STC Gives CubCrafters Super Cub Gross Weight Boost

Backcountry aircraft manufacturer gains 2,300-pound increase for Piper P-18.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at 01:30 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A modernized 2,300-pound gross weight PA-18 Super Cub on WipLine amphibious floats [Courtesy: CubCrafters]

Key Takeaways:

CubCrafters has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to increase the gross weight of the Piper PA-18 Super Cub to 2,300 pounds.
This STC enables significant enhancements such as modern avionics, constant speed propellers, and tundra tires, increasing the aircraft's useful load, speed, range, and payload for backcountry flying.
The gross weight increase is achieved through structural upgrades like reinforced wings and fuselage, combining six core modifications into a single, simplified STC for easier installation.
The STC is available through CubCrafters' factory overhauls or as a package of required upgraded parts for installation by external third-party aircraft maintainers and restorers.

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CubCrafters, the Yakima, Washington-based builder of popular backcountry aircraft, has received an FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) to increase the gross weight of the Piper PA-18 Super Cub to 2,300 pounds—and that’s just the beginning.

According to Johnny McKinney, CubCrafters’ aircraft maintenance services manager, the gross weight increase will make it possible for SuperCub owners to add modern avionics, a constant speed propeller, tundra tires, or a belly pod.