Piper PA-36 Pawnee Brave
Piston • single engine • Low Wing • Fixed gear
Range Visualization
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Payload vs. Range
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Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)
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.
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Mission Profile
118
KTAS
Cruise Speed
1
Occupants
392
nm
Max Range
1730
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Piper PA-36 Pawnee Brave
The Piper PA-36 Pawnee Brave is a dedicated agricultural aircraft that succeeded the popular PA-25 Pawnee. Designed for rugged utility, it features a low-wing configuration, a single seat, and a hopper located forward of the cockpit to protect the pilot in the event of a crash.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Glider Towing: The PA-36’s high-lift wing and powerful engine options (ranging from 285 to 400 hp) make it an exceptional platform for towing gliders and banners.
- Safety Design: The “safety capsule” cockpit design, rugged steel tube fuselage, and wire cutters/deflectors offer significant pilot protection.
- Payload: Originally designed to haul heavy chemical loads (up to 2,200 lbs or 275 gallons in the hopper), it offers massive useful load capabilities for specialized utility missions.
Trade-offs
- Single Seat: It is strictly a single-pilot aircraft with no passenger capability in its standard configuration.
- Operating Costs: The larger Lycoming IO-540 and IO-720 engines burn significantly more fuel (14-22 gph) compared to standard GA trainers.
- Specialized Handling: As a heavy taildragger designed for low-level flying, it requires specific endorsements and proficiency to operate safely.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 38.8 ft
- Length
- 27.5 ft
- Height
- 7.5 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 4,800 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 4,800 lbs
- Useful Load
- 2,240 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 85 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 118 KTAS
- Range
- 392 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 15,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 920 fpm
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