Piper Aircraft

The Piper Cherokee is one of the most popular first airplanes for good reason. Used Cherokee 140s and 180s are among the most affordable aircraft on the market, with flyable examples starting at $25,000-$60,000. They are simple, reliable, and cheap to maintain at roughly $250/month or $3,000/year for maintenance. Parts availability is excellent thanks to millions produced since 1961. The low-wing design gives a smoother ride in turbulence and car-like landing feel. On AeroGurus, we list over 1,000 active Piper listings with 11 distinct models.

A Piper Cherokee costs $75-$150 per hour to operate depending on the model. Fuel is the biggest cost at about $48/hour (8 GPH at $6/gallon for avgas). Insurance runs $160-$1,400 per year. Hangar or tie-down fees are $100-$300/month. Maintenance reserves add $15-$30/hour. The Cherokee 140 is at the low end of these ranges, while the Cherokee Six and Seneca twins cost more. Compared to a Cessna 172, the Cherokee is roughly equal in operating costs but typically cheaper to purchase.

The biggest difference is wing position: Cherokee is low-wing, the 172 is high-wing. Low wings give the Cherokee a smoother ride in turbulence and better ground handling in crosswinds. High wings give the 172 better ground visibility and simpler gravity-fed fuel. The Cherokee requires switching fuel tanks every 30 minutes (forgetting has caused engine-out incidents), while the 172 feeds from both tanks simultaneously. The 172 tends to float more on landing, while the Cherokee lands more predictably. Most pilots pick based on which they trained in.

Key inspection points for used Pipers include: corrosion (especially in coastal or humid-climate aircraft), AD compliance on wing spars (critical safety item), landing gear condition on retractable models (Arrow, Saratoga), engine compression readings and oil analysis history, and fuel tank integrity. Always get a pre-purchase inspection from a Piper-experienced mechanic. Missing maintenance logs are a deal-breaker. Budget for potential surprises — older PA-28s can accumulate small maintenance items over time.

Yes. Piper Aircraft is headquartered in Vero Beach, Florida, and actively manufactures the Archer LX (trainer), Seminole (multi-engine trainer), M350 (high-performance piston), M500 (entry turboprop), and the flagship M600 SLS turboprop with Garmin Autoland — the first system that can land the airplane automatically if the pilot is incapacitated. Piper listings on AeroGurus range from $49,900 for a classic Cherokee to $245,000 for an M600 SLS, with an average around $148,000.