PIPER PACER PA20 is a light, single-engine, taildragger aircraft produced by Piper Aircraft. Introduced in 1949, the Pacer was designed as an affordable and reliable option for private owners, flight schools, and small commercial operators. It was an evolution of Piper’s earlier Cub designs, offering better performance, greater capacity, and more versatility while maintaining the easy handling characteristics that Piper aircraft are known for.
The PA-20 Pacer was designed to fill the gap between the Piper J-3 Cub (a small two-seater) and the larger Piper Tri-Pacer, offering a taildragger configuration with seating for four.
Key Features of the Piper PA-20 Pacer:
- First Flight: 1949.
- Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft.
- Engine: The PA-20 Pacer is powered by a Lycoming O-320 engine, producing 150 horsepower. This engine provides the aircraft with sufficient power for light personal and commercial flights.
- Capacity: The Pacer is a four-seat aircraft with a tandem seating arrangement (two seats in front, two seats in the back). This layout made it a more comfortable option for small families or groups compared to the smaller, two-seat Cub.
- Cruising Speed: The typical cruising speed for the PA-20 is around 105-110 knots (121-127 mph or 194-204 km/h).
- Range: The Pacer has a range of about 500-600 nautical miles (926-1,111 km), depending on fuel load and flight conditions.
- Wingspan: 9.8 meters (32 feet 2 inches).
- Length: 7.3 meters (24 feet).
- Height: 2.4 meters (8 feet).
- Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 1,200 kg (2,650 lbs).
- Service Ceiling: 13,500 feet (4,115 meters).
Design and Performance:
- Taildragger Configuration: The PA-20 Pacer is a tailwheel aircraft, which means it has a rear tailwheel (taildragger), in contrast to the tricycle landing gear configuration found on most modern aircraft. The taildragger configuration provides better handling on rough or unimproved airstrips and is preferred by many pilots for off-airport operations.
- Handling: Known for its easy handling and gentle control characteristics, the Pacer is a great choice for pilots learning to fly taildraggers. Its lightweight design and relatively low stall speeds make it a forgiving aircraft, especially for novice pilots and flight schools.
- Performance: The 150 horsepower Lycoming O-320 engine gives the Pacer enough power to achieve a cruise speed of around 105 knots, making it a capable and efficient option for short cross-country flights and local operations.
- Fuel Efficiency: The Pacer is known for its fuel-efficient operation, making it a cost-effective choice for private owners, flight schools, and small commercial operations. The aircraft can fly at an economical pace with relatively low operating costs.
Operational Uses:
The Piper PA-20 Pacer has been used for a variety of purposes:
- Private Aviation: The Pacer was popular among private owners for personal flying, offering a comfortable four-seat configuration and reliable performance at a relatively low cost.
- Flight Training: Many flight schools used the PA-20 for taildragger training, as it offered good flight characteristics for learning tailwheel operation and basic flying skills.
- Small Commercial Operations: The Pacer also found use in agriculture for light crop dusting and aerial surveying due to its relatively large cargo capacity and ease of handling.
- Backcountry Flying: The Pacer’s taildragger configuration, combined with its lightweight design, made it a great choice for backcountry flying. It is well-suited for landing on short, unpaved airstrips and remote areas, a characteristic that makes it still popular among backcountry pilots and bush operators today.
Legacy and Popularity:
The Piper PA-20 Pacer was a successful light aircraft for Piper, with over 1,300 units built during its production run. Its simplicity, affordable price, and dependability made it a popular choice for flight schools, private owners, and small businesses.
The Pacer’s taildragger configuration and low operating costs gave it a reputation as a reliable, versatile aircraft for general aviation. It is still appreciated today by vintage aircraft enthusiasts, and many PA-20 Pacers are restored and flown regularly in aviation events and fly-ins.
In modern general aviation, the Pacer has earned a reputation for its ruggedness and ease of maintenance, contributing to its continued popularity among owners who value simple, reliable aircraft for leisure flying or regional transport.
Notable Characteristics:
- Taildragger Design: The Pacer’s tailwheel design is favored by pilots for operations on unimproved airstrips and rough terrain, as it offers better ground clearance and handling on rugged surfaces.
- Affordable Operation: With its low operating costs, including fuel efficiency, the PA-20 Pacer is an attractive choice for private owners, flight schools, and small businesses.
- Short Field Capability: The Pacer has impressive short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, which allow it to operate from small, unpaved airstrips, making it ideal for backcountry aviation and rural areas.
- Rugged Construction: The robust and simple construction of the Pacer ensures its durability and long lifespan, making it a reliable choice for various aviation needs.
Conclusion:
The Piper PA-20 Pacer is a classic, reliable aircraft that became a favorite for private owners, flight schools, and small commercial operators. Its taildragger configuration, affordable operation, and easy handling made it a versatile platform for a variety of roles, including flight training, private aviation, and agricultural work. Although the Pacer is no longer in production, it remains a popular and respected aircraft in the world of vintage aviation and continues to be used by enthusiasts and operators who value its simplicity, reliability, and rugged performance.