Top 5 Single-Engine Airplanes in Popular Demand

When reading about “most popular aircraft”, one might think of workhorse airliners like the Boeing 757 or iconic fighter jets like the F-16 or MIG-15. In reality, most aircraft produced worldwide do not fit into one of these groups. They aren’t even jets; They are not fighter planes or even jet airliners. The single-propeller piston-engine aircraft is the most widely used design in aviation.

We’re leaving out military aircraft for now, but some aircraft fit that definition, and some of them saw mass production (for example, some of the best fighter planes of World War II). Instead, we’re examining the small general aviation plane, an unheralded but essentially ubiquitous mascot of the airline industry. We will also look at the reasons for the popularity of such aircraft and how long they have lasted. Now let’s count and find out which aircraft are the most favorite birds in the sky.

Top 5 Single-Engine Airplanes

Piper J-3 Cub

1938 saw the inaugural flight of the Piper J-3 Cub with steel and cloth taildraggers. Its affordable and reliable construction makes it a popular choice for student pilots as a training aircraft. Built in the United States and launched just a year before the German invasion of Poland, it was well positioned to instruct the many aviators needed for the coming conflict.

To meet US Army Air Force training requirements, Piper was producing one J-3 Cub every 20 minutes at the height of wartime production. Therefore, during and after the war, about 80% of US military pilots received their basic training on Cubs. In the 1980s, if you asked any pilot where they began their training, they would probably tell you that it all started with a Cub.

The J-3 Cub was produced until 1947, when it was replaced by the PA-18 Super Cub. At that time the business had produced more than 19,000 J-3s. But more than 5,000 of the original J-3 airframes remain registered with the FAA, a monument to their durability, even though they have been out of production for more than 77 years.and dependability of this aircraft. Bush pilots still like the Cub because of its durability and tail-dragger design, which improves takeoff and landing performance.

Cessna 182 Skylane

The Piper J-3 Cub was famous for being used as a teaching aircraft for novice pilots, while the Cessna 182 Skylane, with its four seats, is more suited to gatherings of friends and family. Originally intended to be the Cessna 180 Skywagon tail-dragger, Cessna modified the 182 into the Skylane because the tricycle landing gears were easier for pilots to use under normal flight conditions.

The 182 Skylane was produced in 1956, while the Skywagon began production in 1952. That this aircraft is still being produced today makes it truly amazing. Given the model’s lifespan, it’s not surprising that some numbers show that the Cessna 182 has sold more than 20,000 units since its launch in 1956.

A brand new, factory-fresh Cessna Skylane can now be purchased for 915nm range and a 145-knot maximum cruise speed. Its 1,110-pound useful load will let you comfortably fly four adults cross-country, making the 182 an excellent plane for taking friends and family to destinations.

Cessna 150/152

Although the Piper J-3 Cub was the preferred trainer aircraft in the 1940s, the Cessna 150 and its 152 version, produced between 1958 and 1985, became the aircraft of choice for flying schools. The last iteration of this two-seat trainer was powered by a 110 horsepower Lycoming O-235 engine.

In 2024, the Cessna 150/152 is still in high demand among flying schools, especially in developing nations despite being out of production for over 39 years. In fact, this writer began his flying career in 2019 in a 1977 Cessna 152.

Due to the widespread use of the model (over 31,000 units sold), many people consider the Cessna 150/152 to be economical to fly. Its engine is strong and many mechanics are familiar with it.That, and any components that break down, are easily obtainable. The 150/152 is also found in various variants, such as the Aerobat, which is designed for aerobatic maneuvers and has stronger wings and fuselage.

Piper PA-28 Cherokee

Another popular small utility aircraft is the PA-28 Cherokee, which began production in the 1960s. Available in two- or four-seat versions, this Piper product is also focused on training and personal use. Because the Piper Cherokee has a lower wing than the Cessna models, the pilot can see more of the sky above them.

Piper has produced a variety of PA-28 families over the years. In 1973, the Warrior series, which had fewer wings and more wings, replaced the first Cherokee model. In 1972, he also unveiled the Archer family, along with an enlarged torso, a larger tail, and an increase in overall weight. Finally, Piper releases the Arrow, which is a version of the retractable landing gear.Cherokee for a few years. More than 30,000 Cherokee models have been sold worldwide. Worldwide

The PA-28 Cherokee is still available as a personal aircraft (Archer LX and DLX) and training aircraft (Archer TX, DX, and Pilot 100i). They are all piston, single-engine, four-seat aircraft, with the exception of the Pilot 100i, which has only three seats. Additionally, the “D” versions ran on a diesel engine instead of the standard aviation gasoline (100LL).

Cessna 172 Skyhawk

Finally, here is the most famous aircraft: the Cessna 172. This aircraft was manufactured until 1986 and made its first flight in 1955. Nevertheless, Cessna resumed production of the 172 in 1996 and continues to this day.

Like the Cessna 152, the 172 is well-liked by flying schools, especially because of its high payload and long range. Its powerful engine allows it to fly fast. Although the Skyhawk debuted in 1955 with dials and gauges, it’s now available with the new Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, transforming this reliable, old bird into a state-of-the-art device.

Like the 152, the Cessna 172 Skywalk also requires little or no maintenance its over 44,000 units sold. This means parts and expertise are readily available, making aircraft operations more sustainable.

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