Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is a four-seat, low-wing, single-engine piston aircraft produced by Piper Aircraft. The PA-28 design first flew in 1960 and entered production in 1961; the Cherokee name is most closely associated with the early fixed-gear PA-28 models built through the 1960s and 1970s, including the Cherokee 140, 150, 160, 180 and 235. It matters in the used market because it established the basic PA-28 formula: metal construction, predictable handling, simple systems, and broad parts and maintenance familiarity.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends strongly on variant and engine. Typical Cherokee 140 and 150 aircraft cruise around 105-115 knots, while Cherokee 180 models commonly sit closer to 120-125 knots. Usable range is often in the 450-650 nautical mile bracket depending on fuel capacity, power setting and reserves. Useful load commonly falls around 800-1,100 lb, with the Cherokee 235 offering greater load capability than the lower-powered versions. Service ceilings range from roughly 11,000 feet for smaller-engine models to higher figures for the 180 and 235. Powerplants are normally Lycoming engines: O-320 variants in many 140/150/160 aircraft, O-360 in the Cherokee 180, and O-540 in the Cherokee 235.

Cabin & avionics

The PA-28 Cherokee has a four-seat cabin with a single door on the right side and a baggage area behind the rear seats. It is not a wide cabin by modern standards, but it is practical for training, touring and personal transport. Early panels were typically equipped with conventional analog flight instruments and basic nav/com radios. Many used examples now have upgraded avionics such as Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 electronic flight instruments, modern transponders with ADS-B, or an engine monitor. Factory glass cockpits such as Garmin G1000 are not typical for original Cherokee aircraft.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should verify the exact PA-28 Cherokee variant, engine model, useful load, fuel capacity and avionics configuration, as these differences materially affect mission fit and value. Key inspection points include airframe corrosion, fuel tank condition, landing gear attachments, logbook continuity, engine time and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. Common upgrades include modern radios, ADS-B, digital engine monitoring, shoulder harnesses, interior refurbishment and improved paint. In current PlaneFox used listings, Piper PA-28 Cherokee asking prices average about EUR 77,000, with examples ranging from roughly EUR 32,000 to EUR 249,000 depending on variant, condition, engine status and equipment.