# Piper J3C65 - Type: Aircraft model (FAA registry) - Registry codes: 05901JI, 7104217 - Manufacturer (registry): PIPER AIRCRAFT CORP - Model: J3C65 - Aircraft type: Fixed wing single engine - Category: Airplane - Engines: 1 ยท Reciprocating - Seats: 2 - Weight class: Up to 12,499 lb - Certification: Light sport - Registered aircraft: 2 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c65 Model codes come from the FAA registry's reference file. ADs are matched to them by model name and maker. The FAA lists this model under more than one registry code, usually for different spellings of the maker. This page covers them all. ## ADs that may apply (OpenAirDocs) Matched to this model by model name and maker. Each AD's applicability may narrow it by serial number, part number or equipment. None matched. ## Registered aircraft (2) - [N11914](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N11914): [Franke L-4 Historical Foundation LLC](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/FRANKE%20L-4%20HISTORICAL%20FOUNDATION%20LLC), [Chantilly, VA](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/VA/Chantilly), built 1944, S/N 12086 - [N525MT](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N525MT): [Unger Keith A](https://openairdocs.org/faa-owner/UNGER%20KEITH%20A), [Frazer, MT](https://openairdocs.org/faa-place/MT/Frazer), built 1946, S/N 18464 ## NTSB investigations None matched to aircraft with this model. ## FAA accident and incident reports None matched to aircraft with this model. ## Service difficulty reports (31) As reported by operators and repair stations, by the model named in the report. - [SDR 2026FA0000052](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2026FA0000052), Nov 23, 2025: SPARK PLUG. CRACKED. LEVELED AT 4000FT, ENGINE POWER WAS REDUCED TO 80% WITH FUEL CONSUMPTION LEANED TO 17GAL/HR. AFTER BEING SET IN THIS CRUISE PROFILE FOR APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES, - [SDR YV3R2021042700451](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/YV3R2021042700451), Apr 15, 2021: WARNING SYSTEM. DEFECTIVE. CUSTOMER REPORTED WARNING UNIT - LOW RPM P/N: A569-9 WAS FAULTY, HORN SOUNDS INTERMITTENTLY @ 102%. - [SDR 2020FA0000403](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2020FA0000403), Sep 1, 2020: TAB. BROKEN. RUDDER CABLE ATTACHMENT TAB BROKE OFF DURING LANDING ROLLOUT LEFT REAR RUDDER TAB. - [SDR 2015FA0000359](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2015FA0000359), Jul 29, 2015: HOUSING. CRACKED. DUE TO A "STUCK" EXHAUST VALVE IN 1 CYLINDER, THE ROCKER ARM BROKE, AND THE PUSHROD ASSOCIATED WITH THAT ROCKER ARM DAMAGED AND CRACKED THE FLANGE-PUSHROD HOUSI - [SDR BPGR20140313001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/BPGR20140313001), Mar 6, 2014: STRUT. FAILED. ACFT WAS FLOWN FOR 45 HRS ON SNOW SKIES BEFORE THE RT SHOCK STRUT BROKE AT LOW SPEED TAXI. THE RT LONG SHOCK STRUT BROKE HALF WAY DOWN THE TUBE WITH NO SIGNS OF - [SDR 2013FA0000382](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2013FA0000382), Jul 3, 2013: BRACKET. CRACKED. THE AILERON HINGE REINFORCING BRACKET FOUND SEVERELY CORRODED AND CRACKED. - [SDR CA130831001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA130831001), Jun 7, 2013: HINGE BRACKET. CORRODED. (CAN) ON ACCOMPLISHING ANNUAL INSPECTION, FOUND DIS-COLOURED SPOT ON BOTTOM OF HINGE BRACKET PIVOT. ON APPLYING "MAULE TESTER" FOR STRENGTH TEST. TUBE COLLAPSED - [SDR 2012FA0000110](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2012FA0000110), Feb 10, 2012: AXLE. CORRODED. DURING CLEANING IN PREPARATION FOR RECOVERING OF THE RT LANDING GEAR IT WAS NOTED THAT WOOD PLUG, PN 30941, WAS MISSING. SEVERE CORROSION WAS NOTICED INSIDE LOW - [SDR FPI2012F00001](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/FPI2012F00001), Dec 14, 2011: CYLINDER. CRACKED. DURING A 100 HR INSPECTION COMPRESSION TEST FOUND NR 1 CYLINDER CRACKED FROM BEHIND FIRST FIN TO SPARK PLUG HOLE (UPPER) ABOVE EXHAUST PORT. REPLACED WITH NEW C - [SDR CA110803009](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA110803009), Jul 22, 2011: OIL SYSTEM. LEAKING. (CAN) DURING CRUISE, THE PILOT NOTICED THE LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT AND SAW PRESSURE WAS FLUCTUATING. WHEN THE PRESSURE FLUCTUATED DOWN TO 10 PSI THE ENGI - [SDR 2010FA0000481](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2010FA0000481), May 17, 2010: SPAR. CORRODED. SEVERE CORROSION ON SPAR BETWEEN HINGES AND SPAR. AIRCRAFT WAS NOT HANGARED. WATER SEEPAGE BETWEEN STEEL HINGE BRACKET AND ALUMINUM SPAR DEVELOPED TO CAUSE CORR - [SDR 2010FA0000087](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2010FA0000087), Feb 4, 2010: SPAR. CORRODED. SEVERE CORROSION ON LT AND RT AILERON MAIN SPARS BETWEEN SPAR AND BRACKETS. SPAR BULGES AROUND RIVETS ATTACHING THE BRACKETS TO THE SPAR. THIS CONDITION WAS FOU - [SDR 2008FA0000702](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2008FA0000702), Oct 16, 2008: TORQUE LINK. CRACKED. CRACK FOUND DURING 100 HR INSPECTION. LAST INSPECTION FOR AD 72-08-06. DONE AT 5214.07 HR, PRESENT TIME 5440.53 (225.76 HR). SUGGEST PART BE LIFE LIMITED. THIS - [SDR 2008FA0000908](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2008FA0000908), Aug 10, 2008: CONNECTING ROD. FAILED. NR 1 CONNECTING ROD FAILED IN FLT, OFF-AIRPORT LANDING AND SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. CONNECTING ROD FAILED SLIGHTLY ABOVE CRANKSHAFT; ROD CAP STILL BOLTED & SAFETIED - [SDR 2007FA0000168](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2007FA0000168), Feb 6, 2007: SPAR. CRACKED. DURING REMOVAL OF LT WING FOR INSTALLATION OF WING FUEL TANK, A QUESTIONABLE PREVIOUS REPAIR WAS FOUND AT THE FRONT WOOD SPAR ROOT. FURTHER INVESTIGATION FOUND - [SDR 2004FA0000275](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2004FA0000275), Feb 27, 2004: BRAKE ASSY. BROKEN. AFTER DISASSEMBLY OF THE RT WHEEL AND BRAKE COMPONENTS FOR INSPECTION, ONE OF SIX BRAKE BLOCK (NR B27-59-D) WAS FOUND TO BE BROKEN, AND ONE OF SIX SPRING RETAIN - [SDR 2002FA0001265](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/2002FA0001265), Oct 17, 2002: SHUTOFF VALVE. FAILED. DURING AN INVESTIGATION OF AN AIRCRAFT INCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIRCRAFT CRASHED INTO A POND DUE TO FUEL STARVATION. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT AN ALTERATION TO FUEL S - [SDR CA001229006](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA001229006), Nov 29, 2000: CONTACTOR. FAILED. (CAN) SOLDER CONNECTIONS ON SPRING STEEL BATTERY TERMINAL BREAK OFF.IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO GET A GOOD SOLDER JOINT, TRYING TO SOLDER TO STEEL. CONTACTED MANUFACT - [SDR 20000714SH021](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/20000714SH021), Aug 16, 1999: PLUG. LOOSE. FOLLOWING MAJOR OVERHAUL, ALUM PARTICLES WERE FOUND IN THE OIL SCREEN AT 30, 55, AND 75 HOURS. CYLINDERS WERE REMOVED AND THE PISTON PIN PLUGS WERE FOUND WORN O - [SDR 98ZZZX4254](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX4254), Oct 29, 1998: LIFT STRUT. CORRODED. THIS WAS THE FRONT WING LIFT STRUT. WHILE C/W AD 98-10-06 IAW SB 528D, SKETCH 'A', CORROSION WAS FOUND AT 5 INCH-7 INCH, AND 10 INCH-12 INCH FROM THE END OF THE - [SDR 99ZZZX1055](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX1055), Oct 1, 1998: FITTINGS. CRACKED. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, FOUND CRACK ON THE BASE OF THE MOUNTING LUG ON THE AFT RT WING STRUT/GEAR ATTACH FITTING, PN 20401-01. AFTER PEELING OFF THE REMAIN - [SDR 99ZZZX1054](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/99ZZZX1054), Oct 1, 1998: FITTINGS. CRACKED. DURING A ROUTINE INSPECTION, FOUND CRACK ON THE BASE OF THE MOUNTING LUG ON THE AFT RT WING STRUT/GEAR ATTACH FITTING, PN 20401-01. AFTER PEELING OFF THE REMAIN - [SDR 98ZZZX3423](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX3423), Jul 13, 1998: GEAR. WORN. GEAR TEETH WORN IN MAGNETO. - [SDR CA980504018](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/CA980504018), Apr 29, 1998: TURNBUCKLE. CRACKED. (CAN) ONE INCH CRACK IN TURNBUCKLE BARREL STARTING FROM LT THREAD END. REPLACED. - [SDR 98ZZZX2050](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/98ZZZX2050), Feb 25, 1998: BATTERY. FAILED. BATTERY WAS BOOST CHARGED EVERY FLIGHT AND/OR 90 DAYS WHEN IN STORAGE. BATTERY WAS USED FOR NAV LIGHTS AND HOUR METER ONLY (NO STARTER OR GENERATOR ON AIRCRAFT) - [SDR 97ZZZX3937](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX3937), Aug 3, 1997: PROPELLER. DEPARTED. THIRTY MINUTES AFTER TAKEOFF, PILOT REPORTS VIBRATION AND THEN PROPELLER SEPARATED FROM ENGINE. PILOT SAYS NOT SURE IF BIRD STRIKE OR PART FAILURE. AIRCRAFT LAN - [SDR 97ZZZX3689](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX3689), Jul 28, 1997: EXHAUST STACK. CRACKED. EXHAUST STACK CRACKED AT NR 1 CYLINDER. CRACK WELDED WITH STAINLESS STEEL. - [SDR 97ZZZX3483](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/97ZZZX3483), Jul 22, 1997: MUFFLER. CRACKED. INSPECTION FOUND MUFFLER CRACKED. WELDED WITH STAINLESS STEEL. - [SDR 96ZZZX177](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/96ZZZX177), Oct 26, 1995: COIL. CRACKED. WHILE DETERMINING C/W TELEDYNE AD 94-01-03R2, FOUND RIGHT MAGNETO TO HAVE AN UNAIRWORTHY COIL. UPON REMOVAL, COIL WAS FOUND CRACKED IN TWO PLACES ORIGINATING FR - [SDR 96ZZZX172](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/96ZZZX172), Oct 26, 1995: CABLE ASSY. WRONG LENGTH. WITH RUDDER PEDAL IN NEUTRAL POSITION, RUDDER WAS AT ALMOST FULL LEFT DEFLECTION. UPON INVESTIGATION, FOUND THAT RUDDER CABLES HAD BEEN REPLACED AND WERE OF DIF - [SDR 95ZZZX505](https://openairdocs.org/sdr/95ZZZX505), Jan 1, 1995: ENGINE. MALFUNCTIONED. ENGINE POWER FAILURE DURING TAKEOFF. MAINTENANCE INVESTIGATION AND POST-ENGINE RUN WAS CONDUCTED. ENGINE RAN SATISFACTORY. MAINTENANCE ADVISED, SUSPECT FUEL STA ## STCs that may be installed (OpenAirDocs) (79, first 50) Approved for this model: the STC's model list names it on its data sheet, or a series that includes it. In force first, then newest. The registry doesn't record which STCs an aircraft has. - [STC SA1038SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1038SO): Installation of Aqua Model 1500 floats. Outpost X Aviation Inc - [STC SA3-356](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3-356): Installation of Wipaire Skis Model C-2200 main ski and Model AWT-2500 or AWT-2500A tail wheel skis. F.Atlee Dodge Aircraft Services - [STC SA3-357](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3-357): Installation of Wipaire Skis Model C-2200 main skis and Model AWT-2500 or AWT-2500A tail wheel ski. F.Atlee Dodge Aircraft Services - [STC SA5-33](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA5-33): Removed unbalanced tail surfaces and installed balanced tail surfaces. Install elevators, Piper P/N 12789-00 and 12789-01 and stabilizers, Piper P/N 12790-00 and 12790-01. Wilbur Repair Service Marguerite Benson or Anne Wilbur - [STC SA2057SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2057SO): Installation of shoulder harness. Alpha Aviation Inc - [STC SA214AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA214AL): Installation of Airglas Engineerins Model L-1650A and L2000A Wheel Replacment Skis. Airglas Inc. Lists J3 Series - [STC SA1486GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1486GL): Fabricate and install engine mount to accept Continental Aircraft engine C-85-12 rated at 85 H.P. at 2575 RPM. Classic Aircraft Services Inc - [STC SA1487GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1487GL): Fabricate and install engine mount to accept Continental Aircraft engine O-200 rated at 100 H.P. at 2750 RPM. Classic Aircraft Services Inc - [STC SA736GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA736GL): Superseded by STC SA01944CH. Modify airplane to fly on unleaded automotive gasoline, 87 minimum antiknock index. EAA Aviation Foundation - [STC SA820CE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA820CE): Install Aero Model M1500, M1800 or M2000 main skis. Aero Ski Manufacturing Co Inc - [STC SA1008WE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1008WE): Installation of Poly-Fiber covering material. Poly-Fiber Inc - [STC SA489EA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA489EA): Installation of ARP Inc. carburetor ice detection system. Aircraft & Rotorcraft Products (ARP) Inc - [STC SA1249GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1249GL): Installation of Ceconite 102 fabric. Approved for installation on Piper J3C-65, serial number 16217. Aviation Products Systems Inc - [STC SA923GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA923GL): Installation of Ceconite 102 fabric. Limited for installation in Piper model J3C-65, serial number 20728. Aviation Products Systems Inc - [STC SA1678GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1678GL): Surrendered and incorporated into STC SA241CH. Cooper Aviation Supply Company, Inc - [STC SA842GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA842GL): Incorporated into STC SA00478CH. Cooper Aviation Supply Company, Inc - [STC SA00148BO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00148BO): Wing rib spacing modification per Scootair Modification to Clipped Wing Piper J3C-65 for Fuel Tank Installation Instructions of 11/10/01. Scootair LLC - [STC SA00138BO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00138BO): Wing rib spacing modification. Approval limited to Piper model J3C-65, serial number 15327 ONLY. Scootair LLC - [STC SA525CE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA525CE): Concurrently incorporate the following items of Aircraft Specifications No. A-691, 625-clipped wing installation except operating limitations are not changed, 617-wing tip spill plates (optional), 311(c)(9) - Continental C85-8 or -12 engine C85-8 or -12 engine. Socotair LLC - [STC SA00029DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00029DE): Installation of Replacement Fuselage. Univair Aircraft Corporation - [STC SA00055DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00055DE): Installation of replacement cabin door. Univair Aircraft Corporation - [STC SA02093AK](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA02093AK): Installation of hourmeter airspeed switch. Avalaska Inc - [STC SA98CH](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA98CH): Installation of replacement wing ribs. Dakota Cub Aircraft - [STC SA00276LA](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00276LA): Modify the auxiliary fuel system by rerouting the fuel transfer line. (S/N 17422). Aberle Custom Aircraft - [STC SA2508SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2508SO): Replacement of Cleveland brake discs, No. 164-67 or 164-167, with Appalachian Accessories' stainless steel brake discs, Part No. 73-67. Aviation Products, Inc - [STC SA00207AT](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00207AT): Installation of carbon steel brake discs that have melonite surface treatment, P/N AA-67. Aviation Products, Inc - [STC SA00054DE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA00054DE): Installation of replacement wing panel assembly. Univair Aircraft Corporation - [STC SA5159NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA5159NM): Installation of chip detector system. Northwest Aircraft Inc - [STC SA3220SO](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3220SO): Installation of basic type BPE-14, Model No. 1008 air driven alternator. Basic Aircraft Products Inc - [STC SA2080CE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2080CE): Operation of airplane on unleaded automotive gasoline, 87 minimum antiknock index and leaded automotive gasoline, 88 minimum antiknock index (RON+MON)/2. Intermixing with aviation gasoline also approved. Petersen Aviation Inc - [STC SA1581GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1581GL): Install shoulder harness and seat belt assembly. Aero Fabricators Co - [STC SA4609NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA4609NM): Installation of main landing gear safety cable kit. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA3623NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3623NM): Application of polyurethane finishing system. Talkeetna Aero Svcs, Inc - [STC SA1066GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA1066GL): Modified fuel and exhaust system. Scientific Flight Corp. Lists J3 Series - [STC SA2346NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2346NM): Installation of landing gear fueling step. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA2306NM](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2306NM): Installation of hydraulic ski- brake assembly. Novak Stephen N - [STC SA560GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA560GL): Installation of Aero Fabricators 8-gallon or 12-gallon wing auxiliary fuel tanks. Aero Fabricators Co - [STC SA507AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA507AL): Installation of alternate crankcase breather. Univair Aircraft Corp. Lists J3 Series - [STC SA4-1210](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA4-1210): Installation of Eonnex cover on aircraft surfaces. Ceconite, Inc - [STC SA3284WE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA3284WE): Installation of Geroge M. Adams DGA-2000 or Bodell BMI-2000 wheels and Bodell BMI-252 brakes. Malcolm E Bodell - [STC SA196GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA196GL): Replacement of main wheels and brakes with Gerdes Products wheel A-1780 and A-1870-4 brake. Howell Robert L - [STC SA158GL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA158GL): Installation of engine fiberglass cowling. Aero Fabricators Co - [STC SA69NW](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA69NW): Installation of Matney's engine charge air-air filter assembly. (AA-1B, AA-1, AA-1A 1969 AND ON) (AA-5 1972, 1973 AND 1974 ONLY). Matney D H - [STC SA2NE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA2NE): Installation of Cleveland wheels and brakes, 7.00-6 or 6.00-6, C38500-HA, 40-6, in accordance with S.V. Scherbon modifications, 3/6/73, on several models of Piper aircraft. Scherbon William V. Lists J3 Series - [STC SA835CE](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA835CE): Installation of wing tip splates. Smitty's Aircraft Svc, Inc - [STC SA465AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA465AL): Installation of PA-18 boot cowl and windshield. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA464AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA464AL): Installation of PA-18 rear seat. Approval limited to those Piper J3C-65 and J3C-65S aircraft which have FAA approved PA-18. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA460AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA460AL): Installation of PA-18 pilot-static system. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA461AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA461AL): Installation of PA-18 landing gear cabane. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service - [STC SA462AL](https://openairdocs.org/stc/SA462AL): Installation of PA-18 front seat. F Atlee Dodge Aircraft Service All 79: https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c65/stcs.md ## The same model under other registry codes Amateur-built copies and renamed makers get their own codes. - [Piper J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-j3c-65): 3,191 registered aircraft, registry code 7100510 - [Piper-Hoesch J-3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-hoesch-j-3c-65): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 7100511 - [Piper/Kreller Alvin J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-kreller-alvin-j3c-65): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 7100513 - [Piper-Harris J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-harris-j3c-65): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 710051B - [Piper/Mckinney J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-mckinney-j3c-65): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 7100535 - [Piper/Wally'S Flyers J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-wally-s-flyers-j3c-65): 1 registered aircraft, registry code 7100537 - [Pokki J3C65](https://openairdocs.org/model/pokki-j3c65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 0566019 - [Piper-Rhyne J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-rhyne-j3c-65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 7100507 - [Piper Douthitt J3C 65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-douthitt-j3c-65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 7100509 - [Piper / Laudeman J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-laudeman-j3c-65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 7100517 - [Piper-Ribnicky J3C-65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-ribnicky-j3c-65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 710051A - [Piper / Duke J3-C65](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-duke-j3-c65): 0 registered aircraft, registry code 710051D --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.