![1956 Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer [Credit: Hiller Aviation]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aircraft-single-engine-piston-piper-pa-22-150-tri-pacer-for-sale-601483-b89454ff5f7ea213-1300X502-1.jpg)
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 1956 Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer.
While many vintage aircraft require a hefty bank account and a high degree of taildragger proficiency, the Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer was designed to be the everyman’s airplane. Affectionately dubbed the “Flying Milk Stool” for its sturdy tricycle gear, this short-wing classic democratized flight in the 1950s and remains one of the most cost-effective ways to get into aircraft ownership.
With a healthy 897-pound useful load and the added performance of vortex generators, this Boise, Idaho-based Piper is more than just a local cruiser. It’s a capable short-field machine ready for weekend touring.
The heartbeat of this Tri-Pacer is a Lycoming O-320 engine that offers reassurance rarely found at this price point. Following a thorough Inspect Repair As Necessary (IRAN) service completed in late 2024, the 150 hp powerplant has logged only 17 hours, making it essentially a fresh start for the next owner. The airframe itself shows the care of consistent maintenance, with the wing fabric updated in 2007 and the fuselage in the early 1990s, while the inclusion of an auto fuel STC ensures that operating costs remain as manageable as the aircraft’s handling.
Stepping into the cockpit reveals a functional bridge between midcentury charm and 21st-century requirements. The panel has been thoughtfully modernized with a PS Engineering PAR-200 audio panel and a TY-91 Comm, ensuring clear communication in busy frequencies.
More importantly for the modern pilot, the aircraft is fully 2020 compliant, thanks to an Appareo Stratus ESG transponder, which provides the ADS-B In and Out capabilities necessary for navigating modern airspace with ease.
![1956 Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer [Credit: Hiller Aviation]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/aircraft-single-engine-piston-piper-pa-22-150-tri-pacer-for-sale-601483-579e3c760790a73a-1300X502-1.jpg)
Beyond the avionics, the current owner has invested in vital upgrades that define a truly airworthy vintage plane. From the Scott brake cylinder upgrade and Cleveland wheels to the installation of fresh Air Hawk tires and new Hydrasorb shock cords, the mechanical components have been refreshed to handle years of future landings. With an annual inspection valid through November 2025, this is a buy-today, fly-today aircraft that bypasses the usual post-purchase maintenance headaches.
Listed at $49,900, this 1956 Piper PA-22-150 Tri-Pacer offers a fantastic opportunity to own a legendary and versatile single-engine piston aircraft at a fraction of the cost of newer models.
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.
- FLYING Magazine: Piper’s History Found on the Bank of the Susquehanna
- FLYING Magazine: The Piper Colt: A Real Contender
- FLYING Magazine: Unusual Attitudes: An FAA Inspector’s Winding Career Path
- Plane + Pilot: Piper Tri-Pacer
- Plane + Pilot: Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Tri-Pacer
