Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-28 Dakota, formally the PA-28-236 Dakota, is a four-seat, fixed-gear, high-performance single built by Piper Aircraft. Introduced for the 1979 model year and produced into the mid 1990s, it belongs to the PA-28 Cherokee family but is distinct from the Archer, Arrow and earlier Cherokee 235. The Dakota combined the familiar low-wing PA-28 layout with a 235 hp engine, a constant-speed propeller and a higher useful load. For buyers, its significance is straightforward: it offers simple fixed-gear ownership with more climb, payload and short-field confidence than many 180 hp trainers and personal touring aircraft.

Performance & specifications

Typical real-world cruise is commonly in the 130 to 140 knot range, depending on altitude, power setting, propeller, rigging and engine condition. Published figures for the PA-28-236 include a service ceiling of about 17,500 feet and a maximum takeoff weight of 3,000 lb. Many examples show useful loads around 1,100 to 1,250 lb, making the Dakota notable among four-seat fixed-gear singles when carrying adults, baggage and fuel. Usable fuel is commonly 72 gallons. Power comes from the Lycoming O-540-J3A5D, a 235 hp, six-cylinder, normally aspirated engine driving a constant-speed propeller.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin follows the classic PA-28 arrangement: one front door on the right side, seating for four and a baggage area aft. Compared with smaller PA-28 models, the Dakota’s appeal is less about cabin width and more about carrying capability. It remains a compact 1970s-era cabin, so seat condition, plastics, ventilation, door fit and noise insulation matter during inspection. Original avionics were conventional analog instruments with period radios, often Bendix/King or similar equipment. Garmin Perspective and factory G1000 installations are not typical for the Dakota. Common upgrades include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or GI 275 electronic instruments, ADS-B equipment, modern audio panels and replacement autopilots.

Buying & value

In the used market, the Piper PA-28 Dakota is usually positioned above an Archer for payload and power, but below retractable singles such as the PA-28R Arrow for cruise efficiency. Buyers should review engine time and calendar age, propeller status, fuel tank condition, corrosion history, landing gear attachments, exhaust condition, engine mount condition and compliance with Piper service bulletins and applicable ADs. The O-540 is durable but expensive to overhaul, so a low purchase price can be offset by major engine or propeller work. Desirable aircraft often have clean damage history, strong useful load, complete logs, modern IFR avionics and a well-maintained interior. Common value-adding upgrades include engine monitoring, updated navigators, ADS-B, shoulder harnesses, improved lighting and refreshed paint or interior.