PIPER J-3C Model Guide
PIPER J-3C · Model Guide
Overview
PIPER J-3C is a tandem two-place tailwheel Cub. The family includes the J3C-40, J3C-50, J3C-50S, J3C-65 and J3C-65S. The performance figures below come from a checklist for one J3C-85 example, so treat them as typical of that airplane, not of every J-3C. Gross weight depends on serial number and gear/strut configuration, so confirm it for the specific airplane.
- The J3C-85 checklist example lists 753 lbs empty, 467 lbs useful load, 1220 lbs gross and only 20 lbs of baggage.
- It carries 12 gal of fuel and burns 4.5 - 5.0 gal/hr, so the checklist gives a cruise range of 2.0 hrs.
- Cruise is 73 mph, stall is 39 mph and Vne is 122 mph. Takeoff roll is 370 ft and landing roll is 290 ft at max gross.
- Check the wing lift struts and strut forks. An FAA AD requires repeat inspections of both on all J3C variants.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.
Document
Source
Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type ·
- Model Guide
- Year ·
- 2026
- File size ·
- 48 KB
- Copy found at ·
- sprinkle.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Specifications
- Useful load (lb) ·
- 467
- Empty weight (lb) ·
- 753
- Gross weight (lb) ·
- 1,220
- Fuel burn gph max ·
- 5
- Fuel burn gph min ·
- 4.5
- Fuel capacity (gal) ·
- 12
- Baggage capacity (lb) ·
- 20
Performance
- Landing roll (ft) ·
- 290
- Takeoff roll (ft) ·
- 370
- Absolute ceiling (ft) ·
- 11,500
- Best rate of climb (fpm) ·
- 400
Weight & balance
- Useful load (lb) ·
- 467
- Empty weight (lb) ·
- 753
- Baggage capacity (lb) ·
- 20
- Max gross weight (lb) ·
- 1,220
How much can the PIPER J-3C carry?
For the J3C-85 checklist example, PIPER J-3C useful load is 467 lbs at 753 lbs empty and 1220 lbs gross, with 20 lbs of baggage. Fuel is 12 gal, so the weight left for people shrinks as you fill up.
Is every PIPER J-3C rated for 1220 lbs gross?
No. Under the type certificate, some PIPER J-3C serial numbers are eligible for 1100 or 1170 lb, and reach 1220 lb only with revised gear or struts. Check the serial number and the parts fitted.
What inspections does a PIPER J-3C buyer need to confirm?
For a PIPER J-3C, ask for records of the AD 99-01-05 lift strut and strut fork inspections. Struts are due at 24 calendar month intervals and forks at 500 hours TIS, unless sealed struts are fitted.
What is the PIPER J-3C Model Guide?
The PIPER J-3C Model Guide is a model guide for the PIPER J-3C, dated 2026.
What year was the PIPER J-3C Model Guide published?
The PIPER J-3C Model Guide — the PIPER J-3C model guide on file — is dated 2026.
Common. More common than 99% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the PIPER J-3C.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins on file
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
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In this document
What the checklist example shows
The J3C-85 example lists a 370 ft takeoff roll and 290 ft landing roll at max gross. Best rate of climb is 400 ft/min and absolute ceiling is 11,500 ft. Top speed is 83 mph, best glide is 50 mph and approach is 55 - 60 mph. The green arc runs 39 – 90 mph and the yellow arc 90 – 122 mph.
Gross weight eligibility
Under the type certificate, serial numbers prior to 7912 (with listed exceptions) are eligible for 1100 lb. They reach 1170 lb with revised lift struts and attachments, and 1220 lb with the revised landing gear. Serial numbers 7912 and up are eligible for 1170 lb, or 1220 lb with the revised gear. Serial numbers 10339 and up, and 2356 and up of the J3C-65, are eligible for 1220 lb. Verify the parts actually fitted.
What to inspect
The checklist preflight covers gear attachments (castle nuts and cotter pins), hydraulic brake lines for leaks, bungee shock tension, fabric damage, and wing strut bolts. It also covers aileron cables, tailwheel springs and bushings, and exhaust pipe cracks. Check for wing spar/rib flex (the checklist expects SOME FLEX), and look at the belly for damage and leaks.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Safety notes
- AD 99-01-05 (all J3C serial numbers): inspect wing lift struts for corrosion at intervals not to exceed 24 calendar months, or fit sealed struts.
- AD 99-01-05: magnetic particle inspect strut forks at 500 hours TIS. Replace them at 2,000 hours, or 1,000 hours if floats have been fitted.
- Service bulletin 84: use FULL carburetor heat in icing and never partial. Treat the prop as hot at all times.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Full document text
PIPER J-3C Model Guide PIPER J-3C is a tandem two-place tailwheel Cub. The family includes the J3C-40, J3C-50, J3C-50S, J3C-65 and J3C-65S. The performance figures below come from a checklist for one J3C-85 example, so treat them as typical of that airplane, not of every J-3C. Gross weight depends on serial number and gear/strut configuration, so confirm it for the specific airplane. • The J3C-85 checklist example lists 753 lbs empty, 467 lbs useful load, 1220 lbs gross and only 20 lbs of baggage. • It carries 12 gal of fuel and burns 4.5 - 5.0 gal/hr, so the checklist gives a cruise range of 2.0 hrs. • Cruise is 73 mph, stall is 39 mph and Vne is 122 mph. Takeoff roll is 370 ft and landing roll is 290 ft at max gross. • Check the wing lift struts and strut forks. An FAA AD requires repeat inspections of both on all J3C variants. What the checklist example shows The J3C-85 example lists a 370 ft takeoff roll and 290 ft landing roll at max gross. Best rate of climb is 400 ft/min and absolute ceiling is 11,500 ft. Top speed is 83 mph, best glide is 50 mph and approach is 55 - 60 mph. The green arc runs 39 – 90 mph and the yellow arc 90 – 122 mph. Gross weight eligibility Under the type certificate, serial numbers prior to 7912 (with listed exceptions) are eligible for 1100 lb. They reach 1170 lb with revised lift struts and attachments, and 1220 lb with the revised landing gear. Serial numbers 7912 and up are eligible for 1170 lb, or 1220 lb with the revised gear. Serial numbers 10339 and up, and 2356 and up of the J3C-65, are eligible for 1220 lb. Verify the parts actually fitted. What to inspect The checklist preflight covers gear attachments (castle nuts and cotter pins), hydraulic brake lines for leaks, bungee shock tension, fabric damage, and wing strut bolts. It also covers aileron cables, tailwheel springs and bushings, and exhaust pipe cracks. Check for wing spar/rib flex (the checklist expects SOME FLEX), and look at the belly for damage and leaks. Safety notes: • AD 99-01-05 (all J3C serial numbers): inspect wing lift struts for corrosion at intervals not to exceed 24 calendar months, or fit sealed struts. • AD 99-01-05: magnetic particle inspect strut forks at 500 hours TIS. Replace them at 2,000 hours, or 1,000 hours if floats have been fitted. • Service bulletin 84: use FULL carburetor heat in icing and never partial. Treat the prop as hot at all times.