-to-weight ratio. This fuel-injected beast is paired with a 76-inch Hartzell Trailblazer composite constant-speed propeller, a combination that delivers impressive cruise speeds of up to 150 mph while maintaining the ability to leap off the ground in as little as 120 feet.

For those who occasionally crave a more traditional experience, this airframe is also easily convertible back to a taildragger configuration with a factory options package.

2021 CubCrafters NXCub [Credit: Aerista]

Despite the backcountry expertise, the NXCub’s avionics suite holds its own. Anchored by the Garmin G3X Touch glass panel, this setup provides full situational awareness with Synthetic Vision, integrated engine monitoring, and a Garmin G5 standby attitude indicator. Modern airspace compliance is handled by a Garmin GTX 345R transponder for ADS-B In and Out, while a Garmin GMC 307 autopilot allows the pilot to relax during cross-country transits.

Equipped with brand-new 26-inch Alaskan Bushwheel tires on the mains and a heavy-duty, 8-by 6-nose tire, this Cub is ready for immediate deployment to the most remote strips in the Southwest.

Listed at $479,900, this 2021 CubCrafters NXCub represents a turnkey opportunity to skip the long factory waitlist and secure one of the most versatile STOL aircraft on the market.

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.