Aircraft overview

The Jodel D11 / D112 / D117 family is a French two-seat, low-wing light aircraft designed by Édouard Joly and Jean Délémontez. The D.11 first flew in 1950 and became one of the key post-war Jodel designs, offered both as factory-built aircraft and as plans-built examples by private constructors. Its role is simple day VFR touring, local flying and basic tailwheel training. The type matters because it established the familiar Jodel formula: wooden construction, fabric covering, a distinctive cranked wing and efficient handling on modest power.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on engine, propeller, weight and build standard. Typical cruise speed for the D112 and D117 is usually in the region of 85 to 100 knots, with economical fuel burn from small Continental or similar engines. The D112 is commonly associated with the 65 hp Continental A65, while the D117 is generally fitted with a 90 hp Continental C90, giving better climb and touring performance. Range is commonly around 300 to 450 nautical miles with reserves, depending on fuel capacity and power setting. Useful load is modest, often suitable for two lighter occupants and limited baggage rather than full fuel, two heavy adults and luggage. Service ceiling figures vary by variant and condition, but the aircraft is intended primarily for lower-level VFR operations rather than high-altitude cruising.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin seats two side by side under a simple canopy or windscreen arrangement, depending on the individual aircraft. Space is compact, with limited baggage capacity and basic ventilation. Controls are conventional and light, and the tailwheel layout rewards proper ground handling technique. Avionics are typically simple: analog flight instruments, VHF radio, intercom, transponder and often a portable or panel-mounted GPS. Modern integrated suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective are not typical for the Jodel D11 / D112 / D117.

Buying & value

Buyers should evaluate build history, logs, weight and balance data, wood structure condition, fabric age, glue joints, corrosion on fittings, landing gear alignment and engine time. Because many aircraft are amateur-built or have been modified over decades, individual quality matters more than model year. Common differences include D112 aircraft with lower-powered Continental A65 engines, D117 examples with 90 hp powerplants, updated radios, 8.33 kHz compliance, transponders and fabric recover work. In the used market, the Jodel D11 / D112 / D117 sits as an affordable classic tailwheel tourer rather than a fast cross-country aircraft. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price of about EUR 32,000, with observed asking prices from roughly EUR 15,000 to EUR 48,000.