The Piper J-3 is one of the most famous training planes of all time. It began with the 1928 E-2 Cub designed by C. Gilbert Taylor. After redesign by Walter C. Jamouneau, it was redesignated J-2. In 1938, Taylor sold out to William Piper and a new era began. The J-3 was the beginning of a line of ragwing taildraggers that endure to this day. The 1938 Civilian Pilot Training Program brought the Cub to its high point. The Cub was the first mount of many who went on to fly in World War II. The Cub also went to war as the 0-59/L-4 Grasshopper, artillery spotter and light transport. Over 20,000 basic J-3's were built by 1947. Many more powerful derivatives were produced after the 65 horse J-3 left production. The yellow, black trimmed Cub is a valued collector's item today.

The Cub displayed at Planes of Fame was built by Piper at Lock Haven, PA, in June 1940. It was flown by owners in Ohio, Tennessee, and Arkansas, before coming to Minnesota. The yellow and black Piper Cub taught untold numbers of aviators to fly. It is one of the world's great aircraft.