Piper Vagabond
Piston single engine • High Wing • Conventional gear
Range Visualization
Origin:
· nm at current load
· click map to move · two fingers to move map
Payload vs. Range
Configure weights
Default: 190 lbs
Default: 30 lbs
lbs
lbs / pax
Fuel on board
Extra 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.
Extra weight is the additional payload available with your selected passengers.
Mission Profile
Endorsements & ratings:
- • Tailwheel
78
KTAS
Cruise Speed
2
Occupants
220
nm
Max Range
448
lbs
Wet Payload
MOSAIC Eligible
Sport Pilot can fly
About the Piper Vagabond
Overview
The Piper PA-17 Vagabond is a classic two-seat, side-by-side taildragger. As a legacy aircraft that fits the LSA definition, it is a favorite for Sport Pilots looking for a faster, more compact alternative to the tandem J-3 Cub.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- LSA Compliant: Can be flown with a Sport Pilot certificate and a valid driver’s license in lieu of a medical (under current FAA rules).
- Side-by-Side Seating: Offers a more social cockpit than the Cub, making it better for instruction or flying with a friend.
- Ease of Ownership: All-metal versions of the wing and a simple Continental engine keep long-term costs manageable.
Trade-offs
- Payload Limits: While it has a decent useful load for its size, the small cabin and 12-gallon fuel tank limit its utility for long-distance travel.
- No Flaps: Requires proficiency in side-slips for energy management during approach.
- Hand-Propping: Many original examples lack an electrical system and must be hand-started.
See Also
- Piper J-3 Cub
- Aeronca Chief
- Luscombe 8A
- Taylorcraft BC-12D
- Cessna 120
Technical Specifications
Dimensions & Weights
- Height
- 6.4 ft
- Length
- 18.8 ft
- Parking area (ft2)
- 935.34 ft2
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 1,150 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 1,150 lbs
- Useful Load
- 520 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 12 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 78 KTAS
- Never-Exceed (Vne)
- 100 KIAS
- Max Structural Cruise (Vno)
- 78 KIAS
- Approach Speed
- 43 KIAS
- Stall, Clean (Vs1)
- 39 KIAS
- Range
- 220 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 10,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 530 fpm
- Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
- 900 ft
- Landing ground roll
- 300 ft
Similar to the Piper Vagabond
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Range
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See how the Piper Vagabond stacks up against similar aircraft