Quantcast

Piper's early development: From tailwheel Pacer to tricycle Tri-Pacer

Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
American Airlines welcomes JetSMART to the award-winning AAdvantage program
Explore Japan for free? Japan Airlines offers free domestic flights to foreign travelers
Delta named Official Airline Partner of Birmingham City Football Club
American Airlines to Cut These Routes to Las Vegas, Orlando, and More — Here's Why
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, expanding benefits and choice for travelers
Southwest wouldn't really start charging for bags — right?
JD Power ranked this Midwest airport as the best among largest airports in North America
Alaska Airlines Chief Plans More Routes After a Deal With Hawaiian
Air Canada could begin suspending flights soon as strike deadline nears
Piper's early development: From tailwheel Pacer to tricycle Tri-Pacer
Policy
Webp 9d8e4n9zvnq6npvse1f7c4oouh5n
Airbus A380 | Airbus

The PA-20 Pacer, developed by Piper Aircraft, was introduced in 1949 as an early model aimed at reducing costs. Over 1,100 units were sold between 1950 and 1954. The PA-22 Tri-Pacer followed, featuring a shift to tricycle landing gear that facilitated easier and safer flying. This model saw greater success, with over 9,400 units produced until 1964.

Piper Aircraft Company began as Taylor Brothers Aircraft Manufacturing Company in 1927. William Piper took control in the 1930s and reorganized it to produce low-cost aircraft like the E-2 Cub. The company continued developing new models using existing designs to remain competitive post-WWII.

The PA-20 Pacer derived from earlier models such as the PA-15, PA-16 Clipper, and PA-17 Vagabond. It retained a steel fuselage and high wings while offering increased fuel capacity and revised control elements. It included flaps and a control yoke instead of center sticks found in previous models.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The specifications for the PA-20 include a height of 9 ft 6 in (2.9 m), wingspan of 32 ft 10 in (10 m), length of 27 ft 9 in (8.5 m), capacity for four people, and maximum take-off weight of 1,950 lb. Its performance features are a maximum speed of 121 knots (224 km/h), cruise speed of 109 knots (202 km/h), range of 470 nautical miles (870 km), and service ceiling of up to 15,000 feet (4,572 meters).

Several variants were produced with differences mainly in engine type:

PA-20 with a Lycoming O-290-D engine;

PA-20S offered optional float installation;

and other versions featured various engine power ratings.

The transition from tailwheel to tricycle landing gear marked a significant change with the introduction of the PA-22 Tri-Pacer model. This redesign maintained much of the original structure but provided improved ground handling and visibility.

Despite its initial popularity among pilots for flight training and private use, the PA-20 was eventually outshone by its successor due to these advancements in design.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025