HE

The Piper HE was introduced in 1972 as a specialized variant of Piper’s long‑standing Cherokee line. Developed at the request of flight schools that wanted a higher‑performance trainer without the cost of a full‑scale commercial aircraft, the HE incorporated a 200‑hp Lycoming IO‑360‑E engine, a reinforced wing spar and a revised fuel system that extended range to 650 nautical miles. Its all‑metal airframe retained the Cherokee’s forgiving handling characteristics while adding a larger cabin door, updated avionics and a fixed tricycle landing gear with improved brakes. Production lasted only three years, with 124 examples completed before Piper shifted focus to newer models, but the HE left a lasting imprint. Pilots praised its climb rate of 1,200 ft/min and its crisp cruise speed of 150 knots, making it ideal for both primary instruction and cross‑country flying. The aircraft also served as a testbed for early glass‑cockpit experiments that later appeared in the Piper Warrior. Though rare today, the Piper HE exemplifies Piper Aircraft’s commitment to blending affordability with performance, and it remains a celebrated piece of general‑aviation history. Restoration clubs keep a few airframes airworthy, displaying them at fly‑ins nationwide. The HE’s legacy still shapes modern trainers.