Piper Cherokee 180 (1963-1973)

The 1963-1973 Piper Cherokee 180 is the original 180 HP Cherokee -- the PA-28-180 -- representing the entry of Piper into the 4-seat fixed-gear single-engine market. The Cherokee 180 succeeded the smaller Tri-Pacer and competed directly with the Cessna 172 and Beechcraft Musketeer for the family/training/short-cross-country market.

Approximately 8,000 Cherokee 180s were built across the 1963-1975 production -- one of the most numerous PA-28 variants. This page's frontmatter describes the original short-fuselage configuration (1963-1972, FAA TCDS 2A13 Section III, 2,400 lb gross), roughly 86% of the run. The 1973-75 Challenger/Archer -- a stretched-fuselage, 2,450 lb configuration on a separate certificate item (Section XII) -- is the minority and has its own row in the Variants table below. The Cherokee 180 line was succeeded by the PA-28-151/161 Warrior (160 HP, from 1974) and, for the 180 HP slot specifically, by the tapered-wing PA-28-181 Archer II from 1976 (see piper-pa28-archer).

MOSAIC Eligibility

Cherokee 180s are MOSAIC light-sport eligible with the new FAA MOSAIC rule (effective late 2024). At 2,400 lbs gross weight, they fall within the 3,000 lb LSA category, opening sport pilot operations under the new rule.

Variant Letters

The Challenger/Archer row is a different, minority airframe from the Cherokee 180B-G above it -- 1,143 of the roughly 8,000 built (about 14%), on its own certificate item with its own weight and fuel figures. It is the final 180 HP Hershey-bar-wing PA-28 before the tapered wing arrived with the Archer II in 1976.

The Hershey-Bar Wing

The Cherokee 180 (and the entire pre-1974 PA-28 line) used a constant-chord rectangular wing affectionately known as the "Hershey bar" wing. The Hershey bar wing has distinct characteristics vs the later tapered wing (1974+):

• Easier construction (lower manufacturing cost)
• Slightly less efficient at cruise
• Different stall characteristics (more pronounced stall break)
• Slightly slower cruise (~5 KTAS slower than tapered wing equivalent)

The Hershey bar wing is purely a Cherokee identifier -- the later tapered wing on the Warrior/Archer II is aerodynamically superior. However, Cherokee 180s with the Hershey bar wing have a distinctive vintage look that some buyers prefer.

No Pilot's Operating Handbook was obtained for this pass (see the confidence note) -- the figures below predate this research and are uncorrected generated data:

• Cruise: 119 KTAS at 7,500 ft (75% power, unsourced)
• Climb: 740 FPM at gross (unsourced)
• Fuel burn: 9.5 GPH cruise (unsourced)
• Range: 630 NM with reserves at 50 gal fuel (unsourced)
• Useful load: 1,170 lbs (unsourced; arithmetically consistent with the now-sourced 2,400 lb gross and the unsourced 1,230 lb empty weight)

The Cherokee 180's useful load is reportedly good for the era, but treat the number as indicative rather than certificated until a handbook pass checks it.

Cherokee 180s have stable to slightly appreciating value -- popular for training, family flying, and as second airplanes for ag pilots.

1. Lycoming O-360 cylinder condition: Borescope all four cylinders. O-360 is robust but mid-time cylinder issues common.
2. Hershey bar wing spar inspection: AD 2020-26-16 mandates spar inspections on certain serial numbers; verify compliance.
3. Cabin door operation and seal: Single right-side cabin door; verify hinge condition and seal integrity.
4. Fuel bladders or fuel cells: Most Cherokee 180s have aluminum fuel cells (not bladders); inspect for corrosion at seams.
5. Stabilator trim: Cherokee uses stabilator; verify trim drum operation and proper rigging.