Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow IVPhoto: Rob Hodgkins · CC BY-SA 2.0 · representative variant
Indicative 1979 market price€156k€187k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€75k
Five-year cash outlay€543k

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats4
Realistic payload with mission fuel393 kg
Advertised range700 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)469 nm
Cruise speed140 kt
Runway need~520 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€19k
Direct cost per flight hour185

The ownership trade-off

Useful for complex training and touring, but T-tail handling, gear condition and refurbishment quality create a very wide market.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €67k per year ( €1678 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €75k per year ( €931 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €82k per year ( €683 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €93k per year ( €517 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €39k 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.

Where it fits well

  • 140 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
  • 700 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 469 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 393 kg realistic payload proxy and 4 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • Useful for complex training and touring, but T-tail handling, gear condition and refurbishment quality create a very wide market.
  • €19k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 520 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.

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