The Interstate Cadet is a two seat, high wing light aircraft developed in the United States and widely used as a primary trainer. Discover Interstate Cadet aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active Interstate 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 Interstate Cadet for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for Interstate Cadet aircraft, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America and beyond. The Interstate Cadet is a two seat light high wing piston aircraft developed in the United States for primary flight training and military liaison duties. Discover new and classic Interstate Cadet airplanes for sale in our growing online selection.
Refine your Interstate 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 historic Interstate Cadet. Explore our full Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation selection here, or browse all aircraft from various manufacturers here.
Found your ideal Interstate Cadet? Connect directly with sellers on AvPay via WhatsApp, private message or phone to discuss pricing, restoration history and specifications of the Interstate Cadet Aircraft For Sale.
Interesting facts about the Interstate Cadet
✈ Interstate Aircraft and Engineering Corporation introduced the Cadet in 1940 in El Segundo California as a simple and affordable primary trainer for the civilian market.
✈ The United States Army Air Forces adopted a military version designated the L-6 Grasshopper for liaison, observation and light transport duties during the Second World War.
✈ The Cadet features a strut braced high wing layout that provides excellent downward visibility, which made it well suited to both ab initio training and artillery spotting roles.
✈ Early S-1 and S-1A models used Continental flat four engines, while later wartime examples adopted Franklin powerplants depending on availability and contract requirements.
✈ The S-1B variant formed the basis for most military L-6 production, with more than 250 aircraft delivered under Army contracts.
✈ The Cadet uses conventional tailwheel landing gear, which appeals to pilots seeking classic taildragger handling and grass strip capability.
✈ Post war surplus L-6 aircraft entered the civilian market and many were converted back to standard Cadet configuration for private ownership and training use.
✈ Surviving Interstate Cadets remain active in vintage aircraft communities across the United States, where owners value their light control response and historic military links.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a Interstate Cadet
The Interstate Cadet family includes several closely related variants. The original S-1 and S-1A were civilian trainers powered by Continental engines and introduced in 1940 and 1941. The S-1B adopted a Franklin engine and formed the basis for the L-6 Grasshopper military liaison aircraft ordered by the United States Army Air Forces. Sub variants such as the S-1A-65F and S-1A-85F reflected changes in engine type and power output, which can influence performance and parts availability today. The Arctic Tern conversion, sometimes associated with the S-1B2 designation, introduced a Lycoming engine in later civil modifications. Buyers should review engine type, military or civilian production status and restoration history when comparing Cadet examples, as these factors directly affect operating costs and originality.
Interstate 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, 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: 7.15 m (23 ft 5 in)
Wingspan: 10.82 m (35 ft 6 in)
Height: 2.13 m (7 ft 0 in)
Empty Weight: 500 kg (1,103 lb)
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 748 kg (1,650 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × Lycoming O-320 rated at 160 hp
Cruise Speed: 169 km/h (105 mph, 91 kn)
Range: 869 km (540 mi, 470 nm)
Service Ceiling: 5,030 m (16,500 ft)
FAQs About the Interstate Cadet
How much does an Interstate Cadet cost?
As of 2024 and 2025, restored Interstate Cadet and L-6 examples in the United States typically trade between $45,000 and $95,000 USD depending on engine type, total time, restoration quality and originality.
Is the Interstate Cadet suitable for modern flight training?
The Cadet was designed as a primary trainer and offers stable low speed handling and good visibility. Many examples now operate in the vintage and tailwheel training market rather than high volume flight schools.
What engine types are commonly found on the Interstate Cadet?
Depending on variant, Cadets may use Continental A series engines, Franklin flat four engines or Lycoming O-320 engines in later conversions. Engine choice affects performance, maintenance planning and parts support.
What was the military role of the Interstate Cadet?
Under the L-6 Grasshopper designation the aircraft served as a liaison and observation platform for the United States Army Air Forces, supporting artillery spotting, courier missions and light transport during World War Two.
Is the Interstate Cadet a tailwheel aircraft?
Yes, the Cadet uses conventional tailwheel landing gear. Pilots transitioning from tricycle gear aircraft should ensure they receive appropriate tailwheel instruction before operating one.
Get help buying a Interstate Cadet
Can’t find the Interstate Cadet aircraft you’re looking for? Get in touch with an Aircraft Broker to help you buy an aircraft via the Aircraft Broker Directory. Alternatively you can browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services through the aviation marketplace to help you with the purchase of a Interstate Cadet airplane.
Sell your Interstate Cadet on AvPay
Do you have an Interstate Cadet Aircraft for Sale? Get your airplane listed on AvPay and reach buyers searching for an Interstate Cadet around the world. AvPay is a Zero Workload Website so you will not need to manage constant updates, and each aircraft listing is featured across our Social Media Pages to increase visibility in front of our growing audience. With AvPay you can generate enquiries through your aircraft listing, your Aircraft Broker Profile and any related service listings you publish on the Aviation Marketplace Pages. Let AvPay promote your Interstate Cadet aircraft for sale.
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Find Finance for buying a Interstate Cadet
Financing a classic Interstate Cadet requires lenders who understand vintage piston aircraft values and restoration status. Specialist aviation finance providers can structure loans based on agreed hull value, engine time and airframe condition. They can also advise on deposit levels, loan term length and interest structure to suit private ownership. Working with an aviation focused lender helps ensure the aircraft’s age and military heritage are correctly assessed during underwriting.
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Find Insurance for a Interstate Cadet
Insuring an Interstate Cadet involves evaluating pilot tailwheel experience, intended usage and agreed aircraft value. Aviation insurance brokers can arrange hull and liability coverage tailored to vintage light aircraft operations. They will review maintenance history, engine type and storage arrangements to secure competitive terms. Owners operating former L-6 examples should also confirm that any military heritage modifications are accurately declared to ensure full policy protection.
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