Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee

Overview

The Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee is a low-wing, fixed-gear, single-engine airplane originally configured as a two-seat trainer. The handbook describes optional family seats that provide four-place capacity. Its Lycoming O-320-E2A engine has different rated power at different rpm settings, so the selected handbook basis matters when describing the aircraft.

This page uses the 2,150 lb gross-weight configuration documented for later serial numbers or aircraft with an approved modification. The handbook also covers earlier aircraft at 1,950 lb. These configurations have different useful loads and performance figures. A model name alone does not establish which one applies to a particular airframe.

Performance

For the 2,150 lb configuration, the handbook lists a top speed of 139 mph, a rate of climb of 660 ft per minute, and a service ceiling of 14,300 ft. The 1,950 lb column gives different performance, including a higher listed climb rate and service ceiling. The comparison makes the gross-weight basis important even within the same PA-28-140 model.

The handbook describes a 50 percent power, sea-level instructional cruise range as a separate planning table, and its values depend on the selected gross weight and fuel allowance. This page does not present that range as a universal trip figure. Wind, loading, power, fuel reserve, and aircraft condition affect actual results. Use the aircraft's applicable performance tables rather than inferring a range from the model name.

V-speeds

The handbook schedule reports speeds in miles per hour. For the documented 2,150 lb basis, it lists VNE 171 mph, VNO 140 mph, VA 129 mph, VX 74 mph, and VY 85 mph. The flap limit is 115 mph. The handbook gives a flaps-down stall speed of 54 mph at the 2,150 lb gross weight.

The VX, VY, and VA glossary entries explain the terms. Keep the source units visible and verify the applicable markings and POH in the aircraft. Do not substitute knot values without checking the aircraft documentation and the conversion basis.

Weight and balance

The handbook lists a standard useful load of 949 lb for the 2,150 lb gross-weight configuration. It lists 770 lb for the earlier 1,950 lb configuration. The standard fuel installation is 36 gal; the handbook separately identifies a 50-gallon reserve tank option. Those installations are not interchangeable when planning usable fuel or payload.

Family seats are optional, so a four-place cabin does not mean four occupants can be carried with full fuel and baggage. Use the current aircraft empty weight, arms, fuel quantity, seat installation, occupant weights, and baggage stations in a loading calculation. The weight and balance calculator is for training and reference only.

Training notes

The Cherokee 140's two-seat standard arrangement supports primary instruction, while the optional family seats change how the cabin can be used. Its low-wing sight picture differs from a Cessna high-wing trainer, and the PA-28 handbook's distinct gross-weight columns make configuration awareness tangible. Students should use the serial-appropriate flight manual and the airplane's current loading report.

Variants

The 1,950 lb and 2,150 lb PA-28-140 configurations have different useful loads and performance. The later PA-28-161 Warrior II has a different engine and separate handbook. This page does not combine Warrior figures with Cherokee 140 data.

Sources

Specifications and gross-weight-dependent performance are from the Piper Cherokee 140 Owner's Handbook. The airspeed schedule is cross-checked against the PA-28-140 Cherokee 140 Pilot's Operating Handbook document. Confirm serial range, approved modifications, handbook revision, and aircraft records before using any figure.