Piper Cherokee Warrior 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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Avg. pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Luggage per pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers

lbs @ lbs / pax

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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

127

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

590

Max Range

684

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Piper Cherokee Warrior II

The Piper PA-28-161 Cherokee Warrior II is an iconic four-seat, single-engine piston aircraft, revered in the General Aviation community as one of the most reliable and forgiving trainers ever built. Introduced in 1977 as an upgrade to the Warrior (PA-28-151), it features a more powerful 160 hp Lycoming O-320-D2A engine and a semi-tapered wing that improves glide performance and handling compared to the earlier ‘Hershey Bar’ wings.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Docile Handling: Known for its gentle stall characteristics and high stability, making it an ideal first airplane for owner-pilots.
Modern Wing Design: The semi-tapered wing provides better climb performance and a more efficient cruise than the original Cherokee 140/150 models.
Accessibility: With over 3,000 units produced, parts are abundant, and almost any GA mechanic is intimately familiar with the airframe.
Payload: Later models (post-1982) feature a gross weight increase to 2,440 lbs, providing a healthy useful load for its class.

Trade-offs

Cruise Speed: While faster than its predecessor, a cruise of 120-127 knots is modest compared to high-performance retractables or newer composite aircraft.
Fixed Pitch Propeller: Simplifies maintenance but limits the ability to optimize performance for both short-field takeoffs and high-altitude cruising simultaneously.
Climb Performance: At full gross weight on a hot day, the 710 fpm climb rate can feel sluggish compared to its larger sibling, the Archer.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Wingspan: 35.0 ft
Length: 23.8 ft
Height: 7.3 ft

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight: 2,440 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 2,440 lbs
Useful Load: 972 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 48 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 127 KTAS
Range: 590 NM
Service Ceiling: 14,000 ft
Rate of Climb: 710 fpm

Engines

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