Cubcrafters Aircraft
22 used Cubcrafters aircraft listings · $184,900–$590,000 · last refreshed 1 hour ago
About Cubcrafters Aircraft Company
CubCrafters reinvented the classic Piper Cub for the modern backcountry era — light, powerful, STOL taildraggers with composite and modern-metal construction, big tyres and short-field performance that the original Cub never had. The **Carbon Cub** (in LSA, Sport and EX kit forms) is the hero — a sub-1,000-lb-empty, ~180 hp two-seater with eye-watering short-field numbers. The **XCub** is the larger, certified, higher-useful-load flagship; the **NXCub** adds a nosewheel (tricycle) option to the XCub line. CubCrafters are the benchmark for modern bush flying. There are currently 22 used CubCrafters aircraft for sale.
Cubcrafters Aircraft for Sale
Price $184,900–$590,000
Cubcrafters Aircraft Price & Cost
How much does a Cubcrafters aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Cubcrafters aircraft (also known as Cubcrafters choppers or Cubcrafters helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.
| Type | Model | Used price range | Op cost / hr | Annual fixed | Overhaul cost | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Engine Piston | $289,000–$329,000 | — | — | — | 2 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $349,900–$399,000 | — | — | — | 3 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $184,900–$320,000 | — | — | — | 7 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $395,000–$590,000 | — | — | — | 5 | |
| Single Engine Piston | $419,900–$525,000 | $120 | $16,000/yr | $28,000 | 5 |
The cost of a Cubcrafters aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.
Cubcrafters Models
Single Engine Piston
Cubcrafters Models — Specifications
Model spec| Model | Years | Seats | Cruise | Range | Useful load | Listings for sale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | — | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 390 nm (722 km) | — | 25 | |
| — | — | — | — | — | 3 | |
| 2009–now | — | 96 kts (178 km/h) | 390 nm (722 km) | — | 7 | |
| 2016–now | — | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 695 nm (1,287 km) | — | 5 | |
| 2020–now | 2 | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 520 nm (963 km) | — | 5 | |
| — | — | 126 kts (233 km/h) | 700 nm (1,296 km) | — | 14 |
Compare Cubcrafters Aircraft
vs. Competitors (6 of 9)
Showing the most-searched matchups. Open a model or family page for its full set of comparisons, or browse all comparisons.
Frequently Asked Questions — Cubcrafters
CubCrafters XCub vs Carbon Cub — what is the difference?
The XCub is a FAA Part 23 type-certified aircraft (standard airworthiness certificate, easier to finance and insure, higher resale value). The Carbon Cub is an experimental/amateur-built kit (lighter, more customizable, requires builder involvement). Performance is similar, but the Carbon Cub has approximately 50% fewer parts and weighs 300+ pounds less than a comparably equipped Super Cub. The XCub cruises faster (150 mph), has a higher useful load (nearly 1,000 lbs), and features modern pushrod ailerons. Choose the XCub for certified simplicity; the Carbon Cub for ultimate lightweight performance.
How much does a CubCrafters XCub cost?
A new CubCrafters XCub starts at approximately $350,000-$400,000 depending on configuration and options. The Carbon Cub FX-3 kit starts around $230,000 for the complete kit, with finished flying examples costing $280,000-$350,000. Used XCubs hold value extremely well due to limited annual production and high demand. CubCrafters has a growing waitlist. On AeroGurus, CubCrafters listings average approximately $349,500.
Is the CubCrafters XCub good for backcountry flying?
The XCub was specifically designed for backcountry flying and excels at it. Key capabilities: takeoff in under 200 feet with tundra tires, climb rate over 1,100 FPM, ability to operate from rough unprepared strips, and a useful load of nearly 1,000 pounds (enough for camping gear plus passengers). The XCub can take off and land in patches that seem accessible only to helicopters. Combined with a 150 mph cruise for getting to and from the backcountry, it is arguably the best-certified bush plane available new today.
CubCrafters vs Piper Super Cub — which bush plane is better?
CubCrafters took the fundamentally sound Piper Super Cub design and reinvented it with modern materials and engineering. The Carbon Cub has 50% fewer parts, weighs 300+ pounds less, and climbs at 2,100 FPM vs approximately 700 FPM for a Super Cub. The XCub adds 180hp, modern avionics, and FAA certification. The original Piper Super Cub (out of production since 1994) remains a classic with a huge aftermarket, lower acquisition cost ($60,000-$150,000 used), and romantic heritage. For raw performance, CubCrafters wins. For budget and nostalgia, the Super Cub endures.
Cubcrafters Inventory by Country
| United States | 44 |
| Canada | 2 |
Recently Sold Cubcrafters
| 2017 CARBON CUB FX-2 | $279,000 |
| 2023 Carbon Cub FX-3 | $409,000 |
| 2025 CARBON CUB EX2.5 | $295,000 |
| 2009 CC11-160 CARBON CUB SS | $192,500 |
| 2018 FX-3 | $329,000 |