About the PIPER PA-28-180
The Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee is a variant of the Piper PA-28 Cherokee family of light aircraft, designed for flight training, air taxi services, and personal use. The PA-28 series was introduced in 1960 by Piper Aircraft to compete with the Cessna 172 and the Beechcraft Musketeer. The PA-28-180, an upgraded version of the original PA-28-150 and PA-28-160, was certified in 1963 and entered production shortly thereafter. The “180” in the model designation refers to its 180-horsepower Lycoming O-360 engine, which provided more power and better performance compared to its predecessors. This improvement allowed the aircraft to carry a higher payload and perform better in diverse flying conditions, making it a popular choice among pilots who required a reliable and versatile aircraft. Piper’s motivation for developing the PA-28-180 stemmed from a need to provide an entry-level aircraft that was both accessible and capable of delivering solid performance. The PA-28-180's success can be attributed to its balanced design, which offers a comfortable cabin, good handling characteristics, and relatively low operating costs. As a four-seat, single-engine, low-wing aircraft, the PA-28-180 features fixed landing gear and a simplified design aimed at reducing complexity and maintenance. The aircraft is constructed from aluminum, which provides a good balance of strength and weight. Over the years, the PA-28-180 has built a reputation for being a dependable and easy-to-fly aircraft. It has been widely used in flight schools for pilot training and has also been favored by private owners for recreational flying. The aircraft’s versatility and affordability have ensured its lasting popularity in the general aviation community. In summary, the Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee represents a significant advancement in the PA-28 series, offering enhanced performance and utility while maintaining the simplicity and dependability that have made the Cherokee family a staple in general aviation for decades.