1978 Piper Arrow
Single Engine Piston
Aircraft Details
Seller reportedAvionics & Equipment
IFRDescription
1978 Piper Arrow III - 8753 Hours Total Time Since New, Only 528 Hours SMOH by Custom Airmotive, Only 528 Hours SPOH, Piper Auto Control III Autopilot, Aspen Pro EFD-1000 PFD, Aspen Evolution 500 Multi-Function Display, Avidyne IFD-440 GPS, L3 Lynx NGT-9000 ADS-B Compliant Transponder, Stratus USB Charging Ports, Garmin Aera 660 GPS with Docking Station, Insight G3 Graphic Engine Monitor, LED Lights, Rosen Sun Visors, Knots 2U Wing Root Speed Modification, New Paint in 2017!
Engine
The engine overhaul was performed by Custom Airmtoive in 2016.
Propeller
The Propeller (B2D34C213-B) was overhauled in 2016.
Interior
• Beige Leatherette seating Featuring Harmonizing Side Panels • Beige Carpeting
Exterior
• White with Red and Blue Accents • New Paint in 2017 • New Side Windows in 2017 • New LP Aero Windshields Upgrade in 2010
Inspection
ANNUAL DUE: March 1, 2027 BI-ANNUAL IFR CHECKS DUE: June 27, 2027 USEFUL LOAD: 996 Pounds NOTATIONS AD 2020-25-16 Wing Spar Eddie Current Inspection was completed May 12, 2021. See airframe log book entry for complete details. The aircraft did have some hail damage and subsequent repairs were completed by Straight Flight FAA CRS #OMKR399L on June 12, 2008 at 7037 Hours Total Time. Several skins were replaced. See airframe log entry for complete details. The LH wing leading edge skin (p/n 35118-28) was replaced with a new part on January 19, 1979. Specifications are Subject to Verification upon the Buyer’s Inspection of the Aircraft. Optional aircraft transition flight training solutions are available. We accept trades and offer a variety of low fixed rate interest rate financing solutions up to 20 years. Bartelt Aviation does not endorse nor are we affiliated with Currency Finance, Avemco, or the Aircraft Cost Calculator that may be attached to our aircraft online sales ads. Bartelt Aviation has the ability to refer you to an Aircraft Lender and an Insurance Agent that should be able to provide you with lower cost options and superior customer service. Ask your Bartelt Aviation Sales person for details.
Modifications / STCs
• ADDITIONAL OUTSTANDING FEATURES / UPGRADES
• • Knots 2-U Wing Root Fairings Speed Enhancement
• • LoPresti Hubba Caps Speed Enhancement
• • LED Position Lights
• • LED Landing / Taxi Light – (Cowl Mounted)
• • Rosen Sun Visors
• • Static Wicks
• • Outside Air Temperature Gauge
• • Tow Bar
• • Avionics Master Switch
• • Cleveland Wheels and Brakes
• • Concorde Sealed Battery
• • GAMI Fuel Injectors
• • Wing Ding Door Stop
• • Wing Tip Strobes
• • Tinted Windows
• • Hobbs Meter
• • Heated Pitot
Description and equipment details provided by the seller. AeroGurus does not verify seller-provided information.
Price Comparison 1 active offer
| Source | Price | Location | Listed | Days on Market | Status | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Bartelt Aviation Inc - Larry
trade-a-plane.com
|
$139,900
$145,000
|
Sturgis, MI | Mar 20, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Bartelt Aviation
controller.com
|
$139,900
$145,000
|
Sturgis, MI | Mar 25, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Bartelt Aviation
aviationtrader.com.au
|
$144,214
|
Sturgis, Michigan, Australia | Apr 06, 2026 | — | Active | |
|
Bartelt Aviation
controlleremea.co.uk
|
$142,485 *
GBP £105,821
|
Sturgis, MI | Apr 06, 2026 | — | Active |
* Converted to USD at daily European Central Bank (ECB) exchange rates
Estimate Monthly Payment
Piper Arrow loan calculator
AeroGurus Data & Analysis
Independent data from FAA, NTSB, and market analysis
About This Piper Arrow
This 1978 Piper Arrow (N21870) is a 4-seat single engine piston with 8,753 hours on the airframe. There are currently 190 Arrow aircraft listed for sale with asking prices ranging from $44,950 to $429,460. This aircraft is priced below the market average at $139,900.
The Arrow cruises at 135 kts (250 km/h) with a range of 720 nm (1,333 km) — ideal for short hops and local flights. Service ceiling of 15,400 ft allows operation above most weather.
Operating costs: Fuel burn is 10.5 GPH (40 L/h), which at current Jet-A prices (~$5.50/gal) means approximately $58/hr in fuel alone. Total variable cost including maintenance reserves is approximately $145/hr. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew, annual inspection) average $18,000. With 8,753 hours on the airframe, this aircraft has exceeded TBO (2,000 hrs) — verify engine status and overhaul reserve.
NTSB records show 0 incidents for this airframe — a clean safety record.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
Piper Arrow — Model Specs
Model specificationStandard specs for this model. Actual aircraft may differ.
Estimated Cost of Ownership
AeroGurus estimatePIPER Arrow
AeroGurus estimates based on industry averages for the PIPER Arrow. Actual costs vary by location, usage, maintenance history, and configuration. Not a financial quote.
Ownership & Registration
FAA registration data pending for N21870.
Location & Ownership
Title Status
No FAA title records
Available for US-registered aircraft only
Source: FAA Aircraft Registry, FAA Civil Aviation Registry (DocIndex). Title data may be delayed. Always verify with an aviation attorney before purchase.
Safety Record
NTSB safety data coming soon.
We'll check N21870 against the NTSB accident database.