Piper PA-20 Pacer
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1949 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-20 Pacer is a four-seat high-wing monoplane produced by Piper Aircraft from 1950 to 1954, representing the evolution of the earlier Clipper. It was a short-coupled, fabric-covered aircraft popular for personal and business flying.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.25 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Short-coupled high-wing four-seater with no flaps on early models
- Side-by-side front seats with folding rear bench
- Distinctive Piper tri-gear stance with conventional tailwheel
Recognized by its high wing, conventional tailwheel gear, fabric-covered fuselage, short fuselage length, and rounded vertical tail characteristic of 1950s Piper singles. Smaller and more compact than the PA-22 Tri-Pacer.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-20 Pacer has a length of 6.25 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.92 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 227 km/h (141 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from the PA-16 Clipper, the Pacer introduced a more powerful engine and refined handling. It bridged Piper's range between the PA-18 Super Cub and the later Cherokee series. Approximately 1,120 were built before production ended when the tricycle-gear PA-22 Tri-Pacer took over. Many Pacers have since been converted with tricycle gear.
Variants
The PA-20-115 and PA-20-135 differed in engine power. The closely related PA-22 Tri-Pacer used the same airframe with a nose wheel added.
Where you'll see it
Operated widely across the United States and exported internationally as a personal and utility aircraft; many examples remain active in general aviation today.
Related aircraft
- Piper L-21B Super Cub
- Piper PA-15 Vagabond
- Piper PA-12 Super Cruiser
- Piper PA-23 Apache
- Aero Ae 50
- Beechcraft Twin Bonanza
- Boisavia B.60 Mercurey
- Brochet MB.80
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