Piper PA-28-181 Archer III

Overview

The Piper PA-28-181 Archer III is a four-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear single-engine land airplane. Its training role includes primary and advanced single-engine work, while the same cabin and loading space support local travel. The low-wing view and conventional control layout give it a different visual and systems context from a high-wing Cessna 172S, even when both are used in the same syllabus.

This page covers the Archer III model basis. The name PA-28-181 appears across multiple production periods, and an individual aircraft can carry different avionics, interior equipment, optional fuel arrangements, and weight records. The exact POH revision and serial range matter when a figure affects loading or performance.

Performance

The stated cruise figure of 128 kt and range figure of 522 nm are published book values for the named model basis. They are not an operational forecast. Power setting, mixture, altitude, temperature, wind, fuel reserves, loading, and airframe condition all affect actual results.

The Archer III climb speeds separate two different performance goals. VX 64 KIAS is the angle-of-climb reference, while VY 76 KIAS is the rate-of-climb reference. The published values should be read with the source chart's weight and atmospheric assumptions. The density altitude calculator can help explain the relationship between field conditions and aircraft performance, but the aircraft's current POH chart remains the controlling reference.

V-speeds

The Archer III reference schedule lists VNE 160 KIAS, VNO 126 KIAS, and VA 113 KIAS at the stated maximum weight basis. As with other aircraft, maneuvering speed is weight dependent. The value belongs to the named condition and should not be treated as one fixed speed for every loading state.

The flap limit in this source basis is VFE 103 KIAS. The operating limitations and cockpit placards in the actual aircraft take precedence over this reference page. The VX, VY, and VA glossary entries provide general definitions without replacing the Archer III documentation.

Weight and balance

The stated useful load of 1,135 lb is a model-basis figure, not the payload available in every Archer III. Installed equipment and the aircraft's empty weight record determine the real margin. The four-seat cabin therefore needs to be considered together with fuel, baggage, and center of gravity rather than as a simple passenger count.

With 50 gal of fuel capacity, a full-fuel loading exercise can leave a meaningful but finite allowance for occupants and baggage. Use the actual aircraft's current empty weight, arms, fuel quantity, and baggage stations in the weight and balance calculator. The tool is for training and reference only, and it does not replace the aircraft's approved loading data.

Training notes

The Archer III gives students a low-wing sight picture, a fixed tricycle landing gear, and a 180 hp powerplant. Those characteristics make it useful for lessons where the school wants students to transition between a common trainer and a cross-country platform without introducing retractable landing gear. The assigned aircraft's checklist, avionics, fuel system, and performance charts still need to be taught as their own configuration.

Variants

The Archer II and Archer III labels identify different documentation and production bases even though both use the PA-28-181 designation. Later Archer LX aircraft add different equipment and interior packages. Their figures should not be silently substituted for the Archer III values above. A separate model file is appropriate when the POH, variant, and model-specific facts differ enough to answer a different search intent.

Sources

The structured values on this page are tied to the Piper PA-28-181 Archer III Pilot Operating Handbook, Section 9, with model context from FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 2A13. Confirm the applicable revision, serial range, and aircraft records before using any figure.