Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser: The Legendary Aircraft Behind an Alaskan Survival

Part 2: The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser

The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser is more than just a small aircraft—it represents a legacy of rugged reliability and versatility, perfectly suited to the demanding conditions of Alaska. Manufactured between 1946 and 1948 by Piper Aircraft, the PA-12 is a high-wing, single-engine airplane initially powered by a 108 horsepower Lycoming O-235-C engine, with an optional 115 horsepower Lycoming O-235-C1 engine. Known for its sturdy construction, the PA-12 features a fabric-covered fuselage built on a robust welded metal tubular frame, paired with wooden wing spars, giving it both strength and lightness.

Technical specifications enthusiasts appreciate about the PA-12 include its dual 19-gallon fuel tanks, totaling 38 gallons, providing ample range for extended flights. The aircraft seats a pilot in the front and two passengers side-by-side in the rear, offering excellent visibility and comfort for scenic flights. Additionally, the PA-12 is versatile in its landing gear options—approved for wheels, skis, or floats—making it suitable for diverse environments from grass fields to icy lakes.

Pilots admire the PA-12 for its simplicity, ease of maintenance, and exceptional flying characteristics. Being a tailwheel aircraft, it requires active piloting skills from takeoff to landing, thus ensuring pilots develop and maintain essential “stick-and-rudder” flying capabilities. Its historical significance includes remarkable feats like the first global circumnavigation by light aircraft in 1947, showcasing the PA-12’s endurance and reliability.

Today, many PA-12s remain actively flown by private owners, often modified for various specialized uses, including crop spraying, backcountry adventures, and wilderness exploration. The resilience and versatility of this classic aircraft were vividly demonstrated on Tustumena Lake, playing a crucial role in the survival of the father and his two daughters during their harrowing ordeal. The Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser truly embodies the spirit of adventure, practicality, and resilience.

I don’t recall seeing a Piper PA-12 at the airpark, but I’m sure we had plenty fly in and out during its glory days. I’ll have to go through my photos.

If you have a Piper PA-12 or flew in one, please leave a comment. I’d love to hear your story!