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Single-Engine Piston

1979 PIPER ARROW IV

🕒 Listed 7 days ago
$100,000
fyiEstimate $148,500–$152,500 ⓘ How this estimate is built

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.

1979
5,548 hrs
N281CA ✈ Flight Tracking
—
28R-7918121
LYCOMING IO-360-C1C6
1
MCCAULEY
KCXO
📍 Houston, Texas

Overview

Make / ModelPiper ARROW IV
TypeSingle-Engine Piston
Airframe time5,548 hrs
Engine time365 SNEW
Prop blades3
Avionics / GPSGarmin GNS 430
Avionics / Audio panelGARMIN GMA 340
Avionics / Nav / com radioKing KX 155
Avionics / GPS / navGNS 430W
Avionics / AutopilotS-TEC
Avionics / Datalink weatherGDL 69
ADS-BYes
AnnualApril 2027
InspectionAnnual
AirworthyYes
Garmin GPS Autopilot ADS-B

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

Garmin GTN 650Xi

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
$75k$412kThis aircraft · $100k

$100k · 25th percentile of 8 listings

Airframe time

67th pct
1,50012,265This aircraft · 5,548

5,548 hours total (TTAF) · 67th percentile of 9 listings

Engine time

56th pct
151,650This aircraft · 365

365 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

Year1979
ManufacturerPIPER
ModelARROW IV
Serial Number28R-7918121
Registration #N281CA
ConditionUsed
FlightRulesIFR
Based atCXO

Airframe

Total Time5,548
Range700 NM
Max Takeoff Weight2,750 lb
Basic Empty Weight1,700 lb
Useful Load1,000 lb
Fuel Capacity Volume74 gal
Complete LogsYes

Engine

Engine 1 Make/ModelLYCOMING IO-360-C1C6
Engine Horsepower200 HP
Engine 1 Time365 SNEW
Engine TBO2000
Year Engine Overhauled or Installed as New2010

Props

Prop ManufacturerMCCAULEY
Prop Time773 SFOH
Number of Blades3
Blade CompositionAluminum

Avionics

GPS 1 Manufacturer/ModelGARMIN GNS430W
Transponder 1 Manufacturer/ModelGARMIN GTX345
Auto PilotYes
Autopilot Manufacturer/ModelS-TEC/COBHAM
ADS-B EquippedYes
WAASYes
LPVYes
Active TrafficYes
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/CYes
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 Interior1997
Number of Seats4
ConfigurationPassenger

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
AirworthyYes

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).

$28,050annual budget · 116 hrs/yr
$128variable cost / hour
$0.92cost per nm
11.6gph fuel burn
$127,202avg pre-owned asking fyiEstimate  $148,500–$152,500

Performance & dimensions

Range695 nm
Cruise speed138 kts · 159 mph
Takeoff / landing1025.0 / 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 ›