Piper PA-28-181

The Piper PA-28-181 Archer is a four-seat, low-wing, fixed-tricycle-gear piston single introduced for the 1976 model year and developed through multiple Archer II, Archer III and later factory configurations.

The PA-28-181 designation spans a long production history, so engine and equipment configuration cannot safely be inferred from the model number alone. Historical aircraft and current Archer production must be matched to the applicable serial number, POH or AFM and installed equipment.

Piper introduced the PA-28-181 Archer II for the 1976 model year. Piper's own publication catalogs divide the model into several serial-number and documentation groups, including Archer II, Archer III and later glass-cockpit and current production configurations.

Piper documentation identifies Archer II publications for 1976, 1977–1979 and 1980–1994 aircraft, followed by Archer III documentation beginning in 1994. Later groups include G1000, G1000 NXi and newer production serial-number ranges.

Because the PA-28-181 designation continued across these generations, encyclopedia specifications for the model must distinguish serial-number applicability instead of presenting every PA-28-181 as mechanically identical.

Current Piper Archer specifications list 48 U.S. gallons of usable fuel. Earlier PA-28-181 aircraft must be checked against the POH or AFM and serial-number-specific configuration applicable to the individual airplane.

Fuel capacity should not be transferred between production generations without confirming the approved fuel system for the specific aircraft.

PA-28-181 is a model designation covering multiple production generations rather than one permanently fixed configuration. Engine installation, avionics, propeller, equipment and other details can vary with serial number, production period and approved modifications.

Piper publishes separate operating-document groups for multiple PA-28-181 serial ranges. For operating limits and weight and balance, use the POH or AFM, supplements, equipment list and current weight and balance records applicable to the specific serial number and installed configuration.

Piper PA-28-181 weight and balance calculations must use the current basic empty weight and moment or arm for the individual airplane together with the loading limits applicable to its serial-number and equipment configuration.

Current Archer factory specifications list a maximum takeoff weight of 2,550 lb and maximum ramp weight of 2,558 lb. Those model-level values do not replace the approved weight and balance data for a specific aircraft.

Long production history makes configuration verification especially important on the PA-28-181. Engine, avionics, equipment changes and approved modifications can all affect empty weight and moment.