Piper Archer vs Cessna 172? This article compares performance, handling, costs and training suitability to help you decide which plane is best for you.

Key Takeaways

• Both the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 are reliable, 4 seat, single engine planes loved by new pilots and flight schools for ease of handling and safety features.

• The main differences are in wing design, landing gear configuration, cabin comfort and performance numbers which will suit your flying style.

• Ownership costs (purchase price and maintenance) vary greatly, the Piper Archer is generally cheaper to own than the Cessna 172 which holds higher resale value.

Overview of Piper Archer

The Piper Archer, a reliable and cost-effective low wing aircraft, is equipped with one engine and can accommodate up to four passengers.

The Piper Archer is part of the Piper Cherokee family, which includes various models known for their reliability and performance. It’s particularly well-suited for smaller group outings or individual use. In the aviation world, it is celebrated for its dependability and overall value.

The integration of a 0-360 four-cylinder engine delivers a harmonious mix of power and fuel economy, which enhances its appeal among flying enthusiasts.

Over the years there have been various updates to the Piper Archer since it first flew. One of the biggest performance improvements was in the 1970’s when a semi-tapered wing was added.

Although production stopped in 2009, interest was revived and new investment led to the rebirth of this classic in 2010 – a testament to demand and pilot confidence in the aircraft.

Overview of Cessna 172

Since 1956 the Cessna 172 has held the title of most produced airframe of all time with over 44,000 made. This high wing aircraft has a tricycle landing gear and has been updated over the years with improvements in engine output, structural refinements and avionics to keep it a staple in general aviation.

Known for its reliability and ease of flight, the Cessna 172 is an icon in flight training and general aviation. The 172R is equipped with a Lycoming IO-360 motor producing 160 horsepower. The 172S model has an even more powerful engine rated at 180 horsepower.

With a maximum gross weight of 2,450 pounds the 172R doesn’t sacrifice performance even with heavy loads.

Equipped with state-of-the-art avionic systems including glass cockpit configurations this plane gets high marks from pilots for great navigation features and added safety during flight.

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Key Similarities Between Piper Archer and Cessna 172

Both the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 are single engine, 4 seat aircraft for personal use or small group flights. They can accommodate 4 people and are perfect for short trips with family or friends. The Piper Archer was designed to be a Cessna 172 rival.

They are similar in capabilities and handling so they are often flown side by side. Both aircraft feature well-balanced flight controls, making them forgiving and consistent in performance, which is particularly beneficial for novice pilots.

These two models are popular in flight schools due to their reliability and easy to fly. Beginner pilots love these aircraft because they are some of the best for personal flying lessons or solo flights.

Flight schools tend to choose the Cessna 172 over other options because it’s more available and instructors are more familiar with this model. But pilots also like the Piper Archer for flight training.

Major Differences Between Piper Archer and Cessna 172

While the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 have many similarities they have differences that will sway a pilot’s decision based on their personal requirements and flying style.

For those considering alternatives, the Piper Warrior offers a budget-friendly option with different performance characteristics compared to the Piper Archer and Cessna 172. The differences include the wing design, landing gear structure and cabin layout and comfort.

The flying experience is heavily influenced by whether an aircraft has a high wing or low wing. For example the low wing is the Piper Archer and the high wing is the Cessna 172.

Both have tricycle landing gear but each has its own unique features. Cabin layout and comfort is different between them which gives each model its benefits and limitations.

Wing Configuration

The low wing on the Piper Archer is a whole different flying animal compared to the high wing of the Cessna 172. Pilots love the roll response and better handling of the low wing. The semi-tapered wing helps with handling in all conditions.

On the other hand the high wing of the Cessna 172 is great for new pilots because of the stability and visibility from above. That layout helps during takeoff and landing by giving you a better view of the ground below which is super helpful in bush flying.

Each aircraft’s wing placement means different flight characteristics: agility in flight with the Piper Archer vs steadiness with the Cessna.

Landing Gear

The tricycle landing gear on both the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 makes them more stable during taxi, takeoff and landing. The fixed tricycle landing gear on the Piper Archer gives you smooth touchdowns all the time which is good for learning to fly. Its fixed configuration means more reliable and easier to maintain.

The Cessna 172 has similar benefits from its tricycle landing gear when it touches down but it requires higher speeds when approaching to land compared to the Archer. This has implications to various landing techniques and individual pilot preferences.

Designed with ground maneuverability in mind, each aircraft’s undercarriage is designed to cater to different needs of pilots. This includes retractable landing gear which can be considered based on specific requirements or wants of pilots flying these airplanes.

Cabin Layout and Comfort

Pilots and passengers will have different cabin experiences when they compare the Piper Archer to the Cessna 172. The interior of the Piper Archer is narrower but has bigger windows for better visibility. This is especially nice for instructional flights even though it only has one door which can make entry and exit a bit tricky.

Cessna 172 has more straightforward boarding and exiting due to its high wing and additional doors. This is good for people who need more accessibility.

When it comes to personal preference, opinions vary. Some pilots like the spacious interior of the Archer while others like the visibility of the high wing like in Cessnas or have their own reasons for one over the other.

Performance Comparisons

When it comes to cruise speed, handling and safety in a plane like the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 these are the key factors. Each of these planes has its own advantages that will sway a pilot’s decision based on their own needs and flying style.

For speed, the Piper Archer will do about 120 knots with a range of around 500 nautical miles. The Cessna 172 speeds will do about 122 knots with a range of nearly 600 nautical miles.

The low wing of the Piper Archer gives it an advantage in slow flight. For crosswind conditions the high wing gives the advantage to the Cessna pilots. Overall performance comparison between these two planes considering operational safety and maintenance issues is important.

Cruise Speed and Range

Cruising at about 128 knots the Piper Archer beats the Cessna 172 which cruises at about 122 knots. If time is money for you, this extra speed matters. At economical cruise and full tanks the Piper Archer has a maximum range of about 522 miles.

In terms of fuel burn during cruise the Piper Archer is pretty efficient – 9 gph. This is good for long trips and a nice balance between range and speed.

Handling Characteristics

The Piper Archer and Cessna 172 have different handling characteristics due to their design. The low wing of the Piper Archer makes for more consistent slow flying behavior which makes for a smoother ride. The semi-tapered wing of the Archer II improves stall and crosswind performance. Pilots who like comfort on long trips love this stability in turbulence.

The Cessna 172 with its high wing design has more stability and better visibility which is great for new pilots learning to fly. These differences in handling accommodate different pilot types and different ways of flying.

Safety Features

The Cessna 172 and the Piper Archer are both safe planes with a big safety margin making them great for training and personal flying. The Piper Archer has had instances of wing spar cracks so regular maintenance checks are a must to mitigate any potential risks.

The Cessna 172 has a long safety record with less ongoing maintenance issues so it’s a great option for flight training and personal use. Although both have their own concerns and histories of long term reliability, regular maintenance is key to keeping each plane safe.

Training Suitability

The Piper Archer and Cessna 172 are great for new pilots because of their reliable performance and easy to fly.

Their gentle control responses and low stall speeds make for a safer stall recovery experience which is helpful for new pilots. Both planes provide a forgiving environment to help newbies gain confidence and proficiency.

By learning about the Piper Archer and Cessna 172, pilots can make an informed decision about their flight training path. Knowing each plane’s strengths and limitations will help pilots choose the one that fits their needs.

Beginner Pilots

Flight schools often choose the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 as their go-to aircraft for teaching beginner pilots because of their gentle handling and easy controls.

The stall recovery of the Piper Archer is very gentle because the stall speed is only 50 knots with flaps down, which gives student pilots more safety margin. This performance stability and ease of use makes it a top pick among flight schools and gives new aviators more confidence.

The high-wing configuration of the Cessna 172 gives better visibility and inherent stability that’s great for new pilots. Its presence in flight training schools is a testament to its reliability and easy handling.

Both of these aircraft are great choices for new pilots looking to build a solid foundation while advancing their skills. Each plane provides a safe learning environment for novice flyers to hone their skills.

Instrument Training

In advanced pilot training, especially for instrument training, the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 have features that benefit this type of flight training. The instrument panel of the Piper Archer gives pilots an unobstructed view of their gauges so they can manage and monitor flight info during complex maneuvers.

Meanwhile, with state-of-the-art avionics like the Garmin G1000 NXi system, the Cessna 172SP is more useful for navigation and communication. Pilots prefer it in instrument training because of its advanced yet user-friendly cockpit setup that makes aeronautical data management easy and awareness during flight operations.

Both aircraft are platforms where aspiring pilots can sharpen their skills in using instruments for flights under various weather and visibility conditions. These planes provide the resources to develop skills in a practical flying environment.

Cost and Ownership

When choosing between the Piper Archer and Cessna 172, cost is key. Both planes are competitively priced for acquisition and operating costs but have some differences in pricing.

The Piper Archer III usually runs around $200,000 making it a great option for many pilots. This also holds true for used models, both the Piper Archer II and III are priced well compared to other aircraft.

Long term ownership costs like maintenance and operating costs are big factors. For example owning a Piper Archer III can cost around $117,828 a year that’s constant and variable expenses. Maintenance costs average around $35,048 a year. So, you have to plan for these recurring expenses.

When considering the Cessna 172 price used, older models typically range from $100,000, offering a more budget-friendly alternative to new aircraft. These factors affect not only an aircraft’s accessibility but also practicality for an owner.

Purchase Price

The price of a Piper Archer and Cessna 172 are competitive with each other, both planes are in the same price range. The older Piper Archer II is usually cheaper than the newer Archer III.

This depends on the condition and any additional features that has been added to the plane. So, this makes the Archer II a good choice for someone who wants to own an aircraft without breaking the bank.

A brand-new Cessna 172 like the 172SP will cost around $370,000. But a used plane from the 70’s and 80’s will cost around $100,000. A Piper Archer of the same age will only cost between $30,000 to $40,000.

This is why it’s very important for potential buyers to research both new and used market before making any aircraft purchase decision.

Maintenance and Operating Costs

The total cost of ownership for both the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 is heavily influenced by maintenance and operating costs.

The annual operating cost for a Piper Archer III is around $117,828. That’s both fixed and variable costs. Maintenance costs while variable average out to about $35,048 per year. That covers things like regular checks, repairs and part replacements to keep the aircraft in top shape.

Ownership of a Piper Archer III comes with fixed costs like hangar rental, insurance and asset depreciation that total around $82,780 per year.

If you’re thinking of buying an aircraft you need to know these costs so you can budget for the ongoing expenses of owning an airplane.

Popular Variants and Their Features

There are many variants of the Piper Archer and Cessna 172, each with its own set of features and improvements.

The PA-28 series includes the Piper Archer which since its first flight in 1960 has produced over 32,000 units.

Originally designed as an economy version of the Piper PA-24 Comanche the Archer line has engines from 140 to 300 horsepower. As we head into 2024 there are several models being produced such as the TX, LX DX DLX & Pilot100i.

The Cessna brand has many famous models like the C17SP which comes with latest avionic systems including Garmin G100 suite so pilots get better navigational and communicational tools to aid their flight.

With these different configurations available from Pippin ARCHER & Aesop atar they cater to the man in control and his preferences so everyone has a tailored flying experience.

Piper Archer II

The semi-tapered wings of the Piper Archer II were designed for better aerodynamics and performance. That means better climb rates and higher cruise speeds than its predecessors. The wing configuration on the Archer II also gives you more stability and control at all phases of flight. It’s why pilots love it.

With its 180 horsepower Lycoming engine, the Piper Archer II has better fuel economy and more range. So it’s perfect for training or private flying.

Piper Archer III

Going to a 28-volt electrical system the Piper Archer III has a big jump over the 14-volt systems of its predecessors. That means more support for modern electronic devices and more reliability in the air. That’s what modern aviation is all about.

The electrical upgrades give the Archer III better performance and more freedom to use all the electronic devices and systems while flying. That’s why the Piper Archer is the choice of aviators who want classic reliability with modern technology.

Cessna 172SP

The Garmin G1000 avionics in the Cessna 172SP brings better nav and comms to the airplane.

This integrated flight deck gives pilots more situational awareness and simplifies data management in the air. It makes flying more instinctive and fun so you can fly instead of juggling cockpit gauges.

With a fully digital flight display and autopilot and refined cockpit ergonomics this particular model stands out in the Cessna 172 line as current and capable. It’s for pilots who want the latest tech combined with user friendly interfaces when flying.

Pilots who have flown both the Piper Archer and the Cessna 172 praise the Archer for its stable and forgiving handling characteristics which are great for new pilots.

The larger cabin space in the Piper Archer is often mentioned as a big plus over the Cessna 172 for passenger comfort. Those who have gone from electric to manual flaps on the Piper Archer say it’s quick and seamless to engage and adds to their overall flying experience.

On the other hand, concerns about wing spar cracking in the Piper aircraft highlight the importance of thorough inspections before buying. Pilots of the Piper often mention it favorably because it’s maintenance friendly where parts are easily accessible and most mechanics can do the work themselves.

These are the experiences of actual users on various aspects of owning and flying these airplanes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Piper Archer and Cessna 172?

The Piper Archer and Cessna 172 differ primarily in wing configuration, landing gear design, cabin layout, and performance metrics like cruise speed and handling characteristics.

Each aircraft offers unique advantages depending on the specific flying needs.

Which aircraft is better for beginner pilots?

The Cessna 172 and Piper Archer are ideal choices for novice pilots because of their dependable performance and user-friendly control characteristics.

Ultimately, the choice between them boils down to personal taste regarding wing configuration and the field of view from the cockpit.

How do the maintenance costs compare between the Piper Archer and Cessna 172?

Annually, the upkeep expenses for the Piper Archer III approximate $35,048. These costs are on par with those of a Cessna 172. Variations may occur depending on the particular model and its condition.

Consequently, when it comes to maintenance outlays, both the Piper Archer and Cessna 172 present themselves as equally viable choices due to their comparable financial requirements in this area.

What are the popular variants of the Piper Archer and Cessna 172?

The Archer II and Archer III are well-known versions of the Piper Archer, whereas the Cessna 172SP is a prominent model within the Cessna 172 line.

What are the performance differences in terms of cruise speed and range?

The Cessna 172 outperforms the Piper Archer in terms of range, offering approximately 600 nautical miles compared to the Archer’s 522 nautical miles, though the Archer has a slightly higher cruise speed of 128 knots versus the Cessna’s 122 knots.