Piper Arrow vs Piper Turbo Arrow III (1977-1978)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iiPiper Arrow
**The specifications on this page describe one airplane: the PA-28R-201 Arrow III, TCDS 2A13 Section XVII -- semi-tapered wing, conventional tail, normally aspirated Lycoming IO-360-C1C6, 2,750 lb.** The T-tail PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV is a different section of the same certificate with a different airspeed limit on every line, and the turbocharged PA-28R-201T is a different engine on its own page. Their figures are in the Variants table; do not read the frontmatter numbers onto them.
- +THE complex endorsement trainer—proven, docile handling for gear/prop training
- +Excellent parts availability and mechanic familiarity across the industry
- +Strong cross-country platform: 695 nm range, 138 KTAS cruise, IFR capable
- !Electro-hydraulic gear system is a chronic maintenance challenge and recurring expense
- !Automatic gear extension (AGE) system prone to failures; many operators disable it
- !Engine overhaul cost ($36k–$54k) is a major ownership consideration on high-time airframes
Piper Turbo Arrow III (1977-1978)
**The specifications on this page describe one airplane: the PA-28R-201T Turbo Arrow III, TCDS 2A13 Section XVIII -- the conventional-tail turbocharged Arrow, S/N 28R-7703001 through 28R-7803373 and 2803001 through 2803012.** The T-tail PA-28RT-201T Turbo Arrow IV is Section XXI of the same certificate and carries a *different figure on every airspeed limit*; its numbers are in the Variants table below, and they are not the ones in this page's frontmatter.
- +154 KTAS cruise at 75% power—compelling speed-for-cost against naturally aspirated Arrow III
- +20,000 ft maximum operating altitude enables high-altitude cross-country flights
- +Four-seat touring capability at turbocharged performance levels
- !Continental TSIO-360 runs hot; cylinder life heavily dependent on pilot technique and cool-down discipline
- !Shorter 1,800 hr TBO versus naturally aspirated Arrow's 2,000 hr
- !Turbo exhausts crack more frequently than naturally aspirated; costlier system maintenance
Comparing a specific airplane you found for sale?
Get a Tail # Report on that tail number →