I have regularly been asked by people considering buying an aircraft, “What’s a good plane?”
I half-jokingly respond many times, “The good ones are the ones they still make.”
And there is some truth in this. Planes that were weird, had bad designs, didn’t haul much, had complicated or hard-to-maintain systems often didn’t get continued production runs. But that isn’t the whole truth. There have been some great planes that simply didn’t keep getting built due to economic reasons, factories that got hit by hurricanes, or were simply built at the wrong time for what the market desired.
A few of these stick out to me as planes that I really wish were made again, because I think there would be a market for them now if they could be made at an economic price that fits the market.
These classics weren’t just machines; they were masterpieces of engineering that struck an exquisite balance between performance, served a specific mission, had reliability, were cost-effective, or simply offered sheer flying pleasure.
I can’t help but imagine what updated versions of these proven platforms with modern avionics, maybe some composite materials for lighter weight, or even more efficient engine options to meet contemporary standards, while preserving their core strengths, might look like.
With that, here are a few that I wish we could have made again.
Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
Regarded by many as the finest iteration in the storied Cub lineage, the Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser excelled in weight and balance, offering a blend of simplicity and capability that begs for a modern revival. Born in the immediate post-World War II era, production commenced in 1946 as an upgrade to the J-5 Cub Cruiser, incorporating a more powerful 100- to 115-horsepower Lycoming O-235 engine, enclosed cowling for better aerodynamics, and a metal-spar wing design with dual 19-gallon fuel tanks for extended range. Over its short run until 1948, Piper manufactured 3,760 units, with factories in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, and Ponca City, Oklahoma, churning them out to meet booming civilian demand. Many survive today, often retrofitted with floats, skis, or larger propellers, underscoring their adaptability.
Key specifications underscore its prowess: a wingspan of 35 feet 5.5 inches, length of 22 feet 10 inches, and propeller ground clearance of 8 inches on standard gear. Empty weight hovered around 950 pounds, with a gross weight of 1,750 pounds, providing a useful load of approximately 800 pounds—impressive for a light utility aircraft. Performance included a cruise speed of 105 mph, maximum speed of 115 mph, and a stall speed as low as 49 mph with flaps, enabling exceptional STOL operations. A good rate of climb and a service ceiling of 15,000 feet, and it was certified for various configurations, including seaplane operations.
The PA-12’s weight and balance were masterfully engineered, with a forward center of gravity that enhanced stability during low-speed maneuvers, and the option for solo piloting from the front seat in its three-place configuration (tandem rear bench – realistically two seat, but a big enough back seat to comfortably fit a bigger person in the back). This setup outperformed earlier Cubs like the J-3, which felt cramped and less balanced with passengers, and even the later PA-18 Super Cub, which, while capable, was heavier and more expensive to produce.
In today’s backcountry flying boom—fueled by social media adventurers and eco-tourism—a revived PA-12 could shine with modern updates. I consider the PA-12 a representative of the essence of pure flying: uncomplicated, capable, rugged, and joyous. Continue reading
It is becoming more common to find “pictures” drawn from ADS-B flight tracks posted on social media sites. In some cases, the pictures are commemorative, bringing attention to charities, or drawing innocent pictures. But that isn’t always the case. Some pilots choose to allow more immature impulses to take over and draw pictures of things such as phallic items.
As pilots and aircraft owners, we cherish the freedom of flight—the ability to soar above the clouds, escape the daily grind, and reach destinations that ground-bound travelers can only dream of. Yet, this privilege comes with profound responsibilities. To keep ourselves and our passengers safe.