| PA-12 Super Cruiser | |
|---|---|
| PA-12 on skis | |
| Role | Personal use aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft |
| Primary user | private owners |
| Developed from | Piper J-5 |
| Variants | Piper PA-14 |
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.[1]
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When Piper dropped the J- designation system in exchange for the PA- system, the J-5C became the PA-12 "Super Cruiser". The earlier J-5s had been powered by either a 100 hp (75 kW) Lycoming O-235 or a 75 hp (56 kW) Lycoming O-145. The newer PA-12 model was initially powered by a 108 hp (81 kW) Lycoming O-235-C engine, was fully cowled, and had a metal spar wing with two 19 gallon fuel tanks. A Lycoming O-235-C1 engine rated at 115 hp (86 kW) for take-off was optional.[1][2]
The PA-12 is approved for wheels, skis, floats and also for crop spraying.[2]
Cockpit accommodation is provided for the pilot in the front seat and two passengers in the rear seat, side-by-side. Unlike the J-3 Cub the PA-12 is flown solo from the front seat.[1][2]
Many PA-12s have been modified with larger engines. Wing flaps and a metal-skin fuselage can be added as modifications.[2]
In 1947, two PA-12s flew around the world, and the worst mechanical failure they suffered was a cracked tailwheel.
Many PA-12s are still flown and the type is commonly seen in North America. In November 2009 there were still 1688 registered in the USA and 229 in Canada.[1][3][4]
General characteristics
Performance
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