The Culver Cadet is a two seat, low wing light aircraft developed in the United States for personal flying and pilot training. Discover Culver Cadet aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Culver Cadet listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a Culver Cadet for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Culver Cadet aircraft, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and beyond. Discover your ideal Culver Cadet, a classic American two seat light aircraft designed for economical private flying and primary training.
Refine your Culver Cadet search on AvPay with our easy-to-use filters. Quickly find your perfect aircraft by condition, year, total time, location, price and seller.
As a leading aviation marketplace, AvPay features a diverse range of aircraft for sale including the Culver Cadet. Explore our full Culver selection here, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
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Interesting facts about the Culver Cadet
✈ The Culver Cadet is a two seat, low wing, single engine piston light aircraft developed in the late 1930s in the United States for affordable private ownership and basic flight instruction.
✈ Culver Aircraft Company based production in Wichita, Kansas, placing the Cadet at the heart of one of America’s most important aircraft manufacturing centres.
✈ Early Cadet LCA aircraft used a 75 hp Continental A75-8 engine, while later LFA models adopted more powerful Franklin flat four engines to improve take off and climb performance.
✈ The Cadet featured all wood construction with fabric covering, which reduced weight and manufacturing cost compared with many all metal contemporaries.
✈ The design gained additional historical significance when it was adapted into military radio controlled target drone variants designated PQ-8 and later Q-8 for the US Army Air Forces.
✈ The LFA variant incorporated a full electrical system and engine starter, making day to day ownership more practical than the earliest hand started examples.
✈ With a typical cruise speed of around 130 mph depending on variant, the Cadet delivered respectable cross country capability for a modestly powered light aircraft of its era.
✈ Surviving Culver Cadets today often appeal to vintage aircraft enthusiasts who value classic pre war styling, low operating costs and straightforward systems.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Culver Cadet
The Culver Cadet was produced primarily in LCA and LFA forms. The LCA represented the initial production standard and used a 75 hp Continental A75-8 engine with basic equipment suited to private owners and flying schools. The improved LFA introduced an 80 hp Franklin 4AC series engine along with a full electrical system and starter, which enhanced reliability and everyday usability. A limited LFA-90 version fitted a 90 hp Franklin engine for improved performance. The airframe also formed the basis of military drone variants designated PQ-8 and later Q-8, although these differ in mission equipment and role. For most private buyers today, the key differences lie in engine type, power output and onboard electrical equipment.
Culver Cadet Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades and age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Length: 5.38 m (17 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 8.23 m (27 ft 0 in)
Height: 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in)
Empty Weight: 366 kg (806 lb)
Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW): 592 kg (1,305 lb)
Fuel Capacity: 76 L (20 US gal)
Cruise Speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Range: 800 km (500 mi)
Service Ceiling: 5,200 m (17,000 ft)
Rate of Climb: 4.1 m/s (800 ft/min)
FAQs About the Culver Cadet
How much does a Culver Cadet cost?
As of 2023 reported market listings for airworthy Culver Cadet aircraft typically ranged between $35,000 and $70,000 USD depending on condition, engine variant, restoration quality and logbook history.
Is the Culver Cadet suitable for flight training?
The Cadet was originally marketed for private flying and primary instruction. Its two seat layout and simple systems suit basic training, although buyers should consider that it is a vintage aircraft with wood construction and limited modern avionics.
What engines are found on the Culver Cadet?
Production Cadets were fitted with Continental A75-8 engines on early LCA models and Franklin 4AC series engines on LFA and LFA-90 variants, with power outputs ranging from 75 hp to 90 hp.
What type of construction does the Culver Cadet use?
The Cadet uses a predominantly wood airframe with fabric covering. This reduces weight but requires careful inspection of structural condition and moisture protection during ownership.
Did the Culver Cadet have military use?
Yes. The basic airframe was adapted into radio controlled target drones designated PQ-8 and later Q-8, which were used for military training purposes during the Second World War era.
Get help buying a Culver Cadet
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Sell your Culver Cadet on AvPay
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Find Finance for buying a Culver Cadet
Financing a vintage light aircraft like the Culver Cadet requires lenders who understand classic piston types and lower hull values. Specialist aviation finance providers can structure loans based on agreed purchase price, engine time and airframe condition. They can also advise on deposits, loan to value ratios and repayment terms suitable for private ownership. Using an experienced aviation lender helps ensure the transaction proceeds smoothly and reflects the realities of owning a historic two seat aircraft.
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Find Insurance for a Culver Cadet
Insuring a Culver Cadet requires brokers familiar with wood and fabric construction and vintage aircraft risk profiles. Aviation insurance specialists can help arrange appropriate hull and liability cover based on agreed value, pilot experience and intended use. They can also advise on storage requirements, maintenance standards and geographic operating limits that may influence premiums. Working with an experienced aviation broker ensures your Culver Cadet receives tailored protection suited to a classic single engine piston aircraft.
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