_taxiing_at_Wagga_Wagga_Airport.jpg)
Where it fits well
- 128 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 864 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 579 nm with 4 occupants.
- 293 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Key figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 4 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 293 kg |
| Advertised range | 864 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 579 nm |
| Cruise speed | 128 kt |
| Runway need | ~490 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Avgas 100LL |
| Fixed annual base | €17k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €150 |
The ownership trade-off
A polished and familiar trainer-tourer, but useful load is modest and marketplace labels sometimes mix Archer III with later Archer TX aircraft.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €40k per year ( €988 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €46k per year ( €569 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €52k per year ( €429 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €61k per year ( €336 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €35k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- A polished and familiar trainer-tourer, but useful load is modest and marketplace labels sometimes mix Archer III with later Archer TX aircraft.
- €17k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 490 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.