How much does a used Piper J3C65 cost?

Name: Piper J3C65
Brand: Piper

PLANEFILE

PiperCertified · Fixed-wing · United States

J3C65

Seats: 2 2
Power: 64 hp48 kW
Cruise: 65 kt121 km/h
US register: 3,171 aircraft3,171 aircraft

About the J3C65

The Piper Aircraft J3C65 is a light fixed-wing aircraft built in the United States, configured as a high-wing, strut-braced monoplane with a welded steel frame covered in fabric and tandem seating for two people. Powered by an air-cooled, flat-4 piston engine, it was originally designed as a trainer and general aviation aircraft, suiting operators seeking affordability, simplicity, and reliable short-field capabilities.

Tracing its roots back to Taylor Aircraft models, the airframe underwent various revisions by employee Walter Jamouneau following company reorganizations and factory relocation to Lock Haven, Pennsylvania. The type saw vast production numbers during wartime as military liaisons and reconnaissance platforms, while civilian examples gained enduring fame and widespread use as bush aircraft, typically finished in signature yellow paint.

Engines fitted

2,817 aircraft

Engine	Power	Aircraft
Continental A&C65 series	65 hp	2,002
Continental C85	85 hp	446
Continental A&C75 series	75 hp	156
Continental C90	95 hp	149
Lycoming O-235	115 hp	40
Continental A65	65 hp	24

This page covers the Piper J3C-65 (ARMY L4-B), J3C-65 U/L, J3C-65S, J3C-65X: the same aircraft under other designations.

Specifications

J3C-65 Cub · Continental A-65-8

Dimensions

Length: 22 ft 5 in 6.83 m6.83 m 22 ft 5 in
Wingspan: 35 ft 3 in 10.74 m10.74 m 35 ft 3 in
Wing area: 178 sq ft 16.6 m²16.6 m² 178 sq ft

Weights

Empty weight: 761 lb 345 kg345 kg 761 lb
Max take-off weight: 1,213 lb 550 kg550 kg 1,213 lb

Performance

Cruise speed: 65 kt 121 km/h121 km/h 65 kt
Max speed: 76 kt 140 km/h140 km/h 76 kt
Stall speed: 33 kt 61 km/h61 km/h 33 kt
Range: 191 nm 354 km354 km 191 nm
Service ceiling: 11,500 ft 3,500 m3,500 m 11,500 ft
Rate of climb: 450 ft/min 2.3 m/s2.3 m/s 450 ft/min

Powerplant

Engine: Continental A-65-8
Engine power: 64 hp 48 kW48 kW 64 hp

Capacity

Seats: 2

ICAO type designator: J3
Type certificate: A-691
Manufacturer: Piper
Country: United States
On the US register: 3,171
Registered in: Brazil, Czech Republic, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, United States, Canada
Official website: piper.com

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J3C65 prices

Asking prices of those for sale now, US dollars

Asking prices for the 2 Piper J3C65 aircraft for sale with a price run from $50,000 to $55,000, with a median of $52,500.

J3C65 running costs

$164 an hour

Hours a year Aircraft value (USD)

A year
	Low	Typical	High
Fuel	$2,265	$2,870	$3,315
Oil	$52	$65	$84
Engine overhaul reserve	$2,167	$2,667	$4,833
Annual inspection and maintenance	$2,500	$3,500	$4,500
Hangar	$3,000	$6,300	$9,600
Insurance	$772	$1,028	$1,282

Total	$10,756	$16,430	$23,614
Per hour	$108	$164	$236