Piper Aircraft Corporation

American company

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July 16, 2026

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The Piper Aircraft Corporation, founded in 1929, is an American company renowned for manufacturing small aircraft. Its most famous creation is the Piper Cub, a two-seater that became the most popular family aircraft, earning its founder, William T. Piper, the nickname "the Henry Ford of Aviation" for his role in popularizing air travel.1

During World War II, Piper Aircraft supplied over 5,600 Piper Cubs to the U.S. government for various roles, including training, reconnaissance, and artillery spotting. The aircraft's low landing speed and high maneuverability made them difficult for enemy fighters to intercept. Beyond the Cub, the company has produced a range of light to medium-sized aircraft for business use.1

Textron Inc., a multi-industry company, also has significant aircraft subsidiaries, including Bell Helicopter and Cessna Aircraft Company.2

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history of flight
General aviation
… still used radial-piston engines, but Piper relied on a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that allowed engineers to design a more streamlined engine nacelle. This type of engine became the preferred style for modern light-plane designs.
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… still used radial-piston engines, but Piper relied on a horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that allowed engineers to design a more streamlined engine nacelle. This type of engine became the preferred style for modern light-plane designs.
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conflict of laws
Rationale behind choice of jurisdiction
…the defendants—the airplane manufacturer (Piper) and the propeller manufacturer—had a connection to the United States. Because the plaintiffs sought remedies that were not available—at least not to the extent desired—under Scottish law, they decided to bring suit in the United States, making this a clear case of forum shopping.
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…the defendants—the airplane manufacturer (Piper) and the propeller manufacturer—had a connection to the United States. Because the plaintiffs sought remedies that were not available—at least not to the extent desired—under Scottish law, they decided to bring suit in the United States, making this a clear case of forum shopping.
Read More