Piper Cherokee 180 Aircraft Parts, Equipment, and Tooling List

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee Series is a family of all-metal, low-wing, single-engine aircraft that has trained generations of pilots and flown millions of personal and air taxi hours worldwide. Introduced in 1960 and still in production today, the Cherokee line encompasses two- and four-seat trainers, touring aircraft, and IFR platforms, ranging from early 140 hp fixed-pitch models to 235 hp load haulers and 180 hp Warriors, Archers, and retractable-gear Arrows.

Key Specifications

• Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft, Inc., Vero Beach, Florida
• Role: Two- or four-seat light aircraft for primary and advanced training, personal touring, and air taxi use

• Powerplant (Common Fixed-Gear Variants):

• 140/150 hp Lycoming O-320 for PA-28-140/151 and early Warriors
• 160/180 hp Lycoming O-320/O-360 for many Cherokees, Warriors, and Archers
• 235 hp Lycoming O-540 for PA-28-235 Cherokee 235/Charger/Pathfinder
• Typical Seating: 1 pilot plus 3 passengers (4 seats), with some early trainers configured as 2+2 or 2 seaters
• Construction: All-metal, low-wing, unpressurized, fixed tricycle landing gear (Arrows add retractable gear)

• Typical MTOW:

• ~2,150 lbs for PA-28-140 Cherokee
• ~2,400-2,550 lbs for 160/180 hp Cherokees, Warriors, and Archers
• ~2,900 lbs for PA-28-235 Cherokee 235
• Typical Cruise Speed Range: About 105-115 KTAS for 140/150 hp trainers; 115-125 KTAS for 160 hp models; 120-130 KTAS for 180 hp Warriors/Archers; slightly higher for 235 hp variants
• Service Ceiling: Generally in the 12,000 to 14,000 ft range, depending on engine and propeller

Overview and History

The PA-28 Cherokee line was developed in the late 1950s to complement and eventually replace Piper’s fabric-covered PA-22 Tri Pacer with a more modern, all-metal, low-wing design. The first PA-28 received its type certificate in 1960, and production began in 1961.

All PA-28s share the same basic layout: a metal semi-monocoque fuselage, low wings with dihedral, and fixed tricycle gear, plus a single door on the right side that is entered by stepping onto the wing. The family quickly expanded from the original 150/160 hp Cherokees into two-seat trainers, four-seat cruising models, heavy-lift 235 hp versions, tapered-wing Warriors and Archers, and retractable-gear Arrows.

Over six decades of production, the PA-28 has become one of the most widely built aircraft types in history and remains a staple of flight schools and personal flying fleets worldwide. Current production focuses on the Archer TX/LX, the diesel Archer DX/DLX, and the Pilot 100i trainer, all of which are derived from the Archer/Warrior lineage.

For aviation maintenance professionals, the Cherokee series presents a wide but largely compatible family of light singles, with many common inspection items, parts, and tooling across decades of variants.

Major Variants and Families

Within PJi’s Piper PA-28 Cherokee Series category, you will typically encounter these main families:

• Basic Cherokees (PA-28-140/150/160/180/235)
  Early slab wing models with constant chord wings:
• PA-28-140 Cherokee/Cherokee Cruiser – 140 hp Lycoming O-320 training and light touring aircraft; some later certified as four-seaters.
• PA-28-150/160 Cherokee – 150/160 hp four seat versions; popular ab initio trainers and club aircraft.
• PA-28-180 Cherokee 180/Challenger – 180 hp tourer that later evolved into the Archer family.
• PA-28-235 Cherokee 235/Charger/Pathfinder – 235 hp O-540 powered heavy haulers with greater useful load.
• Warrior Family (PA-28-151 / -161)
  Tapered-wing, 150/160 hp Cherokees introduced in the 1970s. The Warrior II and III became mainstay primary trainers, featuring a 160 hp O-320 engine and, later, refined avionics and interiors.
• Archer Family (PA-28-181 and Modern Archers)
  180 hp, fixed-gear four-seaters with stretched fuselage, increased span, and tapered wings. Modern Archers (TX/LX/DX/DLX) continue this line with G1000 NXi avionics and options for diesel CDs.
• Arrow Family (PA-28R Retractable Gear)
  Retractable gear, constant speed propeller Cherokees with 180 hp or 200 hp Lycoming IO-360 engines, providing complex aircraft experience for advanced training and serious IFR touring.
• Pilot 100/100i
  Recent two- or three-seat, simplified training variants derived from the Archer airframe, featuring modern avionics and optimized for lower-cost training operations.
  

Understanding which family an aircraft belongs to (basic Cherokee, Warrior, Archer, Arrow) is the first step when choosing parts, ground support equipment, and documentation.

Engine Series and Configuration Summary

Because the PA-28 series spans multiple engine families and power levels, it is helpful to group support around the primary engine types.

Always confirm engine model, dash number, and any STC conversions from the logbooks before ordering parts or applying engine service bulletins to a given Cherokee.

Highlights and Implications for Parts and Equipment Selection

• Light Four-Seat Trainers with Fixed Gear (Most PA-28s): For the bulk of Cherokee, Warrior, and Archer fleets, aviation maintenance professionals can standardize on light aircraft tripod jacks or wing jack pads and compact axle jacks suitable for a low-wing single with a weight capacity of ~2,400 to 2,550 lbs. Ensure jack pad adapters fit the PA-28 spar and fuselage hardpoints without damaging skins.
• Complex Arrow Variants with Retractable Gear: The PA-28R Arrow introduces hydraulically actuated retractable gear and constant-speed propellers. Supporting these aircraft calls for gear swing jacking setups, downlock and uplock rigging tools, propeller handling fixtures, and more frequent brake and tire service due to higher approach speeds and training use in complex courses.
• Training School Utilization: Many PA-28s are part of hard-working flight school fleets, flying multiple short legs per day. That drives demand for high-throughput tire, tube, and brake pad inventories, nose gear shimmy damper service tools, and quick-turn oil and filter service equipment, as well as robust tow bars and tugs compatible with tight ramp layouts.
• Aging Airframes with Modern Avionics Upgrades: Early 1960s and 1970s Cherokees are often retrofitted with IFR GPS, glass PFDs, and autopilots. Maintenance planning should include reliable 28 VDC ground power units, pitot-static and transponder test sets, and panel access stands that accommodate the low cockpit height, along with wiring and grounding inspection tools for mixed vintage electrical systems.
• Hangar and Ramp Protection: Fixed-gear PA-28s sit low and are often tied down outdoors. Protection packages with engine inlet and exhaust covers, pitot and static covers, gust locks, and wing and tail protectors help reduce weathering and FOD, particularly in training operations where aircraft turn quickly between flights.

Maintenance and Ownership Tips

• Engine and Fuel System Vigilance: Cherokee engines are simple but live hard lives in training service. Incorporate regular compression checks, borescope inspections, oil analysis, and fuel system calibration into your inspection program, especially on high-time O-320 and O-360 installations. Keep carb heat and fuel injection systems in top shape to prevent training interruptions.
• Landing Gear and Brake Health: Even fixed gear models can suffer from nose gear shimmy, worn bungees on older designs, and brake fade from repeated training circuits. Plan for strut servicing, shimmy damper inspections, toe brake maintenance, and thorough checks of gear attachment points, as well as stock consumables for quick wheel and brake changes.
• Corrosion Control on Older Airframes: Many Cherokees have lived outdoors for decades. Pay special attention to wing roots, spar carry-throughs, tailcone, floor structure, and lower fuselage for signs of corrosion and cracking. Consider applying corrosion inhibition treatments and maintaining drain paths, especially in humid or coastal environments.
• Configuration Control Across Variants: It is common for operators to refer to any PA-28 as a “Cherokee” or “Archer” even when the logbooks tell a more nuanced story. Maintain precise records of exact model (PA-28-140, -161, -181, -235, -R180, etc.), engine and propeller dash numbers, avionics suite, STCs (speed mods, engine upgrades, glass panels), and landing gear type, ensuring that parts ordering and manuals always match the specific aircraft.

Role in the Training and Personal Flying Market

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee Series has been one of the defining aircraft families in general aviation, competing directly with the Cessna 172 as a go-to trainer and personal tourer. Its combination of simple systems, predictable handling, and extensive support network makes it attractive for flight schools, flying clubs, and owner-pilots around the world.

For aviation maintenance professionals, this ubiquity means a steady stream of PA-28 inspections, repairs, and avionics upgrades, as well as a strong return on investment for Cherokee-compatible jacks, towbars, engine stands, and protective ground support equipment.

Ready to Support Your Piper Cherokee Fleet?

Whether you maintain a single Cherokee 140 for weekend flying, a line of Warriors and Archers in a busy training fleet, or a mix of heavy lift 235s and retractable Arrows, PJi® is ready to support your Piper PA-28 operations. Our expert aviation specialists can help you select the right aircraft jacks, tow bars, engine handling equipment, nitrogen and oxygen service carts, brake and strut tooling, and protective covers tailored to your specific PA-28 models. Contact us via phone, email, or chat to keep your Piper PA-28 Cherokee Series safe, efficient, and ready for its next lesson or cross-country trip.