Regan Brown
The Piper PA-28RT Turbo Arrow is an aircraft with a range of 900 nm and a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet. The fuel burn of the Turbo Arrow is a topic of interest for many pilots, as it directly impacts the range and endurance of the aircraft. According to one owner, the Turbo Arrow burns 11.8 gallons of fuel per hour (GPH) when cruising at 65% power, giving it a range of 6 hours and 6 minutes until fuel exhaustion. Another owner of a 1977 Turbo Arrow reported a fuel burn of less than 12 GPH while flying at altitudes between 6,000 and 15,000 feet. The Arrow II and Arrow III variants have different fuel burn rates, with the Arrow II burning fuel at a rate of about 10.15 GPH and the Arrow III burning at a rate of 12.7 GPH, according to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA).
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What You'll Learn
The fuel burn rate of the Piper Arrow II is about 10.15
A lighter aircraft will generally have a lower fuel burn rate, as there is less weight for the engines to lift and propel through the air. Additionally, flying at a higher altitude can result in a lower fuel burn rate, as the engines can operate more efficiently in thinner air. However, flying at higher altitudes may also require the use of turbochargers, which can reduce fuel efficiency.
The speed at which the aircraft is flown will also impact the fuel burn rate. Generally, flying at slower speeds will result in lower fuel consumption, as the engines are not working as hard. However, it is important to note that flying too slowly can also increase fuel consumption, as the aircraft may be operating outside of its optimal performance range.
The Piper Arrow II is a popular aircraft known for its relatively low fuel consumption. This makes it an economical choice for business transportation, as well as for personal use. The aircraft has a range of over 900 nautical miles with a full load of fuel, which is quite impressive.
The Piper Arrow II is also known for its decent cabin size, offering more legroom than some similar aircraft. It is an easy-to-fly aircraft, with predictable handling and gentle characteristics. Overall, the Piper Arrow II is a great choice for those seeking an efficient, comfortable, and manageable aircraft.
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The Piper Arrow III has a fuel capacity of 77 gallons
The Piper Arrow III is an aircraft with a fuel capacity of 77 gallons. This is a notable upgrade from the previous model, the Arrow II, which has a fuel capacity of 50 gallons. The Arrow III's increased fuel capacity allows for longer flights and greater range.
According to one source, the Piper Arrow III burns fuel at a rate of 12.7 gallons per hour (GPH). This is a higher burn rate than the Arrow II, which has a burn rate of around 10.15 GPH. However, it's important to consider that the burn rate can vary depending on various factors such as altitude, speed, and aircraft loading. For example, at higher altitudes, the burn rate tends to decrease, as seen in the Arrow II's fuel burn of 8.7 GPH when flying at or above 10,000 feet.
The Piper Arrow III's range and endurance are impressive. With a full fuel tank, it can provide a no-reserve range of over 900 nautical miles (nm) when cruising at 65% power. This range allows for one-stop transits from coast to coast in the lower USA. Additionally, with a fuel burn rate of around 11.8 GPH, the aircraft can stay airborne for approximately 6 hours until fuel exhaustion.
The Piper Arrow III's fuel capacity and performance make it a versatile aircraft. It can be utilized for business transportation, offering dependable and economical flights. The ability to fly relatively high and fast, coupled with its range, makes it suitable for various missions and trips. However, it's important to consider the trade-off between the increased fuel capacity and the higher burn rate when deciding between the Arrow II and III.
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The Turbo Arrow has a range of over 900 nm
The Turbo Arrow is a reliable aircraft with a range of over 900 nautical miles (nm). It can fly relatively high, at 6,000 to 15,000 feet, and relatively fast, at speeds between 142 and 162 knots, with a fuel burn rate of less than 12 gallons per hour (GPH).
The Turbo Arrow's range is due in part to its 72 gallons of usable fuel. One owner reported that, cruising at 65% power, they burned 11.8 GPH from liftoff to touchdown, giving them 6 hours and 6 minutes until fuel exhaustion. At 156 knots and an altitude of 12,000 feet, this resulted in a no-reserve range of over 900 nm.
The Turbo Arrow's range and performance can be affected by various factors, including loading and altitude. With a full 72 gallons of fuel, the aircraft can carry a payload of 505 to 568 pounds, or approximately three 170-pound people with no baggage. At 75% power, it can fly for about four hours with no reserve. When flying solo with minimal baggage, the fuel burn rate can be as low as 8.7 GPH, further extending the range.
The Turbo Arrow's range and performance also depend on the specific model. For example, the Arrow III has a higher fuel capacity of 77 gallons compared to the Arrow II's 50 gallons, resulting in a longer range. Additionally, the Arrow III has been reported to have better takeoff and landing performance due to its conventional tail design.
Overall, the Turbo Arrow's range of over 900 nm, combined with its speed and loading capacity, makes it a versatile and dependable aircraft for business or personal transportation.
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The Turbo Arrow's maximum useful load is 1,208 pounds
The maximum useful load of the Turbo Arrow is 1,208 pounds. This is a bit better than the Mooney 231s and not quite as good as the Turbo Skylanes, which is about average for this class of aircraft.
The Turbo Arrow has a range of loading options, with useful loads ranging from 937 to about 1,000 pounds. This means that with a full 72 gallons of fuel, a 505 to 568-pound payload can be carried. This works out to about three 170-pound people with no baggage. With four 170-pound people on board, you can expect about four hours of flight at 75% power with no reserve.
The Turbo Arrow has a decent-sized cabin, a bit roomier than the Mooney and a bit cozier than the Turbo Skylane. Legroom in the rear is pleasant, thanks to a fuselage stretch provided to the entire Cherokee line back in 1972. The Turbo Arrow is also quite comfortable inside, with ample space for avionics and a good panel layout.
The Turbo Arrow was introduced in 1977 and promised to bring turbocharging to everyman. It combined a simple, common airframe with a no-frills turbo engine. The Turbo Arrow's engine was initially finicky, tricky to operate, and prone to self-destruction. However, various upgrades have likely improved the reliability of the aircraft since then.
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The Turbo Arrow's fuel burn rate is less than 12 GPH
The Turbo Arrow is a dependable aircraft for business transportation. Its fuel burn rate is quite efficient, with an owner reporting a fuel burn rate of less than 12 gallons per hour (GPH) while flying at altitudes ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 feet. This fuel efficiency allows for a good range, with one owner calculating that they could fly for over 6 hours with a full 72 gallons of fuel on board.
The low fuel burn rate of the Turbo Arrow contributes to its overall economical operation. With operating expenses, including fuel, maintenance, insurance, and hangar fees, coming in at less than $90 per hour, it is a cost-effective transportation option. This efficiency is further enhanced by the Turbo Arrow's ability to fly relatively fast, achieving speeds between 142 and 162 knots.
While the Turbo Arrow excels in fuel efficiency, it does have its challenges. Power management can be tricky due to the fixed wastegate, and stabilizing the aircraft in level flight can be difficult due to the effect of ram air on the turbocharger. It is important to manage the turbocharger properly to avoid overboosting and ensure adequate cool-down periods to prevent premature replacement.
Compared to other aircraft, the Turbo Arrow offers a balance of speed and fuel efficiency. Its fuel burn rate of less than 12 GPH is comparable to other aircraft in its class, and its speed capabilities are suitable for business transportation needs.
Additionally, the Turbo Arrow stands out for its ability to maintain sea-level power at high altitudes, which is a significant advantage of turbocharged aircraft. This feature allows the Turbo Arrow to maintain its performance even in thin air at higher altitudes, contributing to its efficiency and making it a versatile option for various flight conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
The Piper Arrow II has a fuel capacity of 50 gallons and a burn rate of about 10.15.
The Piper Arrow III has a fuel capacity of 77 gallons and a burn rate of 12.7.
The Piper Turbo Arrow has a fuel capacity of 72 gallons. One owner calculated that, cruising at 65% power, he burned 11.8 GPH from liftoff to touchdown.
