Aircraft › Piper › PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota › PA-28-161
The Piper PA-28-161 Warrior is a four-seat, low-wing, fixed-tricycle-gear piston single introduced for the 1977 model year. It uses the Lycoming O-320-D3G rated at 160 hp.
The PA-28-161 designation spans Warrior II, Warrior III and other serial-number groups, so approved weight limits and equipment configuration must be matched to the individual airplane.
Piper PA-28-161 Weight and Balance Calculator →
Piper PA-28-161 specifications
| Manufacturer | Piper |
|---|---|
| Model | PA-28-161 |
| Production years | 1977–present |
| Aircraft type | Four-seat piston single |
| Seats | 4 |
| Engine | Lycoming O-320-D3G |
| Power | 160 hp |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle |
| Certification | FAA 2A13 |
Piper PA-28-161 weights and capacities
Certified weight limits and applicability
| earlier PA-28-161 / Cadet applicability per TCDS | Takeoff 2,325 lb · earlier PA-28-161 / Cadet applicability per TCDS |
|---|---|
| applicable later Warrior II / Warrior III groups per TCDS | Ramp 2,447 lb · Takeoff 2,440 lb · applicable later Warrior II / Warrior III groups per TCDS |
Fuel capacity and configuration
| Fuel | 50 gal total |
|---|
Baggage and loading applicability
| normal-category Warrior configuration | 200 lb maximum · normal-category Warrior configuration |
|---|---|
| Cadet applicability per TCDS | 50 lb maximum · Cadet applicability per TCDS |
Piper PA-28-161 history and development
The PA-28-161 followed the 150 hp PA-28-151 Warrior and introduced a 160 hp Lycoming O-320-D3G installation.
Piper's publication catalogs divide PA-28-161 aircraft into multiple documentation groups, including early Warrior II and Warrior III aircraft, later Warrior III serial numbers and the separate PA-28-161 Cadet group.
FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 2A13 also contains serial-number-specific notes and approved modifications affecting maximum weight and operating applicability.
Piper PA-28-161 certification and applicability
| FAA type certificate | 2A13 |
|---|---|
| Production applicability | 1977–present catalog applicability |
| Factory groups | Warrior II / Warrior III / separate Cadet applicability |
Piper PA-28-161 configurations and applicability
PA-28-161 Warrior II / Warrior III
Applicability: Serial-number applicability varies by Piper publication and FAA certification data.
| Engine | Lycoming O-320-D3G |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Normally aspirated, carbureted, air-cooled, four-cylinder |
| Power | 160 hp |
Maximum weight must be confirmed from the applicable POH/AFM and aircraft records. FAA DRS includes an STC increasing maximum gross weight to 2,440 lb for PA-28-161 aircraft, so 2,440 lb must not be treated as a universal factory limit.
Configuration sources: FAA: FAA Registry PA-28-161 records · FAA: STC SA00397NY · Piper Aircraft: PA-28-151 Warrior / PA-28-161 Warrior II-III publication catalog
Piper PA-28-161 model applicability and configuration
PA-28-161 is not a single permanently fixed configuration. Piper documentation separates Warrior II, Warrior III and Cadet serial-number groups, and FAA certification data contain additional configuration-specific notes.
FAA-approved modifications also exist that change maximum gross weight. A modified gross-weight value must therefore not be treated as the universal factory limit for every PA-28-161.
Use the POH or AFM, supplements, equipment list and current weight and balance records applicable to the exact serial number and installed configuration.
Piper PA-28-161 vs PA-28-151
| Specification | PA-28-161 | PA-28-151 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Lycoming O-320-D3G | Lycoming O-320-E3D |
| Power | 160 hp | 150 hp |
| Landing gear | Fixed tricycle | Fixed tricycle |
The PA-28-161 continued the Warrior line with a different Lycoming O-320 engine and a 160 hp rating, compared with 150 hp for the PA-28-151.
Maximum-weight and loading data should not be transferred between the two models without confirming the exact aircraft configuration and approved documentation.
Piper PA-28-161 weight and balance
Piper PA-28-161 weight and balance calculations must use the current basic empty weight and moment or arm for the individual airplane and the approved limits applicable to its exact serial-number and modification status.
FAA-approved gross-weight modifications exist for PA-28-161 aircraft. The presence of such an approval on one aircraft does not establish the limit for another.
The applicable POH or AFM, supplements, equipment list and current weight and balance records remain controlling.
Open Piper PA-28-161 Weight and Balance Calculator →
Piper PA-28-161 frequently asked questions
When was the Piper PA-28-161 introduced?
The PA-28-161 was introduced for the 1977 model year.
What engine does the Piper PA-28-161 use?
The PA-28-161 uses the Lycoming O-320-D3G rated at 160 hp.
Are all PA-28-161 Warriors configured the same?
No. Piper documentation separates multiple Warrior II, Warrior III and Cadet serial-number groups, and approved modifications can also change aircraft configuration and maximum weight.
What is the maximum gross weight of a PA-28-161?
The applicable maximum weight must be confirmed from the approved documentation for the individual aircraft. FAA-approved modifications exist that can change the maximum gross weight.
Reference sources
FAA: FAA Registry PA-28-161 records
Piper Aircraft: PA-28-151 Warrior / PA-28-161 Warrior II-III publication catalog
Related PA-28 Cherokee / Warrior / Archer / Dakota models
- Piper PA-28-151 - 1974–1977
- Piper PA-28-181 - 1976–present