Still Flying After All These Years

One of the oldest airworthy J-3 Cubs

- MIKE DAVENPORT

THERE HAVE BEEN COUNTLESS ARTICLES written about Mr. Piper's legendary J-3 Cub. This one is different for a few reasons, not the least of which is that this Cub has been in regular use for 85 years, 58 of those with the family of current owner Cam Leslie. Leslie's father J.P. had cared for and cherished the little yellow Cub since 1964. In 1971, the younger Leslie learned to fly and could sit in its rear seat; he then went on to a 39-year career flying for Air Canada.

Locally known-tongue in cheek-as a J-2 1/2, the Cub was built as a J3A40-4, serial number C1126 with J-2 wings, fuselage, and a single-ignition 38 hp Continental engine. CF-BIP is the oldest surviving J-3 in Canada, supplied to Cub Aircraft Canada in Hamilton, Ontario as a kit from Piper in Lockhaven, Connecticut on March 14, 1938. CF-BIP was one of 647 J-3s built in that year in North America.