Archer III

[Best Rate]

Hi folks,

I'm looking at buying an Archer 3 (around 10 yrs old) from the US early next year.

Anyone got any personal experiences / advice on owning the model that you could share with me?

Would love an A36 or the like but I think the operating costs of an Archer seem about right (Fixed Gear / Fixed Pitch etc)...

Cheers,

BR

[baron_beeza]

You probably can't go too far wrong with the type. A very capable, easy to maintain and proven machine.

I think any pitfalls will be in the importation side of things.
This would include the Pre-buy inspection, Export Cof A, disassembly and packing, shipping etc. Then you also have assembly and Import Cof A etc once it is landed.

I have seen some very easy imports over the years, the guys that did their homework and managed to find a machine with good logs and then chose wisely with the team to do the packing.
The flip side is not worth thinking about, so much can go wrong. It is normally associated with unrecorded maintenance or poorly done mods/repairs. Needless to say it will be a show-stopper and often expensive to rectify.

So choose a good type, and I am sure the Archer is great. Get a proper pre-buy done and a good packing team.
All else will just fall into place.

If you are fortunate enough to get really good paperwork the guys here can set to and start raising new logbooks and cross converting the AD's etc. All this before the aircraft even lands in the country.

While I am sure the guys here will offer feedback on the type, I doubt you will get many negative comments on the Archer.

[JustJoinedToSearch]

I know there is an option for a 'cruise prop' which gives much better cruise performance, but from personal experience (a few years ago so they may have updated it etc) the climb performance is nothing short of terrible. The second you level out you can feel the surge of acceleration but jeez it struggles to go up.

For example, on a warmish morning near MTOW, getting out of the even the longer runways at YMMB isn't as comfortable as you'd like in a single.

[Clearedtoreenter]

The Archer is a good, safe reliable aeroplane with few if any vices - but a bit slow and the III's are very heavy limiting useful load, although well equipped with good autopilots and avionics. You'd be hard pressed to go wrong with one but the lack of range and useful load might become a bit frustrating after a time.

Have you thought about a Dakota? Not quite so new as the Archer III, but they made a few in the late 80's and early 90's, with good King avionics and autopilots. Very similar to an Archer but they have more power, a bullet proof 6 clyinder Lycoming engine and overcome many of the Archer's limitations whilst being just as easy to fly and maintain.

I can put you on to someone who can help with some good contacts in the US and the importing process if you pm. Good luck!

[flyinkiwi]

While its definitely nice to fly, the performance leaves a lot to be desired. At max weight we were only getting 400fpm on a better than ISO day at max power below 2000' AMSL. I thought I had left the air con on but it was off. Once you get to the cruise she is a lovely place to be, comfortable, smooth and quiet, and the avionics pretty much fly the plane for you.

[Old Akro]

I'd check the Australian market first. There are (I think) 3 Archer III's that would meet that description for sale in Australia now. In the last 2 days the $A has dropped 5%. You need to be prepared for those vagaries if you buy from the US. Sourcing from the US (especially recently) has been a boon. But there are many risks. Make sure you look at all the options (incl NZ) first.

[Seabreeze]

Timewarp thread drift: Which Piper?

I have an old brochure;

"Of the Big three its Piper for 63"

Cherokee B
"Standard" 150 HP; Pounds 5,995
"Brave" 160 HP; Pounds 6,995
" Chief" 180 HP; Pounds 7,995

But you get a VHF radio, Speedfairings and a Grimes Rotating Beacon with the Chief! all prices Flyaway Archerfield.

SB

[Best Rate]

Thanks for the helpful info guys...

Clearedtoreenter - cheers for the offer, I may just PM you if extra contacts req for US dealings.

Regards,

Best Rate...

[PA39]

Wait until after Christmas......either in the USA or Aus, they won't be able to GIVE the bloody things away !!

[1a sound asleep]

I owned a 1998 model from 1998-2001. Great compromise a/c. Faster than a 172, easy maintenance, etc. If its for 1 o2 POB its fine. 4 POB and luggage forget it. Definitely feels light years ahead than the earlier Pipers

[Harro]

I dont own one however have flown around 40 hours in a Archer III over the previous 12 months.

Great aircraft to fly , but as mentioned by others the lack of climb can be frustrating. If your planning to fly IFR and spend alot of time above 5000 might drive you insane.

300-400 ft per minute seems to be norm.

The one I fly is really well equiped dual GNS430, A/C , TCAS etc. but you pay for it in load capabilities.

Flying with a friend and full fuel leaves a balance of only 45kg. So for baggage thats ok but if you want third person they'd better be pretty slim !

Having said all that its a plane you really feel safe and confident in. Nothing about that aircraft thats going to take you by suprise