In the early 1960s, Cessna Aircraft Company began refining its utility aircraft designs. Their versatile flying freighter line, exemplified by models like the Super Skywagon, gained popularity for its adaptability to various missions. After witnessing the success of these aircraft in cargo operations, many sought to capitalize on the growing market for rapid transportation services.
Cessna’s engineering team, led by experienced designers, worked to create aircraft that could serve multiple roles. During the development of the Utilaline series, rigorous testing ensured the aircraft could handle diverse cargo loads while maintaining passenger comfort when configured as air taxis.
As demand for express cargo shipments increased, Cessna restructured its production lines to meet market needs. This pivot also inspired new configurations and options, with visions of serving businesses beyond traditional airline terminals.
When economic challenges struck the aviation industry, it forced many operators to seek new revenue streams. Recognizing the opportunity, Cessna promoted its flying freighters as versatile tools for aviation entrepreneurs to expand their services and tap into profitable markets.
After refining the designs at its Wichita facility, Cessna introduced the 1965 Utilaline series, including the Super Skywagon, 185 Skywagon, and Cessna 180. These aircraft featured improved cargo handling capabilities and impressive performance specifications suited for diverse operational needs.
Cessna Aircraft Company continues to specialize in producing a wide range of aircraft, from personal and business planes to utility models. The aviation manufacturer is renowned for its commitment to versatility and performance across its product line.
Aerial Surveying & Photography With The Piper Cherokee Warrior
Aerial surveying and mapping is a technique that uses aircraft or UAVs to collect data through photography and remote sensing. This process involves capturing images and measuring various types of electromagnetic radiation reflected or emitted by objects on the ground. Data collected can include visible light, infrared, gamma rays, and ultraviolet radiation. This method allows for the observation and analysis of physical features from a distance, providing valuable information about the world without direct contact with the surveyed area.
The Piper Cherokee Warrior PA 28-151 is an aircraft known for its advanced stability, which is why it is used for aerial surveying and photography. Especially to capture vast landscapes and wide-lens photos, many single-engine light aircraft are ideal to use for loading heavy or expansive photography and videography equipment. Having ample space for both equipment and passengers is crucial for these types of jobs as a simple climate change determines what’s needed for each flight.
Aerial surveying and photography assist many industries and specialties including:
- Climate change studies
- Military and defense efforts
- Forestry management and fire planning
- Mining and geology
- Cartography
- Agriculture
- Urban planning
Country of Origin: America
Piper Cherokee Warrior PA28-151 Statistics
- Maximum Speed: 160 kias
- Maximum Range: 625 nmi
- Maximum Occupants: 4
- Range Of Years Manufactured: 1974-1977
- Total Aircraft Build: 1,898
- Current Operational Aircraft: Unknown
- Useful Load: 1,950 lbs.
- Average Sale Value: $89,995
- Average Days On Market For Sale: Unknown
- VREF Demand Rating: Join VREF Online
Operational Resources
Operations Manual
Maintenance Document
Local Resources
Manufacturer
Insurance
Piper Cherokee Warrior PA28-151 Details
Interior
The Piper Warrior offered a choice of 6 King and Narco avionics packages for personal or business travel. Inside, the Warrior’s spacious and comfortable cabin offers a wide range of visibility and interior options like pushbutton front seats that adjust both vertically and horizontally.
Exterior
The Piper Warrior is a single-engine aircraft powered by a 4-cylinder, 150-horsepower Lycoming. The Warrior’s engine with wheel fairings offers a cruising speed of up to 133 mph. This aircraft also has a tapered wing for a more efficient design and to reduce wing drag.
Avionics
The following may or may not be available in the 1977 Warrior PA28-151:
- King KMA 20 Audio Panel with 3 Light Markers
- Garmin GNS530 WAAS GPS/COM
- King KX170 B NAV/COM/VOR/LOC
- King KT76A Transponder with Encoder
- Garmin Dock Mounted 396 GPS/Moving Map
- UAvionix ADS-B Tail NAV Light
- Sigtronics 4-place Intercom with Yoke PTT’s
Specifications
- Height: 7 ft. 3 in.
- Configuration: Single Engine, Piston, Fixed Gear
- Max Seats: 4
- Max Takeoff Weight: 2,325 lbs.
- Cruise: 109 kts
- Range: 640 nm
- Takeoff (50 ft.): 1,760 ft.
- Landing (50 ft.): 1,115 ft.
- Wing Span: 35 ft.
- Length: 23 ft. 10 in.
Piper Cherokee Warrior Models
The following are variations of Piper Cherokee Warriors, ranging from the original model to later improvements.
PA-28-140 Cherokee Cruiser
Certified in 1964, this two-seat model features fixed landing gear and a Lycoming O-320-E2A engine. It has a gross weight of 1,950 lbs, marking the beginning of the Cherokee line.
PA-28-150 Cherokee
This 1961 variant expanded to four seats, powered by either a Lycoming O-320-A2B or an O-320-E2A engine.
PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior
Certified in 1973, this model introduced the tapered wing, replacing the earlier “Hershey bar” design. It uses a Lycoming O-320-E3D engine and seats four, a configuration maintained in most subsequent variants.
PA-28-160 Cherokee
This 1960 model boosted power to 160 hp with a Lycoming O-320-B2B or O-320-D2A engine.
PA-28-161 Warrior II
Initially certified in 1976 and recertified in 1982, the Warrior II employs a Lycoming O-320-D3G or O-320-D2A engine with a gross weight of 2,440 lbs.
PA-28-161 Warrior III
Certified in 1994, this model retains the Lycoming O-320-D3G engine and 2,440 lbs gross weight of its predecessor.
PA-28-180 Cherokee
This 1962 variant increased power to 180 hp, using a Lycoming O-360-A3A or O-360-A4A engine.
PA-28-180 Archer
Certified in 1972, the Archer features several improvements over the Cherokee, including an extended fuselage and wingspan. It uses a Lycoming O-360-A4A or O-360-A4M engine.
Top Piper Cherokee Warrior Questions
How Is The Piper Cherokee Warrior Used Globally?
Piper Cherokees are often privately owned or used as air taxis or for flight training purposes. The Piper Cherokee has been widely used across North America, Europe, Australia, and parts of Asia and South America for its general reliability, ease of maintenance, and versatility. With over 32,000 delivered, the Cherokee family of aircraft has been used in military operations in:
- Argentina
- Argentine Coast Guard
- Chile
- Chilean Air Force
- Honduras
- Honduran Air Force
- Indonesia
- Indonesian Navy
- Qatar
- Qatar Emiri Air Force
- Colombia
- Colombian Navy
- Finland
- Finnish Air Force
What Is The Difference Between A Piper Cherokee & Warrior?
The main difference between a Piper Cherokee and a Warrior appears in the wing design. The Cherokee features the original “Hershey bar” rectangular wing, while the Warrior introduced a tapered wing for improved performance. The Warrior also typically has slightly more power and updated avionics. Both are 4-seat aircraft, but the Warrior is a later development of the Cherokee line.
How Fast Is The Piper Cherokee Warrior?
The Piper Cherokee Warrior typically cruises at around 120-130 knots (138-150 mph). It has a maximum speed of about 142 knots (163 mph).
Is The Piper Warrior Ideal For Flight Training?
Yes. The Piper Warrior is generally considered a “good” plane for flight training. The Warrior offers optimal performance and efficiency for its class with a reputation for being forgiving to fly.
What Is The Difference Between Piper Cadet & Warrior?
The main difference between the Piper Cadet and Warrior boils down to seating capacity. The Cadet is a 2-seater and the Warrior seats 4. The Cadet was designed for flight training with a simpler configuration. The more versatile Warrior is used for both training and personal travel. Both use similar engines, but the Warrior typically has a higher gross weight.
Are There Any Notable Accidents & Incidents Involving The Piper Cherokee?
The Piper aircraft family has maintained a good safety record overall, despite experiencing a few notable incidents over the years. One significant event was the 1972 fatal air race accident in England involving a Piper Cherokee Arrow, which resulted in the death of Prince William of Gloucester.
In a non-accidental incident, Andrew Joseph Stack III intentionally crashed a Piper PA-28-236 Dakota into an IRS office in Austin, Texas in 2010, believed to be an act of revenge.
More recently, Brazilian singer Gabriel Diniz lost his life in 2019 when a Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee Archer crashed in Estância, Brazil. Despite these incidents, the Piper series continues to be regarded as a generally safe and reliable aircraft.
What Is The Typical Range & Cruise Speed Of A Cherokee Warrior?
The Cherokee Warrior generally has a range of about 500-600 nautical miles, depending on the specific model. Its cruise speed is typically around 110-120 knots (126-138 mph).
How Does The Cherokee Warrior Compare To Other Training Aircraft?
The Cherokee Warrior is often compared to aircraft like the Cessna 172 in the training and general aviation market because it’s generally thought of as a stable and predictable aircraft, making it suitable for flight training. The low-wing design offers good visibility during turns, which some pilots prefer. However, it may have slightly higher operating costs compared to some competitors. The choice often comes down to personal preference and specific training program requirements.
What Type Of Engine Does The Cherokee Warrior Use?
Most Cherokee Warriors use a Lycoming O-320 4-cylinder engine, typically producing 160 horsepower. There are a few exceptions including the Cherokee Warrior
When Was The Cherokee Warrior First Introduced?
The original Cherokee series was introduced in 1961, with the Warrior variant specifically coming out in the 1970s.
Related VREF Resources
Find Out More About Piper’s Cherokee PA28 140 B-E Models
The Rich History Behind Piper Aircraft’s Warrior Series
Want To Compare All Piper Cherokee Models?
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