Van's RV-12 Van's Aircraft dominates the kit airplane market with versatile singles ranging from one to four seats. But experimental amateur-built aircraft may not be rented out for training, so Van's models couldn't be found at flight schools until the debut of the special light sport aircraft RV-12. Also available as a kit, the RV-12 is simple and sporty, with a Rotax engine and responsive handling characteristic of a Van's. Piper Cub The tandem-seat, fabriccovered Piper J-3 Cub brought aviation to the masses in 1938 and became the fastestproduced trainer of the World War II era. The J-3 was affordable and easy to fly, and the basic Cub design lived on with successive improvements in performance and payload. The PA-18 Super Cub (at left) is still a favorite among backcountry pilots and tailwheel enthusiasts. Although Piper no longer manufactures Cubs, other companies have taken up the mantle with modern takes on this aviation classic. FLIGHT TRAINING YOU CAN FLY 2024 23