Aircraft › Piper › PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota
The Piper PA-28 family includes several of the most common single-engine training and touring aircraft in general aviation, including Cherokee, Warrior, Archer and Dakota variants. Individual PA-28 model designations can differ in production years, engines, maximum weights and weight and balance applicability.
Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota overview
Piper's PA-28 series covers a large group of fixed-gear, single-engine aircraft developed from the Cherokee design. Common model identities include the PA-28-140 Cherokee, PA-28-151 Warrior, PA-28-161 Warrior II and III, PA-28-181 Archer and higher-powered Dakota variants.
The marketing name alone is not always sufficient for aircraft identification. For weight and balance purposes, use the complete certification model designation such as PA-28-161 or PA-28-181.
Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota models and production years
Select Specs & details to view available engine, dimensions, weights, fuel capacity and other model-specific aircraft information. Use W&B Calculator to open the weight and balance tool for that model.
| Model | Production years | Aircraft information | Weight & balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piper PA-28-140 | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-150 | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-151 | 1974–1977 | Specs & details → | W&B Calculator → |
| Piper PA-28-160 | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-161 | 1977–present | Specs & details → | W&B Calculator → |
| Piper PA-28-180 | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-181 | 1976–present | Specs & details → | W&B Calculator → |
| Piper PA-28-201T | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-235 | — | Specs & details → | |
| Piper PA-28-236 | — | Specs & details → |
How to identify the correct PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota model
Check the model designation in the aircraft records, POH or AFM before selecting a calculator. For example, PA-28-151 identifies the original Warrior generation, while PA-28-161 identifies later Warrior II and Warrior III aircraft.
PA-28-181 is the certification designation used across several Archer generations. Production spans multiple periods, so year alone should not be used as the sole method of determining aircraft configuration.
PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota model differences
Model variants within the same aircraft family can differ in engine installation, maximum weight, fuel system, loading stations, baggage limits and center-of-gravity envelope. Check the limits and loading data for the exact aircraft model and configuration.
Piper PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota weight and balance
PA-28 variants can differ in maximum takeoff weight, fuel capacity, baggage limits and center-of-gravity envelope. Aircraft marketed under similar names should therefore not automatically share the same weight and balance data.
Use the exact PA-28 model designation and the current empty weight and moment or arm from the individual aircraft's weight and balance records.
Frequently asked questions
What years was the Piper PA-28-151 Warrior produced?
The Piper PA-28-151 Warrior covers model years 1974 through 1977.
When did the Piper PA-28-161 Warrior enter production?
The PA-28-161 designation begins with the 1977 model year. Production occurred in multiple periods, so WBcalc does not treat the entire range as uninterrupted production.
When did the Piper PA-28-181 Archer enter production?
The PA-28-181 designation begins in 1976 and continues across multiple Archer generations.
Are all Piper Warriors and Archers the same for weight and balance?
No. Use the exact PA-28 model designation and aircraft-specific approved records because weight limits, loading data and CG applicability can differ between variants.