Bush Plane Collection: The PA-18 Super Cub
Showcasing hand-drawn pen-and-ink illustrations of the iconic PA-18 Super Cub, this collection is perfect for backcountry aviation fans, STOL enthusiasts, and anyone drawn to the wild skies of the Yukon and Alaska. Celebrated for its rugged design and go-anywhere attitude, the Super Cub is a favorite among bush pilots and adventurers alike. Whether you're sipping coffee, wearing your love of flight, or decorating your hangar wall, these everyday items bring the spirit of remote flying to life—one sketch at a time. Want to learn more about the artist behind the design? Visit the About page or read the Discover Nautical & Aviation Illustrated Designs blog post introducing Alow & Aloft.
The PA-18 Super Cub - Then and Now
The Piper PA-18 Super Cub is a legendary light aircraft known for its rugged simplicity, backcountry prowess, and timeless design. First introduced in 1949 as a strengthened successor to the PA-11 and the iconic J-3 Cub, the Super Cub retained the high-wing, fabric-covered structure that made the original Cub so beloved, while adding more powerful engines—eventually up to 150 horsepower—and modern features like flaps and dual wing tanks.
While its appearance stayed true to its roots, the Super Cub’s performance opened new possibilities. It could lift off from unimproved airstrips in under 500 feet, haul more than 800 pounds of payload, and cruise comfortably at low altitudes—making it ideal for bush flying, agricultural use, and military reconnaissance. Variants like the L-18 and L-21 served in the military, and the PA-18A was even equipped for crop dusting.
One fascinating chapter in its history came in the 1950s when the Atomic Energy Commission used a fleet of Super Cubs to detect uranium in the American West. Outfitted with scintillation counters and flying low and slow over remote terrain, the Super Cubs proved both practical and dependable.
Despite its humble looks and relatively low top speed (around 128 mph), the Super Cub became a global favorite for pilots needing to operate in remote areas, from Alaska to Africa. Its lightweight steel tube frame, fabric skin, and no-frills controls (no keys—just flip the mags and go) made it easy to maintain and nearly impossible not to love.
Today, the Super Cub remains an icon of utility and adventure. Whether flying fish-spotting missions, towing banners, or delivering supplies in the wilderness, the Super Cub continues to embody the spirit of freedom in aviation—decades after its debut.
Looking for more warbirds, bush planes, or even maritime-inspired designs? Check out my full shop to explore the entire collection.
FAQs
-
Yes! If you love one of our designs—like the B-17 Bomber or Flying Fortress—but want it on a different item (like a tote bag, pillow, or mug), just reach out! I’m happy to create custom versions.
-
Nope! Every design is an original. I’m a photographer and illustrator, and I create each piece myself—from hand-drawn sketches to digital edits. These are authentic works of art, not clip art or AI-generated images.
-
When you place an order, your item is printed just for you—no warehouses, no waste. I use Printful for fulfillment, which means your item is created and shipped directly from their facilities. This helps reduce overproduction and keeps things sustainable.
-
Because each item is made to order, I can’t accept returns or exchanges unless there’s a defect or printing error. That said, if something’s wrong, I’ll do my best to fix it—just reach out!
-
Most orders ship within 2–5 business days and are delivered in about a week (depending on your location). You’ll receive tracking information as soon as it’s on the way.
-
Not yet. Right now, we only ship within the U.S., but we’re working on the logistics for international orders. Stay tuned and check back soon!
-
Nope! We cover shipping charges within the United States. No hidden fees—just the cost of the item.
-
First of all, I’m so sorry! Please contact me as soon as possible with a photo of the issue. I’ll work with Printful to make it right—whether that means a replacement or a refund.