1979 PIPER ARROW IV
Starts from the median asking price of 8 comparable Piper ARROW IV listings ($144,353), then adjusts for:
- Airframe time +1,098 hr vs comps -2.2%
- Modern GPS navigator (75% of comps) +1.2%
- Autopilot (50% of comps) +0.9%
- ADS-B (50% of comps) +1.3%
- Market supply: 4 for sale of 178 FAA-registered +3.1%
Shown as a range. An estimate from asking-price comparables and FAA supply data — not an appraisal.
Overview
| Make / Model | Piper ARROW IV |
|---|---|
| Type | Single-Engine Piston |
| Airframe time | 5,548 hrs |
| Engine time | 365 SNEW |
| Prop blades | 3 |
| Avionics / GPS | Garmin GNS 430 |
| Avionics / Audio panel | GARMIN GMA 340 |
| Avionics / Nav / com radio | King KX 155 |
| Avionics / GPS / nav | GNS 430W |
| Avionics / Autopilot | S-TEC |
| Avionics / Datalink weather | GDL 69 |
| ADS-B | Yes |
| Annual | April 2027 |
| Inspection | Annual |
| Airworthy | Yes |
Description
1979 PIPER ARROW IV PA-28RT-201, N281CA LOW-TIME ENGINE, GARMIN WAAS GPS, ADS-B IN/OUT, S-TEC AUTOPILOT, FACTORY AIR CONDITIONING, THREE-BLADE PROP This 1979 Piper Arrow IV combines the performance and versatility of a 200 HP, fuel-injected Lycoming engine with retractable landing gear, a distinctive T-tail design, and a well-equipped IFR avionics panel. With 5,548 hours total time and just 365 hours since new on the engine (installed in 2010), N281CA offers an attractive combination of equipment, capability, and value for pilots seeking a four-place, complex single-engine aircraft. AVIONICS & IFR CAPABILITY The aircraft features a Garmin GNS 430W WAAS GPS/NAV/COM with a new display screen installed in 2026, Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B In/Out transponder, Garmin GDL 69 XM weather receiver, and Garmin GMA 340 audio panel. Additional navigation equipment includes a Bendix/King KX 155 NAV/COM with glideslope, KN 62A DME, and KCS 55A HSI system. An S-TEC System 40 autopilot with altitude hold adds convenience for cross-country operations, complemented by a four-place intercom, dual push-to-talk switches, and dual avionics master switches. ENGINE, PROPELLER & AIRFRAME Powered by a 200 HP Lycoming IO-360-C1C6 fuel-injected engine with a reported 365 hours since new, this Arrow IV features a three-blade McCauley aluminum constant-speed propeller with 773 hours since factory overhaul. The propeller was installed in 2004, and the aircraft is equipped with an alternator/air conditioning belt pulley STC. Its retractable landing gear, low-wing design, and 74-gallon reported fuel capacity make it a versatile platform for personal transportation and cross-country flying. COMFORT & CABIN FEATURES Factory-installed air conditioning is a particularly desirable feature, complemented by electric elevator trim, overhead ventilation outlets and fan, and a four-place cabin. The interior was updated in 1997 and features coordinated tan fabric and vinyl upholstery, matching headliner, sidewalls, carpeting, and trim. Additional conveniences include cabin sun visors, storage pockets, auxiliary music input, and an exterior-access baggage compartment with securing straps. Overhead ventilation outlets were replaced in 2005. EXTERIOR & APPEARANCE The aircraft features a classic white exterior with burgundy and gray accent striping, coordinated tail markings, and the distinctive Arrow IV T-tail configuration. Its three-blade McCauley propeller and retractable landing gear complete the aircraft's recognizable profile. MAINTENANCE & DOCUMENTATION Annual inspection due April 2027. Pitot-static/transponder inspection due February 2028. All Airworthiness Directives are reported complied with, and aircraft logbooks are reported current and complete. ELT battery replacement status requires confirmation. A WELL-EQUIPPED ARROW IV AT AN ATTRACTIVE ASKING PRICE For pilots looking to step into complex aircraft ownership or seeking an IFR-equipped, four-seat cross-country airplane, N281CA offers an appealing package. Its low reported engine time, Garmin avionics, S-TEC autopilot, factory air conditioning, and three-blade McCauley propeller make this Arrow IV worthy of serious consideration. Call for additional information, maintenance records, and aircraft availability.
Modifications
• Electric Elevator Trim • Factory Air Conditioning • Overhead Cabin Ventilation and Fan • Wingtip Strobe Lights • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Three-Blade McCauley Propeller (Installed 2004) • Alternator/Air Conditioning Belt Pulley STC • Factory-Installed Air Conditioning • Electric Elevator Trim • Overhead Cabin Ventilation and Fan • Wingtip Strobe Lights • Dual Flight Controls • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Three-Blade McCauley Aluminum Propeller • Alternator/Air Conditioning Belt Pulley STC • Retractable Tricycle Landing Gear • Four-Place Passenger Seating • Cabin Sun Visors • Exterior-Access Baggage Compartment • Baggage Tie-Down Straps • Cabin Storage and Document Pockets • Auxiliary Music Input Jack
Avionics
• Garmin GNS 430W WAAS GPS/NAV/COM • Garmin GNS 430W New Display Screen (2026) • Garmin GTX 345ES ADS-B In/Out Transponder • Garmin GMA 340 Audio Control Panel • Garmin GDL 69 XM Weather Receiver • Bendix/King KX 155 NAV/COM with Glideslope • Bendix/King KN 62A Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) • Bendix/King KCS 55A Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) System • S-TEC System 40 Autopilot with Altitude Hold • Conventional Six-Pack Flight Instrumentation • Four-Place Intercom System • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Auxiliary Music Input Jack • Insight Strike Finder (Inoperative)
Recommended avionics upgrades
A GNS 430 upgrades naturally to the GTN 650Xi — same footprint, touchscreen GPS/nav/comm with LPV approaches.
See prices & suppliers ›Suggestions are based on the panel described in this listing; verify STC approval for this make/model before any installation.
Service Difficulty Reports (SDRs)
Checking FAA service difficulty reports…
Airworthiness Directives (ADs)
Checking airworthiness directives…
How this aircraft compares
Where this Piper ARROW IV lands versus other Piper ARROW IV listings on fyiAero.
Price
25th pct$100k · 25th percentile of 8 listings
Airframe time
67th pct5,548 hours total (TTAF) · 67th percentile of 9 listings
Engine time
56th pct365 hours since new · 56th percentile of 9 listings
Percentile = share of comparable listings at or below this value. Lower airframe/engine hours are generally fresher; price reflects the asking price only.
General
| Year | 1979 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | PIPER |
| Model | ARROW IV |
| Serial Number | 28R-7918121 |
| Registration # | N281CA |
| Condition | Used |
| FlightRules | IFR |
| Based at | CXO |
Airframe
| Total Time | 5,548 |
|---|---|
| Range | 700 NM |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 2,750 lb |
| Basic Empty Weight | 1,700 lb |
| Useful Load | 1,000 lb |
| Fuel Capacity Volume | 74 gal |
| Complete Logs | Yes |
Engine
| Engine 1 Make/Model | LYCOMING IO-360-C1C6 |
|---|---|
| Engine Horsepower | 200 HP |
| Engine 1 Time | 365 SNEW |
| Engine TBO | 2000 |
| Year Engine Overhauled or Installed as New | 2010 |
Props
| Prop Manufacturer | MCCAULEY |
|---|---|
| Prop Time | 773 SFOH |
| Number of Blades | 3 |
| Blade Composition | Aluminum |
Avionics
| GPS 1 Manufacturer/Model | GARMIN GNS430W |
|---|---|
| Transponder 1 Manufacturer/Model | GARMIN GTX345 |
| Auto Pilot | Yes |
| Autopilot Manufacturer/Model | S-TEC/COBHAM |
| ADS-B Equipped | Yes |
| WAAS | Yes |
| LPV | Yes |
| Active Traffic | Yes |
| Avionics/Radios | • Garmin GNS 430W WAAS GPS/NAV/COM • Garmin GNS 430W New Display Screen (2026) • Garmin GTX 345ES ADS-B In/Out Transponder • Garmin GMA 340 Audio Control Panel • Garmin GDL 69 XM Weather Receiver • Bendix/King KX 155 NAV/COM with Glideslope • Bendix/King KN 62A Distance Measuring Equipment (DME) • Bendix/King KCS 55A Horizontal Situation Indicator (HSI) System • S-TEC System 40 Autopilot with Altitude Hold • Conventional Six-Pack Flight Instrumentation • Four-Place Intercom System • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Auxiliary Music Input Jack • Insight Strike Finder (Inoperative) |
Additional Equipment
| A/C | Yes |
|---|---|
| Additional Equipment | • Factory-Installed Air Conditioning • Electric Elevator Trim • Overhead Cabin Ventilation and Fan • Wingtip Strobe Lights • Dual Flight Controls • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Three-Blade McCauley Aluminum Propeller • Alternator/Air Conditioning Belt Pulley STC • Retractable Tricycle Landing Gear • Four-Place Passenger Seating • Cabin Sun Visors • Exterior-Access Baggage Compartment • Baggage Tie-Down Straps • Cabin Storage and Document Pockets • Auxiliary Music Input Jack |
Modifications/Conversions
| Modifications/Conversions | • Electric Elevator Trim • Factory Air Conditioning • Overhead Cabin Ventilation and Fan • Wingtip Strobe Lights • Dual Push-to-Talk (PTT) Switches • Dual Avionics Master Switches • Three-Blade McCauley Propeller (Installed 2004) • Alternator/Air Conditioning Belt Pulley STC |
|---|
Interior
| Year Interior | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Number of Seats | 4 |
| Configuration | Passenger |
Inspection Status
| Inspection Status | • Annual Inspection Due April 2027 • Pitot-Static/Transponder Inspection Due February 2028 • ELT Battery Replacement Due March 2026 • All Airworthiness Directives (ADs) Complied With • Complete and Current Aircraft Logbooks |
|---|---|
| Airworthy | Yes |
Operating costs & specifications — Piper PA 28RT 201 Arrow IV
Typical model-level figures for the Piper PA 28RT 201 Arrow IV (not this specific airframe).
Performance & dimensions
| Range | 695 nm |
|---|---|
| Cruise speed | 138 kts · 159 mph |
| Takeoff / landing | 1025.0 / 615.0 |
About this plane
Single engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear. The PA-28RT-201 Arrow IV seats up to 3 passengers plus 1 pilot.
Range from base
Still-air range ring — type an aircraft to change it. Compare aircraft on the Range tool ›
Last flight
Actual flight path from FlightAware for N281CA. More flight tracking ›
