PA-38 Tomahawk

The Piper PA‑38 Tomahawk is a two‑seat, low‑wing trainer that entered production in 1979 as Piper Aircraft’s answer to the growing demand for modern, side‑by‑side flight instruction aircraft. Designed by Carl Barton and built at the company’s Vero Beach, Florida plant, the Tomahawk replaced the aging Piper PA‑28 Cherokee series in many flight schools. Its aluminum airframe incorporates a semi‑monocoque construction, while the 180‑hp Lycoming O‑320‑E2 engine provides reliable power for basic maneuvers, pattern work, and cross‑country hops. Notable features include a spacious cockpit with dual controls, a fixed tricycle landing gear, and a low stall speed of 44 knots, which enhances safety for student pilots. The aircraft’s aerodynamic design, featuring a wing with a modest 28‑degree dihedral and slotted flaps, delivers predictable handling and gentle flight characteristics. Over 12,000 Tomahawks were built before production ended in 2006, and the type remains a staple in training fleets worldwide. Its legacy lies in making primary flight training more accessible, affordable, and forgiving, cementing the PA‑38’s role as a cornerstone of general aviation education. Many clubs also value its low operating costs and straightforward maintenance, which keep hourly expenses well below those of comparable trainers.