1973 Piper Cherokee PA-28-140: A Reliable and Cost-Effective Aircraft
The 1973 Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 (N55715) is an excellent example of a well-maintained aircraft with new main tires and a new battery, making it a dependable option for training, personal flying, and time-building pilots. With a clean maintenance history, no damage, and a fresh August 2024 annual inspection, this Cherokee is ready to fly.
Known for its low operating costs, predictable handling, and durable construction, the PA-28-140 remains a top choice among flight schools and private owners. This particular aircraft presents an outstanding opportunity for those looking for a solid, affordable, and well-equipped aircraft.
The History of the Piper Cherokee PA-28-140
The Piper PA-28 Cherokee series was introduced in the early 1960s as a low-wing alternative to Cessna’s high-wing trainers. Designed to be affordable, easy to maintain, and forgiving to fly, the Cherokee quickly gained popularity among flight schools and private owners.
The PA-28-140, introduced in 1964, was initially designed as a two-seat trainer but was later modified to accommodate four seats, increasing its versatility. The aircraft is powered by a 150-horsepower Lycoming O-320-E3D engine, offering a balance of efficiency and performance.
By 1973, Piper had refined the design, creating a reliable and cost-effective aircraft that remains widely used in training fleets and private ownership today. The Cherokee’s stable flight characteristics, simple systems, and predictable handling have made it a trusted choice for generations of pilots.
Piper Aircraft: A Legacy of Performance and Reliability
Founded in 1937, Piper Aircraft has a long history of producing durable and versatile aircraft. Known for models like the J-3 Cub, PA-28 Cherokee, and PA-46 Malibu, Piper has been a leader in general aviation for decades.
The PA-28 series was developed as an affordable, modern aircraft with a low-wing design, strong construction, and efficient operation. These aircraft remain a staple in flight training and personal aviation due to their cost-effectiveness and ease of maintenance.
With a focus on reliability, performance, and value, Piper continues to build aircraft that meet the needs of pilots worldwide.
Why Choose This 1973 Piper Cherokee PA-28-140?
This aircraft stands out for its reliability, affordability, and strong maintenance history. Key reasons to consider this PA-28-140 include:
- New main tires and new battery, ensuring readiness to fly
- Recent August 2024 annual inspection for peace of mind
- No damage history found, indicating a clean and well-maintained airframe
- Affordable operating costs, making it ideal for training or personal flying
- ADS-B Out equipped, meeting FAA compliance for modern airspace
With low maintenance costs, solid performance, and recent upgrades, this Piper Cherokee offers a great balance of value and performance.
Aircraft Specifications and Features
Airframe
The 1973 Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 (N55715) features a rugged, all-metal airframe designed for durability and ease of maintenance. With 3,075 total hours, the aircraft has been well-maintained and continues to be a reliable choice for flight schools, private owners, and time-builders. The low-wing design provides stable flight characteristics, making it an ideal training platform while also offering excellent visibility and accessibility. With a 900-pound useful load and a 50-gallon fuel capacity, this Cherokee is well-suited for cross-country flights and training missions. Its August 2024 annual inspection ensures the aircraft is in airworthy condition and ready to fly.
Engine
This Cherokee is powered by the Lycoming O-320-E3D, a four-cylinder, 150-horsepower engine known for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. With 3,075 total hours and 1,035 hours since major overhaul (SMOH), this engine remains strong and capable. The last overhaul was completed in May 1977, with recent compression readings of 77/80, 78/80, 74/80, and 70/80, confirming its continued performance. Lycoming engines are known for long service intervals and ease of maintenance, making this aircraft a low-cost, dependable option for pilots looking to build hours or operate affordably.
Propeller
Equipped with a Sensenich 74DM6-0-58 fixed-pitch propeller, this Cherokee delivers efficient power transfer and smooth operation. With 3,075 total hours and 405 hours since the last prop overhaul (SPOH), the propeller is in good condition and continues to provide reliable thrust for training and personal flying. The fixed-pitch design reduces maintenance costs and ensures simplicity in operation, making it a practical choice for student pilots and private owners alike.
Avionics
The avionics suite on N55715 includes a mix of traditional flight instruments and modern navigation aids, providing essential functionality for both training and cross-country operations. The panel includes a PS Engineering PMA 7000 audio panel, dual Bendix King KX125 TSO nav/comm radios, and a Bendix King KLN 89B TSO GPS, ensuring reliable communication and navigation capabilities. A Garmin GPS 396, mounted in an AirGizmo panel mount, adds extra situational awareness. The aircraft is ADS-B Out compliant with a Uavionix Tail Beacon, meeting FAA airspace requirements. Standard flight instruments, including an airspeed indicator, altimeter, vertical speed indicator, artificial horizon, turn coordinator, and dual HSIs, provide a clear and intuitive cockpit layout for pilots of all experience levels.
Interior
The tan fabric seats, matching carpet, and paneling give the cabin a warm and comfortable feel, suitable for training flights or long cross-country trips. The interior is in good condition, showing minimal wear and well-preserved materials. Seating for four occupants makes this Cherokee a versatile aircraft for both solo flying and carrying passengers. The cabin design ensures ergonomic seating, good visibility, and accessibility to flight controls, enhancing overall pilot and passenger comfort.
Exterior
This Cherokee features an overall white paint scheme with light blue and gold stripes, giving it a classic and professional appearance. The paint remains in good condition, reflecting the care and maintenance this aircraft has received. The addition of LED lights enhances visibility and efficiency, making night operations safer and more effective. The low-wing configuration not only improves visibility during flight but also simplifies preflight inspections and refueling.
Additional Features
Several key upgrades and features make this Cherokee an even more attractive option. It comes equipped with new main tires for improved handling and safety, and a new battery ensuring reliable starts and electrical performance. The tow bar allows for easy ground movement, while the Auto Fuel STC provides the flexibility to use automotive fuel, reducing operating costs. A windshield sun screen and Rosen visors help reduce glare and protect the interior from UV damage, adding to pilot comfort and aircraft longevity.
Auction Information
- Auction Dates: April 9 – 16, 2025
- Starting Bid: $30,000
- Buyer Premium: 6%
- Deposit Required: $3,000
- Location: Burnet, TX
This Cherokee PA-28-140 is a rare opportunity to own a well-maintained, flight-ready aircraft at an affordable price. Don’t miss your chance to bid on this dependable and versatile airplane.
Conclusion
The 1973 Piper Cherokee PA-28-140 (N55715) is a well-maintained, reliable aircraft that offers a great balance of value and performance. With new main tires, a new battery, and a fresh August 2024 annual inspection, this aircraft is ready to fly. Its low operating costs, durable airframe, and efficient engine make it a perfect choice for flight training, personal flying, or time-building pilots. With no damage history found, this Cherokee is an excellent investment for those seeking an affordable and capable general aviation aircraft.
With an auction starting bid of just $30,000, this is a unique opportunity to acquire a well-equipped and cost-effective aircraft. Don’t miss your chance to own this dependable and versatile PA-28-140—place your bid between April 9 – 16, 2025 and take advantage of this exceptional offer.
