Piper Archer II

Piston • single engine • Low Wing • Fixed gear

Range Visualization

Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load

Payload vs. Range

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Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers
lbs @ lbs / pax
0 lbs
Fuel on board
gal
+ Weight
Range
Available Range / nm
Mission capable — Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight — Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Mission Profile

125
KTAS
Cruise Speed
4
Occupants
600
nm
Max Range
846
lbs
Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Piper Archer II

The Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) is the definitive step-up aircraft for pilots graduating from the Warrior or Cessna 172. Introduced in 1976, it combines the 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engine with the refined semi-tapered wing, offering a significant boost in climb performance and useful load over the 150/160 hp variants. It is widely considered one of the best balanced ‘mission’ airplanes in General Aviation for small families.

Key Features for GA Buyers

  • Reliable Powerplant: The Lycoming O-360-A4M is legendary for reaching its 2,000-hour TBO with minimal issues.
  • Increased Payload: Unlike the Warrior, the Archer II can often carry four adults with a reasonable fuel load, thanks to its 2,550 lb MTOW.
  • Tapered Wing: Provides smoother handling at low speeds and better glide characteristics than the earlier ‘Hershey Bar’ wings.
  • Stable Platform: Its low-wing design and wide gear track make it exceptionally easy to land, even in gusty crosswinds.

Trade-offs

  • Fixed Gear Drag: While simple and cheaper to insure, the fixed gear limits cruise speed to around 125 knots, making it slower than the retractable Arrow.
  • Single Entry Door: Like most Cherokees, the single door on the co-pilot side can make cabin entry/exit a bit of a shuffle for the pilot.
  • Climb at Gross: While better than the Warrior, climb performance can become marginal on ‘high, hot, and heavy’ days due to the lack of a constant-speed propeller.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Wingspan
35.4 ft
Length
23.9 ft
Height
7.3 ft

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight
2,550 lbs
Max Landing Weight
2,550 lbs
Useful Load
1,134 lbs
Fuel Capacity
48 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed
125 KTAS
Range
600 NM
Service Ceiling
13,236 ft
Rate of Climb
667 fpm

Engines

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