1976 Piper PA-25 Pawnee 235 Model D

We are proud, and very sad, to be selling our PA25 235D Pawnee - probably the best example of a Pawnee glider tow plane in Europe!.

Built in 1976, the aircraft was imported to the UK with only 23 hrs TT. It was stored undercover for over 20 years until it was launched into service in 2003, having done only 31hrs since new!

The aircraft has never been used for agricultural use and therefore has had a very easy life, solely being used as a glider tug. Its home base is Ridgewell airfield in Essex, where it has served the Essex Gliding Club diligently for the last 23 years.

At 1,300hrs TT airframe and engine, it has only done a fraction of the hours of its nearest rival in the UK which on average have around 7,000hrs TT (Range 5100-16000). Currently there are only 10 Pawnees serviceable in the UK and another 5 undergoing R&M so a real opportunity to get your hands on an excellent example in a very small pool.

The aircraft was completely dismantled, stripped, recovered with Ceconite and repainted in 2022. During this time any small areas of corrosion was addressed. The condition therefore is very good.

The aircraft went offline in Dec 2024 when its annual was due and while we awaited guidance and clarity relating to AD 2024-05-01. This came in summer 2025 when the necessary inspection panels were subsequently installed and the NDT completed with no problems.

The aircraft took advantage of the ELA1 modification in 2009 which limits the MTOW to 1000kgs. As a consequence of the ELA1 mod, and after after the adoption of EASA AD2025-0154R1, the Eddy Current testing that was initially going to be annual, is now extended to 1000hrs/4 years. Only a visual inspection is now required every 100hrs as per SB25-57-09, great news!.

The engine has been stripped down one 2 occasions in its life, once in 2003 after minor fire damage and once in 2009 after a shock load. On both occasions full inspection and repairs completed to a high standard. The engine has been closely monitored and no signs of degradation with the last few oil analysis being satisfactory.

The aircraft is fitted with a 4 blade hoffman prop and an exhaust silencer so suitable for more noise sensitive locations.

She has been stored undercover in a customer hanger her whole life so never left outside.

2 x 75l wing tanks (150L total)

On behalf of EGC we hope she goes to a good home and she will be flying for many years come. She has been a stable and reliable workhorse and will be sorely missed, but alas we have a new aircraft to pay for!.

The aircraft is currently stored in a headed aircraft shelter at Wattisham and available for viewing.