Piper PA-28R Arrow

Key Specifications

Overview

The Piper PA-28R Arrow is a four-seat, low-wing retractable landing gear aircraft designed for personal and business travel. First introduced in 1967, the Arrow represents Piper's approach to providing affordable complex aircraft training and personal transportation. The retractable gear distinguishes it from the fixed-gear PA-28 Cherokee series, offering improved cruise performance while maintaining manageable operating costs compared to larger twins.

The Arrow is widely used for flight training, particularly for complex aircraft endorsements, as well as for personal cross-country flying. Its combination of reliability, decent payload capacity, and respectable cruise speeds made it popular among small flight schools and owner-operators. The aircraft features a relatively spacious cabin, good visibility, and straightforward systems that appeal to pilots transitioning from simpler aircraft.

The Arrow has remained in continuous production with various upgrades and improvements over its 50+ year history. Models range from the original 180-horsepower variant through the more powerful Arrow IV with 200 horsepower. Its proven design, availability of parts, and strong maintenance support community have ensured steady demand in the used aircraft market. The Arrow represents an excellent entry point into complex single-engine aircraft ownership.

Technical Specifications

Maximum Speed: 167 knots
Cruise Speed: 145 knots
Range: 750 nautical miles
Service Ceiling: 16,600 feet
Engine Type: Lycoming IO-360 or IO-540 (depending on variant)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 2,750 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 60 gallons
Empty Weight: 1,650 lbs