Ok guys, I recently sold my little Kitfox for something larger and faster but have since been hit by the reality bat! I can't afford that Maule I have wanted for a long time so I need something I can get into on a budget. Here is the question...Does anyone have any comments on a 180 horse Piper Pacer (tripacer conversion to tailwheel)? I have found a couple, granted they aren't the prettiest of birds but they should get the job done and get me in the air. I am looking for information on STOL capabilities, expected cruise speeds, etc? I fly alot in the Utah backcountry and many of the strips are high (6000' + msl) so I need something that has pretty good performance. Any thoughts, personal experience, comments are appreciated.

Thanks,

Darin

I have a bit of time (350hrs) in a 150 hp Pacer, and loved every minute of it. I sold it because I wanted more performance, bought a Maule, and now am selling that
For what it's worth, there are some photos in my gallery, of the Pacer I used to own. One shot is on the side of a cinder cone at an elevation of 7200MSL, the other is two of us camping at Marble CO, elevation 8400MSL. With one person and moderate camping gear a 150hp Pacer can go a lot of places. So My opinion is that a 180hp Pacer would be outstanding. Have you talked to anyone at the Short Wing Piper club? Univair is the group that holds the STC so they would be a good resource as well. There are some really cool mods done on those planes, I think one is called a Bushmaster, and I can't remember the name of the other, they both extend the fuselage and wings, and add a Super Cub tail. With 180hp they are terrific bush planes. I'd love to see some photos of what you've found.

Dave Hedditch in Stevensville,MT has a 180 Pacer and loves it! He's got VG's, and 8.50 mains, and I got a GarAero Tundra tailwheel approved and on there for him too. I'm sure you could get ahold of him through the Shortwing Piper Club.
One of my customers is doing a "bushmaster" type conversion on a TriPacer... it will be interesting to see it when done.
JH

Thanks guys for the info! I really appreciate it. As far as pics, there are two located in Fargo, ND. One is a 160 hp and the other is the 180 hp Pacer. There are only pics of the 160 hp and it looks pretty good. I will be finding out about the 180 hp hopefully soon. Thanks again,

Darin

I know a really sharp mechanic in Fargo, if ya need him.
JH

Darin, I know a really good mechanic in Fargo if you need him. You can PM me.
JH