Oops

Sorry,

The prop is a 74" Sensenich and I believe the pitch is 54 but have to look. I have a copy of the original W/B when it was sold new in '57 and the empty weight was 1098. I'd love to get it back to that, but for now the goal is 1200. I'm going to try to loose 30 myself, so that will be more room for extra gear and fuel. I'm doing some work on my zodiac inflatable and getting a smaller outboard that I should be able to get into the rear of the plane. If the weather cooperates it's going to be a trout filled summer.

Cheers,
Mike

Actually Pacerflyr (Mike?) I kept coming back to your plane if it's the one on barnstormers. I don't think you were off on price with new a engine. I'm glad you were able to keep it. Your plane is about what I'm looking for.

Here is a nice one on evilbay . I'd like the 160hp. model if I were shopping. And it already lives in Yidaho

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Beautifu ... 35a8f198fb

Enjoyed the thread here. I'm patiently lurking in the market for the right Pacer. I'm willing to pay fair prices for an honest airplane and to an honest owner. If anyone knows of anybody that would consider selling, pleas pass along the info! THanks!

My buddy just bought this 1955 model for $35k. Low time engine and really nice airplane overall.

The panel is pretty sweet and was upgraded less than 6 months ago.

I'll begin by saying I feel the Pacer is a great airplane and very good value for the typical asking price. I do however have one question, not a slag just a curiosity. Can anyone "enlighten" me on why the powers that be went with only a right side door. I fly predominantly on floats as do a couple of friends and for us this configuration has always baffled us. I realized there is an STC avaiable but the original thought remains, why and its consistent across much of the Piper lineup; Cherokees, Comanches, Apaches, Aztecs all right side doors.

For those looking there is a sweet looking PA-20 Pacer on Barnstormer listed at $35K usd.

Good question. I liked the more solid feel and less plastic interior. Other than Cub and Pawnee, I didn't go down in any Pipers.

Mapleflt wrote:I'll begin by saying I feel the Pacer is a great airplane and very good value for the typical asking price. I do however have one question, not a slag just a curiosity. Can anyone "enlighten" me on why the powers that be went with only a right side door.

I don't think there's any sensible reason other than it was easier and less time consuming to fit only one door. One some airframes it can be a little stronger to not have huge openings in the structure on both sides.

After a while you get used to it. The Pacer has a nice big rear pax door on the opposite side. Maybe the front door concession was to accommodate the opening for the rear door on the opposite side? Anyway, that rear door is awesome as a baggage door when you have the rear seat out.

Pacers are priced the way they are because:

1. They are generally smaller displacement engines, between 125hp and 160hp in stock form. Some are upgraded to 180hp but those won't be under $35k. Condition is a huge variable. Some aircraft are more modern in their covering and electrical systems.

2. With the rag and tube and taildragger config they attract people who want a Super Cub but have to settle. They're short wings so they aren't the best STOL machines and thus are always a second choice. Now, a Bushmaster STC... it makes the Pacer everything it should be. But it's an expensive process. Again, not going to be under $35k.

3. Maybe they're priced right? Maybe it's the Super Cubs that are just stupidly overvalued? It's all the same parts, basically. What's the limiting factor? Number of serial numbers available?

With a few mods a Pacer can be an awesome airplane, especially with the 160hp option. They can scoot in cruise if you don't have a flat prop and huge tires. They can also surprise in how good they are short if you have a big flap prop, are loaded light, and have a little wind

I bought mine for less than $20k after negotiating on fabric condition, which actually turned out to be better than I thought. Doing some improvements as we speak. Eventually I'll share the build thread here.

What Zzz said; they are absolutely a sweet little bird, plenty of bang for the buck

No insight as to the reason for the general tendency in Pipers to have a door on the right.

Pacer float pilots do have to learn to account for entry/egress logistics when docking/beaching, etc. Most CFIs that operate them get more comfortable just flying from the right seat on floats, makes everything easier since you don't have to wait for the copilot/passenger to get in or out.

I believe the right hand door was a cost savings measure. The Pacer/TriPacer was supposed to be an affordable airplane and helped save Piper.

I fly predominantly on floats as do a couple of friends and for us this configuration has always baffled us.

I put about 300 hours on my pacer on floats and quickly just started flying from the right seat. Closer to a cub feel anyways with the throttle in the left hand and the yoke in the right. It wasn't a hard transition at all.