Piper Fly-In 2026: Cubs Gather in Landshut

Every summer, the Piper Fly-In moves to a different airfield, bringing together owners, pilots and enthusiasts of classic Piper aircraft from across Europe. After more than four decades of tradition, this year’s edition was hosted by Flieger-Stadl Landshut at EDML, transforming the Bavarian airfield into a meeting point for everyone who shares a passion for the legendary Piper Cub and its many siblings.

Around 60 to 70 aircraft attended the event, with visitors travelling not only from all over Germany but also from Switzerland and Italy. While spectators were warmly welcomed throughout the weekend, the Piper Fly-In has always remained, first and foremost, a gathering of pilots for pilots—an opportunity to exchange experiences, make new friends and celebrate the unique spirit of classic bush flying.

One of the event’s most distinctive traditions is its mascot: a teddy bear. Over the years it has become the unmistakable symbol of the Piper Fly-In, appearing in countless cockpits, photographs and souvenirs, representing the friendly and relaxed atmosphere that has defined the gathering for decades.

Instead of being parked on concrete aprons, the visiting aircraft were lined up on a large grass area and an adjacent freshly mown field. Many crews pitched their tents directly beside—or even beneath—the wings of their aircraft, while others spent the night sleeping in or next to their Cubs. The sight of dozens of colourful Piper Cubs standing wingtip to wingtip with tents underneath created what may be described as a “mini Oshkosh feeling.” Although naturally nowhere near the enormous scale of the EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin, the atmosphere captured a little of that same camping-and-flying lifestyle that makes gatherings of classic aircraft so special.

Flying was, of course, at the heart of the weekend. Organized flying excursions took participants to the beautiful airfield at Kufstein (LOIK) in Austria, while another group visited the historic aviation site at Oberschleißheim. Together with technical workshops, relaxed social gatherings and countless conversations around the aircraft, the programme reflected exactly what the Piper Fly-In has stood for since its beginnings in 1984: flying, friendship and community.

History Corner: The Piper Cub – A Small but Essential Warbird

Although the Piper Cub is best known today as one of the world’s most beloved light aircraft, it also earned its place in military aviation history. During the Second World War, military variants of the Cub—most notably the L-4 Grasshopper—served as observation and liaison aircraft with the U.S. Army.
Compared with powerful fighters and bombers, the little Cub may seem insignificant. Yet its contribution to the Allied war effort was anything but. During the Normandy campaign following D-Day, the so-called “L-Birds” became indispensable. Operating from improvised grass strips close to the front, they carried commanders, delivered messages, evacuated wounded soldiers, and, above all, directed artillery fire with remarkable accuracy. Their ability to take off and land in extremely short distances allowed them to reach places inaccessible to larger aircraft.
Flying low and slow over the battlefield demanded exceptional courage from their crews, who often operated within range of enemy small-arms fire. While they never possessed the speed or firepower of combat aircraft, the L-Birds provided battlefield awareness that proved invaluable to Allied commanders. Their quiet but highly effective service played a significant role in the success of the Normandy campaign. Following the end of the Second World War, the L-4 and its civilian counterparts continued to serve in military uniforms around the world. Many were transferred to Allied nations, where they remained in service for liaison, reconnaissance, pilot training and artillery observation duties well into the 1950s and, in some countries, even beyond. Their rugged simplicity, outstanding short-field performance and low operating costs ensured that the Piper Cub family remained a valuable military asset long after the guns had fallen silent.
Today’s Piper Fly-Ins celebrate not only an iconic civilian aircraft, but also a type whose military legacy deserves to be remembered. The Cub may be one of the smallest warbirds ever built—but its historical importance is far greater than its size suggests.

The weather could hardly have been better. Bright sunshine and excellent visibility provided ideal conditions throughout the weekend, although a strong and sometimes gusty wind kept pilots on their toes during arrivals and departures. Even so, the challenging crosswind could do little to dampen the mood.

Excellent food and drinks ensured that crews and visitors alike were well looked after, while the welcoming hospitality of the volunteers from Flieger-Stadl Landshut helped create a truly memorable event. Whether discussing aircraft restoration, comparing flying adventures or simply enjoying an evening among friends, the weekend perfectly demonstrated why the Piper Fly-In has become one of Europe’s most beloved annual gatherings for classic Piper enthusiasts.

As the aircraft gradually departed on Sunday, one thing became clear once again: it hardly matters which airfield hosts the Piper Fly-In each year. The real destination is the community itself—and in Landshut, that community felt right at home.

Piper Fly-In 2026 Photo Gallery