Dakota Purchase: Major issues or concerns to look for when purchasing a Dakota

SeekTLSeekTL
in General Discussion

Hello all,

Not sure if there is a better place to post this request. If so, let me know and I will repost.

I'm seeking a PA-28-236 and want to know if there are known issues and/or areas of concern when considering a plane for purchase. I get as much information from the owner before I review the logbooks and then confer with an AP mechanic. That being said I'd appreciate any advice or suggested reading materials to make the inspection process worthy.

Thanks in advance for your time.

Eric

Comments

  • jacobsjajacobsja

    Cannot think of anything specific to the Dakota per what I have read about that lineage. Seems that it shares many Cherokee care and feeding items and there is fairly good coverage of history from more reputable aviation web sites.

    At the risk of insulting, getting information from the current owner is definitely a great start. But, don't use the current A&P for a pre-buy inspection. Or do the pre-buy inspection in the owner's hangar. Find another A&P with Cherokee experience (and preferably had never worked on that specific plane) within a reasonable flight's distance for the pre-buy.

  • SeekTLSeekTL

    Flying to the pre-buy is a good idea. I was thinking about having it done at the local field but your idea is better.

    Thanks!

  • cherokee383cherokee383

    I never do prebuys on planes I've worked on for the same reason I tell people to bring them to me. Another set of eyes is always a good idea. It also helps you know they aren't intentionally missing something on the plane. the 235 and 236 aircraft are very similar to the other cherokees in the fact that they are very easy in maintenance. Check the spars and check logs for damage history. If there is a large entry on replacing wing skins or structure that would be a big flag something happened. Flying to a prebuy location is best because you get to see how the plane does, although a lot of owners wont let you do it solo. If they don't let you do a test flight at all I'd be very skeptical as well.

  • FlyTheCourseFlyTheCourse
    https://piperowner.org/talk/discussion/comment/1448977#Comment_1448977

    In an effort to find good sources of information for my plane what reputable aviation websites are you referring too? Thanks.

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