Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-28 Arrow is the retractable-gear, constant-speed-propeller member of the PA-28 Cherokee family. Introduced in 1967 as the PA-28R-180, it was developed as a step-up trainer and personal touring aircraft, giving pilots complex-aircraft experience without moving into a larger, higher-cost type. Production covered several generations, including the Arrow II, Arrow III, T-tail Arrow IV, and turbocharged versions. Its importance in the used market comes from that balance: familiar PA-28 handling, four-seat utility, and systems complexity suitable for instrument training, ownership transition, and efficient regional travel.

Performance & specifications

Most normally aspirated Piper PA-28 Arrow models use a Lycoming IO-360 engine, with earlier aircraft rated at 180 hp and later Arrow III and Arrow IV versions commonly rated at 200 hp. Typical cruise speeds are in the mid-130-knot range, depending on model, loading, rigging, and engine condition. Published range for many Arrow III aircraft is around 700 nautical miles under economy settings, while practical trip planning is usually more conservative. Useful load commonly falls roughly in the 950 to 1,100 lb band, varying significantly with equipment and modifications. The normally aspirated Arrow III has a service ceiling of about 15,000 feet; Turbo Arrow models, using a Continental TSIO-360 series engine, offer higher-altitude capability and a service ceiling around 20,000 feet.

Cabin & avionics

The Piper PA-28 Arrow has the classic PA-28 four-seat cabin with a single right-side cabin door, low wing, and a separate baggage area. Cabin width and access are typical of the Cherokee line: practical rather than spacious, with rear-seat comfort best suited to shorter or medium trips depending on occupant size. Avionics vary widely by year and upgrade history. Many aircraft left the factory with conventional analog instruments and legacy nav/com radios, while used examples often feature Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 electronic instruments, Aspen displays, engine monitors, ADS-B equipment, and upgraded autopilots. Garmin Perspective and factory G1000 installations are not typical defining features of the PA-28 Arrow fleet.

Buying & value

Buyers should focus on landing-gear system condition, gear motor and transmission maintenance, rigging, corrosion checks, engine time, propeller history, fuel tank condition, and completeness of logbooks. The T-tail Arrow IV has different handling characteristics from earlier conventional-tail Arrows, while Turbo Arrow models add altitude performance but also higher engine-management and maintenance considerations. Desirable upgrades include modern IFR avionics, digital engine monitoring, ADS-B compliance, and well-documented interior or paint refurbishment. In the used market, the Piper PA-28 Arrow typically sits between fixed-gear PA-28 trainers and faster complex singles such as the Beechcraft Bonanza or Mooney M20. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price of about EUR 118,000, with examples ranging from roughly EUR 28,000 to EUR 368,000 depending on variant, condition, hours, and avionics.