Piper PA-28-236 Dakota

Overview

The Piper PA-28-236 Dakota is a four-seat, low-wing, fixed-gear single-engine land airplane with a 235 hp Lycoming O-540-J3A5D engine. It gives a pilot more power and payload than the Warrior or Archer while keeping fixed landing gear. The Dakota is used for personal transport, cross-country work, and advanced training.

This page uses the PA-28-236 model basis. The current equipment list, serial range, modifications, and aircraft weight record govern a specific airplane. The PA-28 family name does not make every model's performance interchangeable.

Performance

The source basis lists 140 kt cruise and 750 nm range. These are book figures under stated conditions. Wind, power setting, altitude, temperature, loading, engine condition, and reserve planning affect actual results.

The climb references are VX 64 KIAS for angle and VY 84 KIAS for rate. The higher-power engine changes the Dakota's loading and climb discussion compared with a Warrior. The current POH charts should be read with the actual aircraft weight and conditions.

V-speeds

The model basis lists VNE 171 KIAS, VNO 134 KIAS, and VA 107 KIAS at maximum weight. Maneuvering speed changes as weight changes. The flap limit for this record is VFE 125 KIAS.

The VX, VY, and VA glossary entries explain the terms. The aircraft's current POH and placards control.

Weight and balance

The stated useful load of 1,150 lb leaves more room than a Warrior II, but the 77 gal fuel capacity still creates a real passenger and baggage tradeoff. Four occupants, full fuel, and baggage must be checked against the actual empty weight and center of gravity rather than assumed from the seat count.

Use current arms, fuel quantity, occupant weights, and baggage stations in a loading calculation. The weight and balance calculator is for training and reference only.

Training notes

The Dakota provides a transition step from a basic four-seat trainer to a higher-power fixed-gear aircraft. Its low-wing sight picture remains familiar to other PA-28 pilots, while the larger engine and loading range create different climb and takeoff planning questions. Teach the actual aircraft's checklist, avionics, and handbook procedures.

Variants

The Archer III and Dakota share PA-28 design features but use different engines, gross weights, and performance data. Keep separate records when the model-specific source basis changes the answer to a reference question.

Sources

The structured values use the Piper PA-28-236 Dakota Pilot's Operating Handbook and FAA Approved Airplane Flight Manual, with configuration context from FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 2A13. Confirm the applicable revision, serial range, and aircraft records before using any figure.