This 1966 Piper Cherokee 180C Is a Glass-Panel Upgraded ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

With a low-time engine and modern IFR avionics, the classic PA-28 is a serious cross-country machine ready for the modern airspace.

FLYING Staff

Monday, January 12, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1966 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee/Archer [Credit: Tony Gagliardo]

Key Takeaways:

This article features a 1966 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee 180C as a "Top Pick," highlighting its extensive upgrade from a basic trainer into a modern IFR-capable platform.
The aircraft boasts an enhanced powerplant with reliability components and cold-weather starting aids, alongside a well-documented airframe history with all ADs complied with.
Its cockpit has been modernized with a glass-panel integration, including an Avidyne IFD440 WAAS GPS/nav/com, dual Garmin G5s, and a Honeywell AeroCruze 100 autopilot enabling fully coupled IFR approaches.
Priced at $114,900, it's presented as a rare and fully equipped "turnkey solution" for pilots seeking modern IFR flight capabilities within the stable PA-28 airframe.

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Every day, the team at Aircraft For Sale chooses an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, a good deal, or has other qualities we find interesting. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1966 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee 180C.

While many early Cherokees are relegated to the role of basic VFR trainers, this 180C represents a significant step up, having been meticulously upgraded into a true IFR platform. For the pilot who values the stable, predictable handling of the PA-28 line but demands modern capability, this aircraft offers a compelling turnkey solution.

The powerplant of this Cherokee is enhanced with high-quality components designed for reliability and ease of operation, including Millennium cylinders and a SureFly electronic magneto. For those operating in colder climates, like its current home in Minnesota, the inclusion of a Tanis engine heater and Bogert battery cables ensures dependable starts and peace of mind during preflight.

The airframe, showing 5,710 total hours, has a well-documented history that includes a majority of its life spent in the dry climate of California. It has been continuously hangared since 2007, and all airworthiness directives (ADs) are complied with, including the installation of wing spar inspection ports—a critical detail for any long-term Piper owner.

Step inside the cockpit, and the 1960s heritage gives way to a master class in modern glass-panel integration. It’s anchored by an Avidyne IFD440 WAAS GPS/nav/com and dual Garmin G5 electronic flight instruments. This setup is paired with a Honeywell AeroCruze 100 autopilot, enabling fully coupled LPV, ILS, and RNAV approaches. Safety and convenience are further bolstered by a PS Engineering PMA audio panel featuring Bluetooth connectivity and spatial audio.

1966 Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee/Archer [Credit: Tony Gagliardo]

Inside, the cabin remains a clean and comfortable space, well suited for long cross-country legs. While the exterior shows some character with wear to the clear coat, it effectively serves as a blank canvas for its next chapter.

Listed at $114,900, this 1966 Piper Cherokee 180C is a rare find—an honest airplane with a big airplane feel that is fully equipped for the challenges of modern IFR flight

If you’re exploring ownership options, FLYING Finance can help get you airborne. Use our airplane loan calculator to estimate your monthly payments, or connect with an aviation finance expert at flyingfinance.com.