PA-18 Super Cub just set a new altitude record

• Oct 31, 2025

• #1

GrauGeist

Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung

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Aug 29, 2008

Redding, California

www.netallurgy.com

As the title says, a PA-18 Super Cub (N14UL) just set a world record for altitude (in it's class), reaching 37,609 feet!

The previous record was set in 1951, reaching 30,203 feet.

I can't link the ATC traffic, but the pilots of heavies nearby were amazed when they found out what it was.

Here's a page with more info:
PRESS RELEASE - Carbon Cub UL Soars to Record Altitude of 37,609 ft - CubCrafters

 

• Oct 31, 2025

• #2

smutny

Airman

87

148

Dec 27, 2024

Auburn, WA

I know I'm being nitpicky, but.... The Carbon Cub UL is hardly a PA-18. The wrapper may look similar, but what's inside is very different. Especially under the cowl. This one sports the Rotax 916iS, a turbocharged engine.

The offerings by Cubcrafters and American Legend are Cub's in name only.

 

Last edited: Oct 31, 2025

• Oct 31, 2025

• Thread starter
• #3

GrauGeist

Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung

29,822

25,570

Aug 29, 2008

Redding, California

www.netallurgy.com

smutny said:

I know I'm being nitpicky, but.... The Carbon Cub UL is hardly a PA-18. The wrapper may look similar, but what's inside is very different. Especially under the cowl. This one sports the Rotax 916iS, a turbocharged engine.

The offerings by Cubcrafters and American Legend are Cub's in name only.

Click to expand...

This may be true, but this was using an airframe that is identical to the PA-18-150 along with non-stock bush tires.

Also taking into consideration that at that altitude, there is not going to be much lift to maintain stable flight.

The 1951 record was set by a former WASP, Caro Bosca, who flew her PA-18 (I beleive it was a dash 125) to the above mentioned 30,203 feet.

 

• Oct 31, 2025

• #4

smutny

Airman

87

148

Dec 27, 2024

Auburn, WA

Not trying to take away from either accomplishment. But it's pretty clear that we strive for aircraft accuracy on this site.

The Carbon Cub has a wider fuselage than the PA-18, lighter materials and other engineering differences.

I own a PA-11, flown most of the Piper Cub variants as well as a Carbon Cub and American Legend Cubs. There are noticeable differences between them. Just saying.