The PA-20 Pacer was a four-place, high-wing light aircraft built by Piper in the post-World War II period. It was essentially a four-place version of the two-place PA-17 Vagabond light aircraft of the same period, and is built with light alloy tubing covered with fabric, much like Piper's most famous aircraft, the Cub and Super Cub. A popular aircraft for its ruggedness, spacious cabin, and for its time impressive speed, many Pacers continue to fly today. 125-hp and 150-hp engine options were available, and a 180-hp engine conversion exists for aircraft still flying.

The Pacer, which had a tailwheel and thus had limited visibilty on the ground, was later offered in a PA-22 Tri-Pacer version with a nosewheel. While the original PA-20 Pacer is generally regarded as a mildly attractive if not comely aircraft, with classic, "traditional" lines, many pilots and aircraft enthusiasts consider the PA-22 Tri-Pacer "the ugliest aircraft ever," as the nosewheel conversion has a hackneyed and tacked-on appearance. Many Tri-Pacers were converted back to standard Pacer configuration.

A trainer version of the PA-22 Tri-Pacer, the Colt, was intended to compete directly with popular Cessna trainers of the day, such as the Cessna 150. It is essentially a PA-17 Vagabond with a nosewheel and consequently the same "ugly" appearance as the Tri-Pacer. Like the Vagabond, it featured side-by-side seating for two.

Production of the Vagabond, Pacer, Tri-Pacer and Colt ceased by the late 1950's as they were superceded by more modern, all-metal aircraft.

Specifications (PA-22-160 Tri-Pacer)

General Characteristics

• Crew: one, pilot
• Capacity: 3 passengers
• Length: 20 ft 7 in (6.28 m)
• Wingspan: 29 ft 4 in (8.93 m)
• Height: 8 ft 4 in (2.53 m)
• Wing area: 148 ft² (13.7 m²)
• Empty: 1.100 lb (503 kg)
• Loaded: lb ( kg)
• Maximum takeoff: 2,000 lb (907 kg)
• Powerplant: 1x Lycoming O-320-B, 160 hp (119 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 142 mph (227 km/h)
• Range: 540 miles (862 km)
• Service ceiling: 16,500 ft (5,030 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Wing loading: lb/ft² ( kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: hp/lb ( kW/kg)

Related content

Related development: PA-17

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence: PA-17 - PA-18 - PA-19 - PA-20 - PA-21 - PA-22 - PA-23 - PA-24