The PA-38 Tomahawk, introduced in 1977, was Piper's attempt at creating an affordable two-place trainer. Much feedback from flight instructors were collected, and a more spinnable aircraft was requested for training purposes, since similar two-place trainers such as the Grumman American AA-1 Yankee or the Cessna C150 or C152 were designed to automatically fly out of a spin. The NASA GAW-1 airfoil fulfills this request by making the aircraft efficient, yet requiring safe handling in spins, which in turns make pilots more experienced in potentially dangerous situations. Due to a high spin accident rate and complaints that the aircraft stalls too violently made the manufacturer fit flow strips on the leading edge of the wing. Another aspect as a primary trainer is that the Piper Tomahawk mimics the flight controls of a heavier aircraft, so transition to bigger planes is made easier.

The plane has in the past been prone to both spin accidents and over-rotation accidents while taking off, but it is said that it's not a dangerous aircraft, you just need spin training as well as knowing the limits of the aircraft, which is very important to learn early on.

Besides from being a widely used primary trainer, it is also a great budget cross-country flyer for two persons with its spacious and comfortable cabin, with a more social side-by-side seating arrangement, and good cabin airflow, using automotive-style air ducts. Common cruise speeds ranges from 90-110 knots.

Specifications (PA-32-112 Tomahawk)

General Characteristics

• Crew: two - student and instructor
• Length: 23 ft 1 in (7.04 m)
• Wingspan: 34 ft 0 in (10.36 m)
• Height: 9 ft 1 in (2.77 m)
• Wing area: 125 ft² (11.6 m²)
• Empty: 1,128 lb (512 kg)
• Loaded: lb ( kg)
• Maximum takeoff: 1,670 lb (757 kg)
• Powerplant: 1x Avco Lycoming O-235 -L2A, 112 hp (85 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 126 mph (202 km/h)
• Range: 542 miles (867 km)
• Service ceiling: ft ( m)
• Rate of climb: 718 ft/min (219 m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft: Beechcraft Skipper

Designation sequence: PA-32 - PA-34 - PA-36 - PA-38 - PA-39 - PA-42 - PA-44