Range on your Arrow

PiperArrow28PiperArrow28
in General Discussion

Hi guys we have a 1975 Piper Arrow PA 28 200R


I know this is kind of a broad question but anybody with a point similar to this what do you typically getting for range on a 50 gallon full tank. Again I know this does depend on altitude and power settings typically I'm running at 65%


Seeing what people have gotten overall if anybody has flown far


Thank you!!!

Comments

  • Tom_JaxTom_Jax

    I did a 510 NM trip in a '75 28R-200, stopped once to pick up a passenger, but no fuel. Was MI to MD, so had winds at my back to help efficiency.... Did the MD to MI leg with only adding 10 gal in Ohio.

    Tom Jackson

    PA28RT-201, N3022U

    Tappahannock, VA (KXSA)

    A&P/IA, Private Pilot, IR/A

  • arrow76rarrow76r

    I visit friends in Oregon flying my '69 PA28R200 from Colorado Springs. My usual route is over and through the Rockies. My usual fuel stop is at KTWF (Twin Falls, Idaho) which is 507 nm from my home base KFLY. Typically the time in route is just about 4 hours. This route requires climbing from KFLY (6900 MSL) to 12.5 k within 22 nm. Then down to 10.5 k the rest of the trip after clearing the mountains, all of which (of course) is into the westerly winds. At those altitudes I get just about 58 % power with fuel burn of 8.7 gph and TAS 140 kts (I fly solo always).

    Jim Torley
    CFI-A/I/G
    1969 Arrow 200
    Based at KFLY (Colorado Springs, CO)

  • PiperArrow28PiperArrow28

    Thank you guys i appreciate the input and detailed info!! My gf and I are taking our plane on Sat from Florida to Las Vegas....making a few stops for fuel and fun! Headswinds will be horrible at 8000 and up (30-38kts) but at 4000ft winds 16-18 headwind with a fuel burn of 36.3 gallons to first stop KSPG-KMJD

  • jacobsjajacobsja

    If y'all can go the distance without stopping, might consider 50 - 55% power. But if the internal bladders' capacities cannot outlast the wing tanks' capacity, then adding range really does not matter.

    While not familiar with Texas this time of year, might want to watch for surface winds as part of route planning in terms of where to stop for fuel. Specifically, if the surface winds are brisk, finding a fuel stop with desirable runway orientation might also play into whether to go for distance or keep the leg short. Last I went through the Texas flatland's it was early Summer and winds were known to run mid 20's gusting mid 30's on an average day. YMMV this time of year.


    Last thought, and at the risk of insulting, make sure to check on fees in the Las Vegas area (am presuming Nevada and not New Mexico). Scuttlebutt is that parking, landing, and handling fees can really dent the budget if there is some sort of convention in town and the airport authority wants to discourage an average GA tourist.

Sign In or Register to comment.