Piper Arrow vs Piper Turbo Arrow III / Turbo Arrow IV (1977-1989)
Head-to-head — specs, at a glance.
iiPiper Arrow
The Piper PA-28R Arrow is the retractable-gear member of the PA-28 Cherokee family, in continuous production since 1967 -- one of the longest production runs in general aviation history. With nearly 7,000 Arrows built across all variants, it is the most widely produced retractable-gear single-engine airplane ever made. The Arrow's primary role in general aviation is unmistakable: it is THE complex endorsement trainer, alongside the Cessna 172RG Cutlass and Mooney M20 series.
- +Industry-standard complex trainer with exceptional parts availability
- +Proven Cherokee platform delivers predictable handling and docile flight characteristics
- +Retractable gear adds 15-18 knots cruise speed over fixed-gear comparable aircraft
- !Electro-hydraulic gear system is maintenance-intensive and defines ownership costs
- !Automatic gear extension system prone to nuisance extensions; many owners disable it
- !Modest climb performance (831 fpm) limits high-altitude and hot-weather operations
Piper Turbo Arrow III / Turbo Arrow IV (1977-1989)
The 1977-1989 Piper Turbo Arrow is the **turbocharged variant of the Arrow III / Arrow IV** -- the same tapered-wing airframe with a Continental TSIO-360 (replacing the NA Arrow's Lycoming IO-360) producing 200 HP through 20,000 ft. The Turbo Arrow targeted Cessna T210, Bonanza A36TC, and Mooney M20K buyers seeking high-altitude cross-country capability at sub-$200K acquisition cost.
- +165 KTAS cruise at FL180 rivals Bonanza A36TC at lower acquisition cost
- +20,000 ft service ceiling enables high-altitude cross-country flights
- +4-seat configuration with 1,145 lbs useful load for modest loads
- !Continental TSIO-360 runs hot; cylinder life highly dependent on pilot technique and cool-down discipline
- !T-tail Arrow IV (1979-1989) has reduced pitch authority and stall recovery concerns vs. conventional tail
- !Turbo exhaust system prone to cracking; requires frequent inspection of welds and slip joints
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