What is the average annual operating cost of a Piper PA-28 Cherokee?

For 100 annual flight hours, expect $25,000–$30,000 per year in total operating costs. The Cherokee is known for economical operations with lower fuel burn than comparable Cessnas. Costs vary by model year, engine condition, and hangar location.

How much fuel does a Piper PA-28 Cherokee burn?

The PA-28-140 burns 4.5–5.0 gal/hr at cruise; the PA-28-180 burns 5.5–6.0 gal/hr. Modern variants with Lycoming O-320 or O-360 engines are efficient and reliable. Fuel cost at $6.50/gal ranges from $29–$39/hour depending on model.

What is the engine TBO for a Piper PA-28?

Lycoming O-320: 2,000 hours TBO (~$18,000–$22,000 overhaul). Lycoming O-360: 2,000 hours TBO (~$20,000–$24,000 overhaul). Reserve $9–$12/hour for engine. Prop reserve adds $5–$7/hour.

How much does PA-28 insurance cost?

Annual insurance for a $120,000–$150,000 PA-28 typically ranges $1,000–$2,200 depending on pilot experience and hull value. Lower-time pilots may pay $2,000–$2,800/year. Business use adds 20–40% premium.

Is hangar mandatory for a Piper Cherokee?

Tie-down ($50–$150/month) is acceptable for Cherokees; they handle weather well. Hangar ($200–$500/month) extends paint life and avionics longevity. Rural strips ($25–$100/month) offer savings. High-use aircraft benefit from hangar.

What maintenance surprises plague Piper Cherokees?

Landing gear issues (if retractable model) and exhaust system deterioration are common ADs. Vacuum pump failures at 500–800 hours ($200–$400 each). Budget $15–$20/hour for incidental maintenance.

Can you finance a Piper PA-28?

Yes. A $130,000 PA-28 at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$1,900/month ($22,800/year). Down payment of 15–20% is typical. Lenders favor Cherokees for their reliability and resale value.

What is the useful load of a PA-28-140 vs. PA-28-180?

PA-28-140: ~1,000 lbs useful load (2 occupants + fuel). PA-28-180: ~1,100–1,150 lbs (4 occupants + fuel). Fuel capacity 36–50 gal depending on variant. Range 800–1,000 nm.

How does PA-28 cost compare to Cessna 172?

Piper Cherokees cost 10–15% less to own and operate than Cessnas. Faster cruise speed, lower fuel burn (earlier models), and similar reliability. Insurance may be 5–10% cheaper due to fewer total airframe hours in fleet.

What is TCO for a PA-28 including financing?

At 100 hours/year with financing: ~$48,000–$52,000 annually (operating + debt service). By year 8 (loan paid), drops to ~$27,000–$30,000/year. High-hour operators (200+/year) see sub-$300/hour all-in cost.

The True Operating Cost of Piper PA-28 Cherokee

The Piper PA-28 Cherokee is one of general aviation's most economical and dependable trainers and personal aircraft. Plan for $25,000–$30,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $250–$300 per hour. The Cherokee's proven Lycoming engines, simple systems, and low fuel consumption make it an affordable entry point for owner-pilots seeking financing and long-term value.

Quick Specs: Piper PA-28 Cherokee

Specification	Value (PA-28-140 / PA-28-180)
Engine	Lycoming O-320 (140 hp) / Lycoming O-360 (180 hp)
Propeller	Fixed-pitch (most common)
Fuel Burn (cruise)	4.5–5.0 gal/hr (140) / 5.5–6.0 gal/hr (180)
Cruise Speed	105 mph (140) / 120 mph (180)
Useful Load	1,000 lbs (140) / 1,100–1,150 lbs (180)
Seats	4
Range	800–1,000 nm (with reserve)

TL;DR: Piper PA-28 Annual Operating Cost Summary

Fixed costs: $9,000–$12,000/year (insurance $1,000–$1,800, hangar $3,000–$4,500, annuals $800–$1,200, subscriptions $0–$600)
Variable costs at 100 hours (PA-28-140): $15,000–$17,000/year (fuel, oil, mx reserves)
Total at 100 hours (PA-28-140): $24,000–$29,000/year (~$240–$290/hour)
At 50 hours: ~$18,000–$22,000/year (~$360–$440/hour)
At 200 hours: ~$39,000–$45,000/year (~$195–$225/hour)
Finance a $130,000 Cherokee: Add $1,900/month ($22,800/year) at 6.5% over 7 years

What Counts as Operating Cost

Operating costs divide into fixed (monthly regardless of flight) and variable (per-hour).

Fixed Costs

Insurance: $1,000–$1,800/year for a $120,000–$150,000 aircraft with 500+ pilot hours (lower-time pilots pay $1,800–$2,500/year)
Hangar/tie-down: $2,400–$5,400/year hangar; $600–$1,800/year tie-down (Cherokees handle outdoor storage well)
Avionics subscriptions: $0–$600/year (basic steam-gauge vs. modern glass cockpit Garmin)
Annual inspection: $600–$1,200 labor (parts $200–$400 if issues found)

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Fuel (PA-28-140): 4.8 gal/hr × $6.50/gal = ~$31/hour
Fuel (PA-28-180): 5.8 gal/hr × $6.50/gal = ~$37.70/hour
Oil and filter: $3–$5/hour (Lycoming engines are reliable)
Engine reserve: $9–$11/hour (engine overhaul ~$20,000 ÷ 2,000 TBO)
Propeller reserve: $5–$7/hour (prop overhaul ~$8,000 ÷ 1,500 hours)
Maintenance & incidentals: $12–$18/hour (vacuum pump, alternator, hoses, gaskets)
Landing fees: $5–$12/landing

Financing impact: A $130,000 PA-28 financed at 6.5% APR over 7 years costs ~$1,900/month ($22,800/year). This is separate from operating costs but affects total affordability. Down payment of 15–20% is standard.

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Fuel Burn and Hourly Variable Cost

The Piper PA-28 is famously economical. The 140-hp model is particularly efficient, making it popular with flight schools and budget-conscious owners.

Fuel Cost Calculation

Formula: Fuel burn (gal/hr) × Fuel price ($/gal) = Fuel cost per hour

Example (PA-28-140 at cruise):

Fuel burn: 4.8 gal/hr
Fuel price: $6.50/gal (2025 average)
Hourly cost: 4.8 × $6.50 = $31.20/hour

Assumption: 100LL Avgas varies $5.50–$7.50 regionally. PA-28 cruise settings favor lean mixture and lower-altitude flying, reducing burn. Always check AirNav for local fuel prices.

Annual Fuel Cost by Hours Flown

Annual Hours	Fuel (PA-28-140)	Cost @ $6.50/gal	Fuel (PA-28-180)	Cost @ $6.50/gal
50	240	$1,560	290	$1,885
100	480	$3,120	580	$3,770
150	720	$4,680	870	$5,655
200	960	$6,240	1,160	$7,540

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Lycoming engines in Cherokees are proven workhorses. Many airframes exceed 10,000 hours with regular maintenance.

Engine and Propeller TBO

Lycoming O-320: 2,000 hours TBO; overhaul $18,000–$22,000
Lycoming O-360: 2,000 hours TBO; overhaul $20,000–$24,000
Fixed-pitch prop: ~$8,000 overhaul (less frequent than CS props)
Common ADs: Exhaust stack deterioration ($500–$1,200 replacement), landing gear (if retractable) inspection/overhaul ($1,500–$3,000)

Reserve Math

Engine reserve: $20,000 ÷ 2,000 TBO = $10/hour

Prop reserve: $8,000 ÷ 1,500 hours = $5.33/hour

Combined: ~$15.33/hour

Annual and Inspection Costs

Annual inspection: $600–$1,200 labor; parts $200–$400
Incidental maintenance: $12–$18/hour (vacuum pumps, alternators, hoses, spark plugs)
Budget: $50–$80/month for surprises

Assumption: Check FAA Airworthiness Directives for your specific Cherokee model year. Early variants (1960s) have more ADs than newer models (1980s+).

Insurance & Hangar

Insurance Premiums

Piper Cherokees have an excellent insurance track record, making premiums competitive.

$130,000 hull value, 500+ pilot hours, private use: $1,000–$1,400/year
$130,000 hull value, 100–250 pilot hours: $1,600–$2,200/year
$150,000 hull value, low-time pilot: $2,000–$2,500/year
Business/charter use: +30–50% premium

Storage Options

Option	Monthly	Annual	Notes
Indoor Hangar	$200–$450	$2,400–$5,400	Protects paint; limited availability in urban areas
Tie-Down	$50–$150	$600–$1,800	Cherokees weather well; corrosion risk after 5+ years
Rural Strip	$25–$75	$300–$900	Lowest cost; limited services

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost: PA-28-140 (Not Financed)

Annual Hours	Fixed Costs	Variable Costs	Total	Cost/Hour
50	$10,500	$7,500	$18,000	$360
100	$10,500	$15,000	$25,500	$255
150	$10,500	$22,500	$33,000	$220
200	$10,500	$30,000	$40,500	$202.50

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $130,000 PA-28 at 6.5% APR, 7 years, $22,800/year debt service.

Annual Hours	Operating	Finance	Total TCO	Cost/Hour
50	$18,000	$22,800	$40,800	$816
100	$25,500	$22,800	$48,300	$483
150	$33,000	$22,800	$55,800	$372
200	$40,500	$22,800	$63,300	$316.50

Financing the Piper PA-28

Cherokees are ideal entry-level aircraft for financing due to proven resale value and reliability.

Typical purchase price: $100,000–$160,000 (depends on model year, engine time, avionics)
Down payment: 15–20% typical
Loan amount: $100,000–$140,000
Term: 7–10 years
APR: 5.5–7.0% (2025)
Monthly payment: $1,400–$2,000

Lender Qualifications

Aircraft lenders like JakenAviation require:

600+ credit score
Private pilot license minimum
$120,000+ annual income
Comprehensive hull insurance