Quantcast

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

European air traffic warning means summer delays for holidaymakers
The EU rule change that could affect millions of Brits when their flight is delayed or cancelled
Delta Earnings Land Soon. Why They’re Key for Airline Stocks and the Economy.
Avelo Airlines to Operate Deportation Flights, Hiring Flight Attendants
Travel chaos 2025: all the strikes and disruption expected across Europe
United receives FAA approval for first Starlink-equipped planes
Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
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

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced that its Wings of Change Europe (WOCE) event will take place at the Steigenberger Icon Wiltcher's Hotel in Brussels.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has announced a new partnership with Crunchyroll, the global anime streaming platform, to bring a curated selection of anime content to its flights.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines has been recognized as one of the 2025 Fortune Best Workplaces for Women, marking its return to the list since 2019.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines marked its 100th anniversary by serving as the official airline of the 60th Head of the Charles Regatta (HOCR) in Boston.

Oct 23, 2025

American Airlines has announced that it will upgrade its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft with new Flagship Suites, the airline's latest business-class product.

Oct 23, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce a new in-flight dining partnership with Chef José Andrés, bringing Spanish-inspired cuisine to select cabins starting November 4.

Oct 23, 2025