Flying Club Dilemma

[Groundpounder]

I seem to remember riding in the back of a Cherokee 180 when I was 18-19 years old without much issue, and I am tall. But that was also long ago, so things could be a bit fuzzy....

 

[Bonchie]

If you are looking at Archers with your partners, you should consider an M20F (first long body Mooney). The purchase costs will likely be lower than an Archer for a well equipped one. Still has a 4 cylinder bullet-proof Lycoming up front and the gear system is dead simple to maintain, especially if it's got the manual gear. Burn less fuel for a good bit more speed.

It's really hard to beat the value, economy, and speed combo compared to other 4 seat singles. Friend of mine had a J model and it was just a great plane. The F is almost the same and usually sells cheaper.

 

[Eric Gleason]

Yeah as others have said, the Cherokee 180 is a "short" body with a small backseat. Kids or bags can go in the backseat, not full size people. An Archer is a 180 HP longer body cherokee. A Warrior is the same thing with a 160hp. Either can be good performers. Our club has three Warrior II's we operate for about 110/hr wet. I imagine they would make about 125kts well rigged and with wheel pants. 950lb useful load.

Our Archer III does about 124 KTAS at 75% power and 5-6000', without the wheel pants. Those are basically the book numbers.