The best plane for a TIGHT BUDGET!? Piper Archer II Walkaround & Flight

[@outermarker]

Even though I do prefer the 172 (and high wings in general) in some ways, I really love the Archer II. Lots of space, useful load and relatively fast. But my favorite feature that really sets it apart from the 172 in my opinion is the rudder trim! During long cross-countries you can basically fly it hands and feet off even without an autopilot. Enjoyed the video!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

I agree! Rudder trim makes a big difference on long cross country. Less tiring for sure ^Michael

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

Do the older cherokees also have rudder trim?

[@bruce2357]

I learned to fly in Warriors and Archers and had a buddy that was checked out in the Saratoga. One day he let me handle the takeoff and I was shocked at the right rudder forces required after rotation. I guess he saw that maybe I was grimacing a little and asked me if I wanted some rudder trim to which I immediately replied yes and he took care of that for me.

[@aileronsintowind6835]

@@chrisnedbalek2866yes bud

[@bernardanderson3758]

I love the Archer II and would love to have it to purchase

[@DeadstickAdventures]

There are plenty around still Bernard. Just keep a lookout! ^MP

[@TENpilot]

From personal experience I can say that it is a fantastic plane.

[@markcash2]

This might be asking a bit much, but can you mates please post more aerial pictures of Murray Bridge and possibly Tailem Bend? I moved to the USA back in 1978 and your videos are making me a little nostalgic.

[@azcharlie2009]

I bought my 1979 Archer II in 1985. I still have it today. Still less than 1500 hours TT. KNS80, KX170B, century IIIB autopilot IFR. Even the ADF still works. The original paint had to be replaced in 2006 because of a sand storm here in Arizona. But, almost everything is still original. I'd love to update the avionics, but.... the expense is beyond ridiculous. I don't have many more flying years left. It will make someone a very nice airplane..... Someday....

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Sounds beautiful! I bet it’s like a blast from the past with all the original avionics. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

[@josephmatulenas1265]

Do you still have?

[@azcharlie2009]

@@josephmatulenas1265 Yes. Hangared at KAVQ.

[@njitinoumbano8121]

Hey, I'm currently looking for a plane. Will be nice to hear you experience in GA over the years and best advise.

[@sebastiaanneeteson]

Love the Archer II. I once flew in it and is flies so good and stable. Keep on making this great video's! They are fun to watch and educational.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thank you! :)

[@capt_yeti]

I love my Archer. Beautiful to fly and easy to land. 💙

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Agreed! They’re lovely

[@jaredcook7275]

Debating purchasing one... I was looking at it or finishing my RV-14 build. Big difference between the two

[@narratordru7188]

Love the Archer II. Great ground effect, sexy performance, great accommodation. Did my first solo in one back in the mid-80's. Would own one if I could.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

They're definitely a lot of fun to fly!

[@coriscotupi]

Good video. The Archer is my favorite GA airplane, followed closely by the Arrow. The stabilator + anti-servo tab was a genius idea. Aerodynamic forces from the tab acting on the stabilator actively "fly" the stabilator, actually commanding the airplane to its trimmed airspeed. As a result it nails the airspeed hands-off, and requires a substantial force on the yoke to fly above - or below - trimmed airspeed. You won't get caught off guard at the wrong speed with those airplanes.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks! Yes brilliant design. We’ve got an Arrow IV video coming out shortly. Also a T Tail Lance

[@hankbrown2871]

Very nice production. And a good looking airplane! Our flying club in Eastern Pennsylvania owns three Archers. And I learned to fly in an Archer II.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thank you! Great to hear. They’re excellent planes :)

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

I like your analysis of the marginal gas cost ($200 more) of getting there (on a 300 nm leg) 20 minutes earlier. You also could have mentioned the long run greater cost of overhauling a 6 cyl versus a 4 cylinder. Good job Mate!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks for the kind words! Yes good point, the overhaul costs are much kinder. Not to mention the fixed pitch propeller!

[@hordi1ful]

Yes, but if you fly longer the same distance - you have to overhaul an engine sooner.

[@edjarrett3164]

I really like the archer2. I just finished my PPL and am working for instrument rating. The school only has 2 instrument equipped aircraft, so I decided to get checked out in the archer. I have previous military hours in various aircraft. Compared to the Cessna 172, The archer is way more stable because of the stabilator. It doesn’t wallow on final like the Cessna, but is an KIAS vs MPH aircraft. Energy management is more critical to see same performance as the Cessna. Ventilation and access is not as good as the Cessna, but I’ll take the performance and stability any day.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Congrats on the PPL! The archer would be a perfect plane for getting your instrument in. They’re so stable as you know

[@kimskislalom]

Nice airplane. Yes, it is easy to fly and smooth. Will be an airplane that I will consider.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Good choice!

[@jimcurns7049]

I have a 1970 Cherokee 180 and I love it. The extra 5 inches of back seat room in the Archer would be nice to have, the taper wing I don't care about or see any advantage to. I owned a Cessna before the Cherokee and I believe the ride is smoother in the Piper. It also somehow seems more fun to fly and has better visibility in the pattern. For those who like to look straight down, take the Cessna, and a sick sack. My wife gave the Piper two thumbs up over the Cessna.

[@gerardobng]

Amazing video as always guys and great production value! Great on Ash for snagging a gig flying regionals and will be missed, but great content regardless from Michael! Looking forward to the next video!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks Claude! ^Michael

[@chantszkan1503]

VH-MAU is the aircraft that renews my PPL at Murray Bridge. Bravo

[@alcarmad]

I have a 1974 Mooney M20F. IO-360 engine (200 HP) with a 9.5 gph burn and closer to 155 knots. I weighed the value/performance of Piper Archer/Arrows against Mooney M20F/J and found better value although I love the simplicity and ease of the Archer which I fly from time to time.

[@DarrenMiles]

Outstanding review! I'm training in a modern 100i which is basically the same plane and for what it is, it's pretty impressive! Thank you for the video!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Awesome! I saw one of those at Oshkosh. Perfect plane to learn in! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@Brutaga]

I was flying into Queenstown airport NZ and my wife started feeling ill, turns out she was pregnant with our beautiful daughter. So I’ve always had a soft spot for the 180 Archer, (ZK-EIV) your video brought back lots of good memories.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

What a great memory Howard! You’ll never forget that moment. ^Michael

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

If I ever get a low wing, it will have two doors. Thanks for the video!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

You bet!

[@rodolfocastro3222]

Great video, keep them coming. What about the Mooney M20J? Would be great to see a video on that! Thanks!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Hmmm I think we’ve got access to a Mooney! Let me see what we can do!

[@stephenreese5921]

Agree! The Piper Archer is the best GA single engine, other then a TBM or PC-12.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

And 10x less cost! ^MP

[@Cherfield-D-Blessedman]

Nice video, thanks. If we have to upgrade the instrument like G650 Xi how much would cost us?

[@DeadstickAdventures]

I’d budget around $80k

[@johnisley4578]

It's not really about speed, or getting there 20 mins earlier with the 235, it's about the huge useful load, especially with those outback runs.

[@spiro5327]

Great video though i prefer the 172, easier to get in and out of, with 2 doors gravity fed fuel and i prefer the electric flap on the panel rather than the car handbrake style flap lever. Having to reach up on top of the wing to do a fuel check is 1 downside though. Both great planes nonetheless. Thanks

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks Spiro!

[@piper0428]

Love to fly the PA 28 181!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Me too!!

[@russellrattys6581]

I flew one of these on wednesday 29th june 2022 for my trial/demo flight, its a brilliant aircraft, the flight was very turbulent, but me and the archer handled it really well, the pilot took off, handed me the controls, and i flew it until it was time to land, then he took over, got into the circuit, did a go-around because of traffic, then did another pattern and landed It was an awesome experience, its a very intuitive aircraft, wanna climb? push the throttle up full, wanna descend? pull the throttle down to idle, wanna cruise level? put the throttle about half way up, really easy The controls are very responsive, but not scary responsive, there not so light you could breath on the controls and it flips you over, but there not so heavy that your forcing the yoke round either to get it to do something One thing i would like to see is a door on the port side, but hey ho? you get what your given

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Awesome! Glad you enjoyed your Demo flight. Archers are a perfect aircraft to learn in and fly privately. Roomy, comfortable and they perform really well. Also super easy to land nicely!

[@russellrattys6581]

@@DeadstickAdventures me too, i got my class 2 medical, paid my membership for the flying club, and booked my first official flying lesson in 4 days time They got warriors, and someone there said its slightly easier to learn in a warrior than it is an archer, he said the landing config is slightly different between the two for that airfield 🤷‍♂️

[@tamtam19454]

Really fantastic video!

[@BravoJulietWhiskey]

Love the Archer II!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Who doesn’t, honestly? 😉

[@aviacaoesimulacao]

What a nice video. I love the Archer!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks Dowglas! She’s a great plane

[@davewitter6565]

The tapered wing gives better climb performance with 180 hp fixed gear, even when you compare it to the 200hp retractable gear, Hersey Bar winged Arrow.

[@alexlefevre6492]

Great video as usual!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks brother!

[@danielschachle2054]

Love my Archer, you're right

[@DeadstickAdventures]

They’re cool hey? ^Mp

[@scottwaters2651]

l like the 172 Cessna's the best , but l do admit this plane captivate's me also.

[@walky000atgmail3]

Great job Michael, and great production quality. Very cool that Ash scored a job flying regionals. I agree an Archer is a great lower cost GA aircraft, decent speed, simple operation, good fuel economy and robust, but...When compared to the PA-28-235 yes, you do use somewhat more fuel for the same given flight however 4 fat bastards/bitches won't be going far in an Archer where the 235 will take them all, their beer, and full 84 gal tanks.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Thanks mate, appreciate the support! Yeh we’re all stoked for him. Haha you’re right, depends on the size of your family/friends as to 235/archer!! Lol ^Michael

[@mp-xt2rg]

I have a 65 172 it has just over 900lbs of useful load and cruises at 125mph range is limited with 38 gallons of fuel.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Sounds like a great aircraft! I love the older 172s. Thanks for watching our videos :)

[@rogerb4436]

I like them over the Cessna but I don't like just the 1 door.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Yeah I agree Roger, score a point for Cessna there, the 2 doors make in-out easier ^Michael

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

What is your field elevation and Pressure / density altitude. 700 Feet per minute at sea level?

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Airfield elevation is 120’. Was probably around 20 degrees C

[@timothystockman7533]

My favorite airplane! Back in the day I flew N47394 from Aretz Flying Service. Yours even has the same color scheme: white with red and gold!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

They’re a great looking plane!

[@nelsoncolon4535]

I am an instrument-rated private pilot from the United States. All of my time was in Cessna 172s. I can not wait to fly a Piper Archer/Warrior/Cherokee.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

They’re great 👍🏻

[@redline9221]

Opinions on learning on a Cessna vs a piper archer?

[@JR_SC]

Agree!

[@craigcampbell5937]

Your thoughts on a Mooney?

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Love them

[@jamesralph4447]

Lovely aeroplane.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Yeh it’s a ripper :)

[@jeas5484]

Hello my friend Do you have an autopilot on board ?

[@DeadstickAdventures]

This aircraft isn't fitted with an AP - yet... :(

[@a_little_of_each_channel]

i'm 11 years old and i fly my dads piper-28-181 archer II and he is with me of course but it is fun

[@dianeneedleman5154]

How about landing/braking distances? I heard that braking was not so strong

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Braking is as good as any other PA28. I’ve noticed no issues.

[@1krr]

There isn't much that offers a better value than the pa-28-180,181!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Agreed!

[@AussieAircraft98]

Top video again! I almost agree with you, but i reckon id go a Cherokee 180 just for that Hershey bar wing

[@CreepinCreeper145]

Same, plus the Hershey bar wing allows for slightly higher cruise speeds below 9500, which is where most of these Archer II's and Cherokee 180's are gonna fly unless if you have to cross over mountainous terrain, where the speed advantage crosses over to the semi-tapered wing over 10000'.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Having flown a bunch of models with both wings, I reckon Hershey is my fav now too ^Michael

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

Why do you guys like the Hershey wing better?

[@blackprince291]

@@chrisnedbalek2866 Short landings. The tapered wing models float. The hershey bar wings allow a steep descent into a short strip with power off and full flaps.

[@chrisnedbalek2866]

@@blackprince291 thank you!

[@matts4025]

But I did hit an eagle in Canada and that probably would've ripped that landing gear off ahah. 6ft wing span

[@matts4025]

Awh poor Galah, That makes me sad as an American lmfao.. Beautiful birds. Australia is amazing. My 27 y/o cockatiel died on new years and I him dearly lol

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Aww that’s sad to hear! Yep it sucks hitting birds but unfortunately all part of it 😬

[@matts4025]

@@DeadstickAdventures Definitely with all the birds you guys have! Thanks for the reply. Take care brotha.

[@mafp22w]

I had a 235. I planned for 14 gallons an hour, not 17. I think 17 is high.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

17gph power setting kept it to around 135 TAS. You could get it lower but it lost a lot of speed!

[@scottymac2260]

Now time to compare Warrior versus Archer

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Now there’s an idea! Thanks Scotty ^Michael

[@JM-bu7cf]

You could get like 14-15 corvettes with 7000 horsepower for the price of some single engine airplanes.

[@DeadstickAdventures]

I know what I’d prefer 😎

[@neverfox]

And you still wouldn't be flying.

[@davejohn3820]

The fuel pump was off on final...

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Well picked! I’m not perfect :) ^Michael

[@kimberlywentworth9160]

Seems like the older Pipers are better than the new Pipers

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Better value for money I’d say!

[@toddkallenbach3904]

the best plane for a tight budget is NO plane at all

[@DeadstickAdventures]

that is probably true.. but no fun!

[@toddkallenbach3904]

@@DeadstickAdventures join a flight club

[@59thfsaviation79]

Sure. If only one was near me within 2 hours. The one 15 minutes away has a waiting list a mile long.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Take off the nose gear pants to make it look better

[@CreepinCreeper145]

Or add the main wheel pants for MOAR KNOTS

[@DeadstickAdventures]

NOTTS R GUD!!

[@georgiathai4961]

If the budget is tight don’t buy an airplane!

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Agreed!

[@sazzy6264]

Famous last words

[@Jay-hr3rh]

Why would anyone want to purchase an airplane on a tight budget?

[@DeadstickAdventures]

Why not? 🤷‍♂️

[@lcprivatepilot1969]

Because they are there annnd you only live once…