Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-38 Tomahawk is a two-seat, low-wing training aircraft built by Piper Aircraft. It first flew in 1977 and was produced from 1978 to 1982. Designed as a primary trainer to compete with the Cessna 152, it used a T-tail, a wide cabin for its class, and a NASA GA(W)-1 wing intended to give clear stall behavior for student training. The PA-38-112 designation reflects its 112 hp engine. Its significance in the used market is tied to its role as an economical trainer and private-owner aircraft, with handling that rewards proper speed control and attention to stall and spin characteristics.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speed for the Piper PA-38 Tomahawk is about 95 to 100 knots, depending on weight, rigging and engine condition. Published range is commonly around 450 nautical miles with reserves, although training operations usually plan shorter legs. Useful load is generally in the 500 to 550 lb range, making weight and balance planning important with two adults, baggage and full fuel. Service ceiling is approximately 13,000 feet. The standard powerplant is the Lycoming O-235-L2C, a four-cylinder, air-cooled piston engine rated at 112 hp, driving a fixed-pitch propeller.

Cabin & avionics

The cabin seats two side by side with dual controls and a single cabin door on the right side. Compared with many small trainers of its era, the Tomahawk offers good shoulder room and visibility, especially useful for instruction and traffic scanning. Most aircraft were delivered with conventional analog flight instruments and basic VHF navigation and communication radios. Buyers will more often find modernized panels with Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G5 or similar electronic flight instruments, updated transponders and ADS-B equipment, rather than factory glass systems such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective.

Buying & value

Used Piper PA-38 Tomahawk aircraft are typically positioned as affordable personal flyers, hour-building aircraft and flight school trainers. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price near EUR 41,000, with observed asking prices from about EUR 27,000 to EUR 45,000. Inspection should focus on complete airframe and engine logbooks, Lycoming O-235 condition, corrosion, landing gear wear, control cable condition, fuel system condition, and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives and service bulletins. The main production version is the PA-38-112, with later Tomahawk II aircraft bringing detail refinements. Common upgrades include modern radios, ADS-B, engine monitors, interior refurbishment and improved lighting.