Three years after the Piper Pilot 100i’s debut at Sun ‘n Fun, Piper returned to the event this year with a production model of the modernized Archer. Piper heard the concerns and desires of the aviation community and has since implemented new changes to create a plane that is better equipped and geared toward flight training.
COVID restrictions have limited airshow attendance since the trainer aircraft’s launch, but that hasn’t stopped the manufacturer from getting the aircraft into the hands of eager flight schools.
Entering the market at a competitive price of $285,000 and with many new upgrades, this aircraft has placed itself as one of the best new trainer aircraft to come to market in recent years.
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One of the most important upgrades for flight training was the removal of one of the backseats and moving the remaining chair into the middle of the second row.
Carly Shukiar, an employee of Piper and current CFII, said, “While training, I would often backseat and take notes to expose myself to the flying environment better.” When she was training at the University of North Dakota, she would often lean over to see what was going on in the front of the cockpit since there are traditionally two seats in the back.
The aircraft features a Lycoming IO-360-B4A engine with a maximum range of 522 nautical miles and a maximum cruise speed of 128 knots. Down to the details of the interior, which is simple yet durable, the aircraft is made to last through the rigors of flight training.
Another major alteration to the aircraft was the removal of the baggage door in the back of the fuselage. Instructors and students alike told the manufacturer that they did not need the large storage compartment in the rear since the only usage of the aircraft was for training. The removal of the door allowed for increased useful load capabilities.
The last update to come to the aircraft was an avionics overhaul. The Garmin G1000 was originally utilized in the aircraft, but while a highly advanced EFIS, it comes at a steep price that can push the overall price tag to an uncomfortable level for a trainer aircraft.
In the Pilot 100i, Piper has now implemented the Garmin G3X Touch Certified avionics. It also has an IFR-capable upgrade package that includes the Garmin G3X Touch, GFC500 autopilot, and the new GNX 375.
This change in avionics has drastically altered the price and allows this aircraft to come into a very hot market with a tasteful incentive.
The Archer’s sales have increased more than 93% since 2014, and a growing number of training schools and universities are utilizing Piper’s aircraft to teach their students. The upgraded Pilot 100i offers the same rugged durability and functionality as its stablemate, the Archer TX, at a much lower and affordable cost.
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