This 1976 Piper Arrow III Is a Reliable, IFR-Ready Cruiser ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Well-kept, retractable-gear classic blends reliable performance with updated avionics.

1976 Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III [Courtesy photo]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale selects an airplane that captures our attention for its value, uniqueness, or presentation. You can find Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1976 Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III.

For many general aviation pilots, the Piper Arrow occupies an important spot in aircraft evolution—complex enough to challenge and reward but accessible enough to own and operate without a second mortgage.

This 1976 Arrow III builds on that foundation with a fuel-injected engine, retractable gear, and upgraded avionics that make it ideal for IFR operations as well as serious cross-country travel.

This particular Arrow, based in Lapeer, Michigan, comes with a story as well-kept as the aircraft itself. Owned and cared for by an 80-year-old pilot now stepping away from the yoke, the airplane has been lovingly maintained and hangar stored. Described as the owner’s “baby,” it has clearly been treated more like a family member than a machine.

The Lycoming IO-360 engine has just 241 hours since major overhaul, a strong indicator of many reliable flying hours ahead. The aircraft has logged around 30 hours in the past six months, demonstrating light but consistent use.

Pilots looking for IFR readiness will appreciate the Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, Garmin 430W GPS/nav/com, GTX 327 transponder, and GDL 88 providing full ADS-B In and Out capabilities. Navigation and weather awareness are enhanced with a Narco 810, VOR with CDI, Garmin 496, and stormscope.

The panel is well complemented by a Piper 111B autopilot and electric trim, making longer trips more comfortable and manageable. Dual controls and a four-place intercom system make it a suitable choice for training, instruction, or sharing the journey with friends and family.

Inside, the interior is in good shape and presents as clean, fresh, and free from wear or stains. The exterior finish is equally tidy thanks to years of residing in a hangar away from the elements. 

The annual inspection was completed in August 2024 and is valid through August 2025. A gear-up landing back in the 1980s is noted in the history, but it was fully repaired and has posed no subsequent issues in the next 40-plus years to follow.

Listed at $120,000 on AircraftForSale, this Arrow III is a strong candidate for pilots looking for a well-equipped, time-tested platform with both ramp appeal and reliable performance.

For financing options, visit FLYING Finance. Use the airplane loan calculator to estimate monthly payments, or speak directly with one of our aviation finance specialists at flyingfinance.com.

Matt Ryan

Matt's eyes have been turned to the sky for as long as he can remember. Now a fixed-wing pilot, instructor and aviation writer, Matt also leads and teaches a high school aviation program in the Dallas area. Beyond his lifelong obsession with aviation, Matt loves to travel and has lived in Greece, Czechia and Germany for studies and for work.
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