Piper Tri-Pacer Aircraft 1960s

Pre-1980 piston singles are heritage airframes that have typically been rebuilt and refurbished multiple times — original avionics replaced with modern Garmin or Avidyne panels, engines on at least one mid-time overhaul cycle, interiors refreshed once or twice. Pre-buy focus: airframe corrosion (especially wing carry-through, tail, gear), AD compliance history, log-book continuity, engine cylinder borescope. Heritage value can be meaningful for original aircraft in restored condition.

The Piper Tri-Pacer (PA-22) is a 1950s short-wing four-seat single, essentially the tricycle-gear (nosewheel) version of the taildragger Pacer. Its forgiving nosewheel handling made it an approachable family and training airplane during the boom years of postwar general aviation, and its steel-tube, fabric-covered "short-wing Piper" construction is simple to maintain. Affordable to buy and run, the Tri-Pacer remains a popular entry into classic four-seat ownership.

Piper Tri-Pacer aircraft for sale

1 used Piper Tri-Pacer aircraft for sale 1960s · 4-seat · Used median asking $47,000 · Project from $7,500 · updated 2026-07-06

Piper Tri-Pacer Specifications

Model spec

The Piper Tri-Pacer is a 4-seat single engine piston with a cruise speed of 115 kt (213 km/h), a range of 500 nm (926 km), and a useful load of 850 lbs (386 kg).

Performance
Cruise115 kt (213 km/h)
Range500 nm (926 km)
Service Ceiling16,000 ft (4,877 m)
Engine & Fuel
Horsepower150 HP
Fuel Burn8.5 GPH (32 L/h)
Weights & Seats
Seats4
Useful Load850 lbs (386 kg)

Piper Tri-Pacer for Sale

Piper Tri-Pacer asking prices range from $35,000 to $79,500, with a median of $47,000 (market reference $55,000).

$7,500
Project
Total Time 4,674
Reg# N5359Z US
Location Schellsburg, PA
$45,000
For Sale
Total Time 4,146
Reg# N3033Z US
Location Grand Junction, CO

Compare Piper Tri-Pacer

Detailed comparisons for the Piper Tri-Pacer are being prepared.

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Piper Tri-Pacer Price & Cost

How much does a Piper Tri-Pacer cost? Used Tri-Pacer prices: $35K – $79K, average $47K (median $47K); market reference $55K, across 10 priced of 1 active listings.

Piper Tri-Pacer Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Piper Tri-Pacer Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (8.5 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$5,270/yr
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Buying a Used Piper Tri-Pacer

Buying a Piper Tri-Pacer comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The cost driver is fabric-aircraft condition and restoration quality. Fabric age, corrosion, engine installation, landing gear, log continuity, and parts/support familiarity should decide the buy before paint or panel.

Frequently Asked Questions — Piper Tri-Pacer

How much does a used Piper Tri-Pacer cost?
The Tri-Pacer is one of the most affordable four-seat classics on the market. See the live price range and median above; fabric and tube condition, engine time, avionics and any Pacer (taildragger) conversion affect value most.
What is the difference between the Tri-Pacer, the Pacer and the Colt?
All three are short-wing Pipers. The Pacer (PA-20) is the original taildragger; the Tri-Pacer (PA-22) is the same airframe with a nosewheel; and the Colt (PA-22-108) is a stripped two-seat trainer version. Many Tri-Pacers have been converted to tailwheel "Pacer" configuration over the years.

Piper Tri-Pacer Inventory by Country

United States11
Australia2
United Kingdom1

Piper Tri-Pacer Inventory by State

Texas2

Piper Tri-Pacer by Price

Under $100k4
Under $200k4
Under $300k4
Under $500k4

Recently Sold Piper Tri-Pacer

1956 Tri-Pacer$38,000
1955 Tri-Pacer$38,864

Piper Tri-Pacer Safety Record

No NTSB events on record for the Piper Tri-Pacer. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 2026-07-06 · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data