About the PIPER PA-38-112
The Piper PA-38-112, commonly known as the Piper Tomahawk, is a two-seat, single-engine, low-wing general aviation aircraft. It was introduced by Piper Aircraft in 1978 as a trainer aircraft, designed specifically to replace the aging fleet of Cessna 150s and Piper Cherokee 140s used predominantly for flight instruction. Development for the PA-38 began in response to the need for a modern, economical, and reliable trainer that offered easier handling and enhanced safety features. Piper also aimed to create an aircraft that would compete directly with the Cessna 152, a similarly purposed trainer from its main rival at the time, Cessna Aircraft Company.
The PA-38 was produced between 1978 and 1982, during which time a total of approximately 2,484 units were built. It was powered by a Lycoming O-235-L2C engine, delivering 112 horsepower, and had a distinctive T-tail design. The aircraft’s wing design provided forgiving stall characteristics, making it particularly well-suited for pilot training. The Tomahawk’s cockpit was designed with side-by-side seating and offered good visibility, which, combined with its handling characteristics, made it popular among student pilots and flight instructors.
Key Features and Capabilities
Key advantages of the Piper PA-38-112 included its affordability, ease of maintenance, and docile flying characteristics, which were beneficial for new pilots. Additionally, the simplicity of its design and systems contributed to reduced operational costs, an important factor for flight schools and individual owners alike.
Despite its benefits, the Piper Tomahawk faced criticism over the years regarding certain aspects of its flight behavior, particularly in more extreme situations. In response to early safety concerns, modifications were made to improve its aerodynamics and address issues brought up by pilots and flight instructors.
Market Position and Use Cases
Ultimately, the Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk carved out its niche as an affordable and effective primary training aircraft, leaving a lasting legacy in the flight training community. Its role in the evolution of pilot training and its contributions to the aviation industry have cemented its place in general aviation history.