iscover
Where it all started, the original Piper Cherokee 140, still considered a relatively inexpensive 2x2 tourer that makes flying for many pilots an affordable pleasure.
From The Cockpit – Piper PA28
0 comment
Continuing Our Series Outlining the History, Flying Characteristics & Market Values of General Aviation’s Most Interesting Aircraft
Piper’s PA28 Cherokee
Unlike the Beech 33/35 and Cessna 172 aircraft discussed previously, Piper Aircraft’s ‘Cherokee’ series provides an example of the diversification possible from a single and basic model of light aeroplane. This most well-known American light aircraft was a relatively late starter behind Beechcraft’s and Cessna’s popular models. At the time 172s and Bonanzas were readily selling, Piper’s factories were still involved with Cubs, Colts and Tripacers.
The first production Cherokee flew on 10th February 1961 after an intense design and development effort centred upon producing a low cost all-metal low-wing monoplane which could provide the affordable and efficient touring capability. A concentration of effort upon cost reduction through ‘productionisation’ is evidenced in the design features of PA28 aircraft over many years. If Howard ‘Pug’ Piper’s intention was to ‘T-Ford modelise’ light aircraft production, it shows in the Cherokee design. Only 1200 parts went into the early Cherokees, a 25% reduction from the number in the 4-seat TriPacer preceding it. Additionally Piper employed a substantial plastics contribution, there being at least 90 plastic and glass fibre components on the Cherokee – including wingtips, cowling, fairings, tail cone, interior trim, instrument panel, windows, etc.
This content is available exclusively to Australian Aviation members.
A monthly membership is only $5.99 or save with our annual plans.
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
- Unlimited access to all Australian Aviation digital content
- Access to the Australian Aviation app
- Australian Aviation quarterly print & digital magazines
- Access to In Focus reports every month on our website
- Access to our Behind the Lens photo galleries and other exclusive content
- Daily news updates via our email bulletin
