CubCrafters' STC Boosts Piper Super Cub's Weight and Performance

To our aviation media friends,



This is really big news-CubCrafters is excited to announce the public
availability of its FAA-certified Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that
increases the gross weight of the legendary Piper PA-18 Super Cub to 2,300
lbs.-a more than 30% boost over the original specification. For years,
CubCrafters has been quietly working with industry partners like Lycoming,
Hartzell, and Garmin to improve the PA-18. Now, those interested in a full
overhaul of this classic aircraft can access a fully FAA-approved
modernization that increases its speed, range, and payload-modifications
that, along with modern avionics, bring the aircraft's utility and safety up
to par with newer, more modern designs.



CubCrafters has done the professional engineering work to ensure that the
package of STCs we offer are complementary to each other-meaning they do not
conflict, interfere, or create safety issues when installed together.
Normally it is the responsibility of a shop or technician installing
multiple STCs to ensure compatibility. In this case, however, CubCrafters
has received the FAA's approval to combine six core modifications-a 180 HP
engine, vortex generators, extended landing gear, heavy-duty tailwheel,
stronger wings, and a reinforced fuselage-into a single STC that enables the
gross weight increase. For third party installers, this eliminates the
uncertainty and risk normally associated with stacking multiple STCs from
different providers.



A gallery of editorial-use images is available here: Dropbox Image Gallery
<https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/8xw1tizchy7qspp86dg4i/AD2TYh-XaUHMWNKgSUMl7D
Q?rlkey=9p9u836m07wj14e76qlpsg8e6&st=89y0phoq&dl=0>



This is the only STC in existence that offers a 2,300 lb GW for a certified
AP-18 Super Cub, and it is only available through CubCrafters. We will have
the 2,300 lb amphibious PA-18 (pictured in the gallery) at our booth at EAA
AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, from July 21-27. Please stop by and check it out
in person! In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions.



The Super Cub has been the light aircraft workhorse of backcountry aviation
for 70+ years, and this is the first real modernization program in decades.
We appreciate any media coverage your organization can offer!



Sincerely,



Brad Damm - Vice President

CubCrafters - Yakima, Washington

Office: (509) 248-9491

Cell: (509) 961-2313





This document may contain confidential and proprietary information and may
not be copied or distributed without written permission from the sender or
CubCrafters. Copyright C 2025 CubCrafters Group LLC.




To our aviation media friends,
This is really big news—CubCrafters is excited to announce the public availability of its FAA-certified Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) that increases the gross weight of the legendary Piper PA-18 Super Cub to 2,300 lbs.—a more than 30% boost over the original specification. For years, CubCrafters has been quietly working with industry partners like Lycoming, Hartzell, and Garmin to improve the PA-18. Now, those interested in a full overhaul of this classic aircraft can access a fully FAA-approved modernization that increases its speed, range, and payload—modifications that, along with modern avionics, bring the aircraft’s utility and safety up to par with newer, more modern designs.
CubCrafters has done the professional engineering work to ensure that the package of STCs we offer are complementary to each other—meaning they do not conflict, interfere, or create safety issues when installed together. Normally it is the responsibility of a shop or technician installing multiple STCs to ensure compatibility. In this case, however, CubCrafters has received the FAA’s approval to combine six core modifications—a 180 HP engine, vortex generators, extended landing gear, heavy-duty tailwheel, stronger wings, and a reinforced fuselage—into a single STC that enables the gross weight increase. For third party installers, this eliminates the uncertainty and risk normally associated with stacking multiple STCs from different providers.
A gallery of editorial-use images is available here: Dropbox Image Gallery
This is the only STC in existence that offers a 2,300 lb GW for a certified AP-18 Super Cub, and it is only available through CubCrafters. We will have the 2,300 lb amphibious PA-18 (pictured in the gallery) at our booth at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI, from July 21–27. Please stop by and check it out in person! In the meantime, feel free to contact me with any questions.
The Super Cub has been the light aircraft workhorse of backcountry aviation for 70+ years, and this is the first real modernization program in decades. We appreciate any media coverage your organization can offer!
Sincerely,
Brad Damm – Vice President
CubCrafters - Yakima, Washington
Office: (509) 248-9491
Cell: (509) 961-2313
This document may contain confidential and proprietary information and may not be copied or distributed without written permission from the sender or CubCrafters. Copyright © 2025 CubCrafters Group LLC.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / 06-24-2025 Media Contact: brad.damm@cubcrafters.com

PRESS RELEASE

CUBCRAFTERS ANNOUNCES AVAILABILITY
OF 30% GROSS WEIGHT INCREASE STC FOR
PIPER PA- 18 SUPER CUB S






















A modernized 2,300 lb. gross weight PA -18 Super Cub on WipLine amphibious floats – Photo courtesy of CubCrafters

Yakima, WA – June 10, 2025 — CubCrafters, the leading manufacturer and restorer of
backcountry aircraft, is proud to announce the public availability of its Supplemental Type
Certificate (STC) that increases the gross weight of the Piper PA- 18 Super Cub to 2,300 lbs.

Originally obtained by CubCrafters in 2007 and updated in 2012, this STC has previously been used primarily for in-house work, but now the company is reaching out with the upgrade to the
broader market for inclusion in more Super Cub restorations and overhauls than ever before .

“This STC was a critical part of our internal certification program for the Top Cub almost two decades ago,” said Brad Damm, CubCrafters Vice President. “Given the increasing demand for performance enhancements in legacy Super Cubs, we believe the time is right to make this
valuable capability more easily available to qualified aircraft owners, operators, and shops.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / 06-24-2025 “Our mission has always been to blend innovation with heritage,” added Patrick Horgan,
CubCrafters President and CEO. “We’re committed to giving classic aircraft like the Super Cub new life by applying modern engineering solutions that significantly enhanc e performance,
safety, and mission capability.”

The STC increases the certified gross weight of eligible PA- 18 aircraft from 1,750 lbs. to 2,300
lbs., offering more than a 30% boost in payload capacity —an enhancement that is particularly
attractive to backcountry pilots and operators who depend on every available pound for gear,
fuel, and safety margins. Float -equipped aircraft owners will also find this STC very appealing,
as the increased legal useful load makes it feasible to comfortably carry two people, fuel, and
baggage —something often difficult or impossible under the Super Cub’s previous weight limits.

Extensive overhaul work is required for the aircraft to be eligible for the 2,300 lb. gross weight
increase , including a structurally upgraded airframe, new wing s and landing gear assemblies, a
180 HP engine with a stronger engine mount, and specialized aerodynamic devices like tail
strakes and vortex generators. These enhancements were designed and tested to modernize
Piper’s original Super Cub design, increasing both performance and safety.

CubCrafters is offer ing this STC to interested customers as part of total aircraft overhauls done
through its own factory Services department in Yakima, WA, but also intends to package the
STC with the required structurally upgraded parts and assemblies for use by external third -party
aircraft maintainers and restorers.

Johnny McKinney, CubCrafters ’ Aircraft Maintenance Services Manager, notes that m ost other
popular Super Cub STCs are complementary to the 2,300 lb. GW increase STC. “Our customers
will often incorporate modern avionics, a constant speed propeller, tundra tires, or a belly pod
as part of their overhaul project — all of which can also be incorporated into a 2,300 lb. gross
weight Super Cub project.”

Owners interested in upgrading their aircraft with the STC can contact CubCrafters Services in
Yakima, WA for eligibility details, pricing, and installation requirements.

ABOUT CUBCRAFTERS

Founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, CubCrafters has its roots in classic grassroots aviation
history while delivering modern, innovative aircraft. We design and manufacture Experimental,
LSA, and Certified planes known for exceptional backcountry performance. Our Carbon Cub
family redefines the flying experience with advanced materials, powerful engines, and modern design. The flagship XCub expands backcountry capability with greater speed, range, and payload than others in its class. We modernize classic airc raft designs with cutting -edge
engineering, lighter composites, upgraded avionics, and improved safety —combining tradition
with top- tier performance. Our newest UL -class aircraft brings next -gen engine and airframe
tech to the field, minimizing environmental impact without sacrificing capability. The key to our
success is delivering unmatched value in personal adventure aviation.


https://cubcrafters.com/
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