The J-3 was actually designed by William Taylor of Taylorcraft fame who sold it to Piper. I once had an instructor prove that the Cub will fly backward if you have a headwind of 40 plus MPH. With a stall speed of 35, you can have an negative ground speed.
Personally, the one I never flew in that I most admire is Canadian: The De Haviland Beaver aka the L-20. On floats, it is said that regardless of the load, if the tops of the floats are not submerged, it will come off the water and fly.
> The J-3 was actually designed by William Taylor of
> Taylorcraft fame who sold it to Piper. I once had an
> instructor prove that the Cub will fly backward if you
> have a headwind of 40 plus MPH. With a stall speed of
> 35, you can have an negative ground speed.
I bet you an Aeronca can fly faster backwards than a J3.
Lance Armstrong could beat an Aeronca. They aren't much good for getting places. Only for punching holes in the sky.