Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
Piper · United States · first flew 1951 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer was the tricycle-gear version of the PA-20 Pacer introduced in 1951, becoming one of the best-selling light aircraft of the 1950s as the demand for easier-to-land tricycle-gear aircraft boomed.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Short, stubby fuselage with a wide cabin; nicknamed the 'flying milk stool' for its undercarriage appearance |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- High-wing four-seater with tricycle undercarriage — notable as one of the earliest mass-produced trike-gear light planes
- Fabric-covered tube structure with large side windows and two doors
- Short, stubby fuselage with a wide cabin; nicknamed the 'flying milk stool' for its undercarriage appearance
The high-wing layout with clearly visible tricycle undercarriage, short fuselage, and four large cabin windows is characteristic; the narrow chord wing and tubby fuselage distinguish it from the later PA-28 Cherokee family.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer has a length of 6.3 m (21 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 8.92 m (29 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 209 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 3 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Piper added a nose wheel to the PA-20 Pacer to create the Tri-Pacer, which sold in large numbers to private owners and flying schools who preferred the more forgiving ground handling of tricycle gear. Over 7,600 were built between 1951 and 1960, making it one of Piper's most successful early types.
Variants
PA-22 Tri-Pacer (various engine options from 125 to 160 hp), PA-22-108 Colt (a two-seat trainer derivative with a 108 hp engine and one door removed).
Where you'll see it
Many Tri-Pacers have been converted to tailwheel configuration by removing the nose gear, a popular modification known as the 'Pacer conversion'. Flying examples remain active worldwide in private use.
Related aircraft
- Piper PA-16 Clipper
- Piper PA-18 Super Cub
- Piper PA-11 Cub Special
- Piper PA-24 Comanche
- AISA I-11
- de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter
- de Havilland Chipmunk Mk 20
- Fiat G.46-4A
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