1953 Piper Tri-Pacer: The Ultimate Inexpensive Cruiser

The 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer PA-22-135 is a classic, affordable aircraft that embodies the spirit of economical flying. With its simple yet robust design, this four-seat airplane is a perfect choice for pilots looking for a reliable, low-cost way to take to the skies. Whether you’re a student pilot building hours or a seasoned aviator seeking an easygoing cruiser, the Tri-Pacer offers a balance of value, performance, and affordability unmatched in its class.

This particular Tri-Pacer, N8848C, up for auction from February 26 to March 6, 2025, is an excellent example of a well-maintained, low-time aircraft. It boasts a fresh annual, complete logbooks, and economical fuel consumption, making it a smart investment for any pilot.

The Piper Tri-Pacer: History and Uses

The Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer was introduced in the early 1950s as a tricycle-gear evolution of the Piper PA-20 Pacer. It was designed to provide an easy-to-fly, affordable alternative to the taildragger aircraft that dominated general aviation at the time. By incorporating a tricycle landing gear, the Tri-Pacer eliminated many of the handling challenges associated with tailwheel airplanes, making it a more accessible choice for new pilots.

With its Lycoming O-290-D2 engine producing 135 horsepower, the Tri-Pacer delivers respectable performance for a light aircraft of its era. It cruises at 107 knots, has a range of 470 nautical miles, and features a stall speed of just 42 knots, making it a safe and forgiving platform. The 36-gallon fuel capacity ensures solid endurance, while its 790-pound useful load allows for practical operations with passengers and baggage.

The Tri-Pacer became a favorite among flight schools, private owners, and weekend flyers due to its sturdy construction, economical operation, and comfortable cabin. To this day, it remains a sought-after aircraft for pilots who appreciate its simplicity, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

Piper Aircraft: A Legacy of Innovation

Piper Aircraft, founded in 1937, is one of the most respected names in general aviation. The company became famous for producing affordable, easy-to-fly aircraft, beginning with the Piper Cub, an iconic trainer that introduced thousands of pilots to flying.

By the 1950s, Piper was looking to modernize its fleet, which led to the development of the Pacer and, later, the Tri-Pacer. These aircraft marked a shift toward more accessible designs that appealed to a wider range of pilots. Over the years, Piper continued to innovate with models like the Cherokee, Seneca, and Malibu, cementing its reputation as a leader in general aviation.

Today, Piper aircraft are recognized for their reliability, affordability, and practicality, values that the Tri-Pacer still embodies.

Why the 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer is the Ideal Inexpensive Cruiser

The Tri-Pacer’s low operating costs, ease of maintenance, and forgiving flight characteristics make it one of the best choices for pilots seeking an economical, everyday cruiser. Here’s why this aircraft stands out:

✅ Economical to Operate – The Lycoming O-290-D2 is known for its efficient fuel burn, making long cross-country flights affordable.

✅ Stable and Easy to Fly – The tricycle landing gear and docile handling make the Tri-Pacer a great trainer and cruiser alike.

✅ Affordable Maintenance – With simple systems and widely available parts, keeping this aircraft airworthy is cost-effective.

✅ Comfortable Cabin – The four-seat layout and good visibility make flights enjoyable for both pilot and passengers.

✅ Proven Reliability – The Tri-Pacer has decades of safe operations behind it, proving its durability.

For pilots looking for an affordable, low-maintenance, and fun-to-fly aircraft, the 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer is hard to beat.

Aircraft Specifications and Auction Details

Airframe

This 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer PA-22-135 (N8848C) features a sturdy and well-maintained airframe with a total time of 2,826 hours. Designed as a tricycle-gear evolution of the Piper Pacer, the Tri-Pacer offers stable and predictable handling, making it an ideal choice for student pilots and experienced aviators alike. With a useful load of 790 pounds and a fuel capacity of 36 gallons, it is well-suited for both local flights and longer cross-country trips. The aircraft boasts a best cruise speed of 107 knots and a range of 470 nautical miles, ensuring efficient and enjoyable flying at an affordable cost. Its stall speed of just 42 knots further enhances safety, making it a forgiving aircraft for lower-speed operations.

Engine

Powering this Tri-Pacer is the Lycoming O-290-D2, a dependable and fuel-efficient 135-horsepower engine known for its ease of maintenance and durability. With 816 hours since major overhaul (SMOH) and just 67 hours since top overhaul (STOH), the engine remains in excellent operating condition. The most recent top overhaul was completed in October 2022 by Summit Aero, ensuring optimal performance. Originally overhauled in 1969 by Sinton Air Service, this Lycoming engine continues to deliver smooth and efficient power, making the aircraft an economical choice for both training and personal flying.

Propeller

The aircraft is equipped with a Sensenich Metal Prop M76 AM-2, which has been in service since new, with a total time of 2,826 hours. This durable and well-balanced propeller contributes to the Tri-Pacer’s smooth and reliable performance. The all-metal construction ensures longevity and minimal maintenance, providing an additional layer of cost-effectiveness. Its efficient design enhances fuel economy while maintaining solid cruise speed and climb performance.

Avionics

This Tri-Pacer comes equipped with a well-rounded suite of avionics, suitable for safe and reliable VFR operations. It includes a BendixKing KX-170B Nav/Com and a BendixKing KI-208 VOR/LOC Indicator, allowing for basic navigation and communication. A BendixKing KT-76A transponder ensures compliance with controlled airspace requirements, while a PS Engineering PM 1000 four-place intercom provides clear communication for all occupants. The aircraft also features Uavionix SkyBeacon ADS-B, enhancing situational awareness and compliance with modern airspace regulations. Additional standard flight instruments, including an attitude indicator, heading indicator, turn coordinator, altimeter, and vertical speed indicator, provide the necessary data for accurate and confident flying.

Interior

The interior of N8848C is designed for comfort and functionality, featuring dark gray vinyl seats with light blue fabric inserts and blue trim. The four-seat configuration allows for passenger-friendly flights, making it a great option for both training and recreational trips. The cabin layout is simple and practical, with good visibility and easy access to controls, making it a comfortable and intuitive aircraft to fly. The upholstery and paneling are in good condition, reflecting careful maintenance and preservation over the years.

Exterior

The aircraft’s exterior is painted in a clean and classic white color with blue accents, maintaining a timeless and professional appearance. The N-number is clearly displayed, and the overall paint condition remains well-preserved. The Tri-Pacer’s high-wing configuration provides excellent ground clearance and an unobstructed view for pilot and passengers, making it a great aircraft for sightseeing and cross-country flying.

Additional Features

This Tri-Pacer comes with several valuable upgrades and features, including Univair Lifetime Sealed Struts, which were installed just 275 hours ago. This eliminates the need for recurrent inspections, reducing maintenance costs and improving long-term durability. The aircraft also comes with complete logbooks, ensuring a transparent and well-documented maintenance history. Notably, this aircraft has never been involved in an incident, making it a solid investment for any buyer looking for an affordable, dependable, and easy-to-maintain aircraft.

Auction Information

📅 Auction Dates: February 26 – March 6, 2025
💰 Starting Bid: $14,000
💵 Buyer Premium: 6%
💳 Deposit Required: $1,500
📍 Location: Derby, KS

This 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer PA-22-135 presents an excellent opportunity to own a low-cost, reliable, and fun-to-fly aircraft. With a fresh annual, low total time, and complete logbooks, it’s a rare find in today’s market.

🚀 If you’re looking for an affordable, easy-to-maintain cruiser, don’t miss your chance to bid on this classic Tri-Pacer!