This 1973 Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow II Is a Stable ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Four decades of single-owner care and glass-panel upgrade make the legendary retractable a rare find.

FLYING Staff

Wednesday, January 28, 2026 at 10:08 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

1973 Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow [Credit: John Mendes]

Key Takeaways:

This 1973 Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow II is highlighted for its exceptional long-term stewardship, having been with the same owner since 1984 and boasting a consistent maintenance record.
The aircraft features a completely modernized panel, including an Aspen EFD 1000 PFD, dual WAAS Garmin GTN 650/GNS 430W navigators, and L3 Lynx NGT-9000 for ADS-B In/Out.
It is powered by a reliable 200 hp Lycoming IO-360-C1C factory-remanufactured engine and offers enhanced creature comforts with a refreshed interior, inflatable door seal, and updated exterior paint.
With a robust useful load and a recent annual inspection, this Arrow II is presented as a turnkey solution for pilots transitioning to complex, retractable-gear flying, listed at $139,000.

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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 1973 Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow II.

Finding a 50-year-old airframe that hasn’t bounced through a dozen different flight schools and private hangars is a tall order. Yet this Piper Arrow defies the usual churn of the pre-owned market. Having the same owner since 1984, this Arrow II serves as a master class in long-term stewardship.

The Arrow II occupies a unique sweet spot in the Piper lineage. By stretching the fuselage 5 inches compared to the original Arrow, Piper gave the back-seat passengers the legroom they actually needed and widened the entry door, creating a much more civil experience for weekend trips. For the pilot, it remains one of the most stable and forgiving ways to transition into the world of complex, retractable-gear flying.

Reliability in this particular aircraft is anchored by a 200 hp Lycoming IO-360-C1C. This engine was a Lycoming factory-remanufactured unit installed in 2003 and has 1,603 hours. While the hours suggest it’s a midtime engine, the paper trail tells a deeper story— consistent oil analysis via Aviation Laboratories at every change and a strict adherence to all ADs. It arrives with a fresh annual inspection completed in November 2025, essentially offering the next owner a clean slate for the coming flying season.

The real surprise awaits behind the controls. While the exterior retains a classic ramp presence, the panel has been completely reimagined for the modern National Airspace System. The primary flight interface is an Aspen EFD 1000 Evolution PFD with GPSS steering, which works in tandem with a Garmin GTN 650 and GNS 430W. This dual-WAAS configuration ensures that the pilot has redundant, high-precision navigation tools for the most demanding IFR approaches. The addition of an L3 Lynx NGT-9000 for ADS-B In/Out provides a dedicated touchscreen for traffic and weather, keeping the primary navigators clear for flight planning.

1973 Piper PA-28R-200 Arrow [Credit: John Mendes]

Creature comforts and safety weren’t overlooked during the upgrades. The cabin features an inflatable door seal to cut down on wind noise—a luxury on long hauls—and the four-seat interior was refreshed in 2019 with durable leatherette. Outside, the Imron epoxy paint maintains a high-gloss finish, accented by leading edges and fiberglass tips refurbished in 2008.

With a robust 950-pound useful load and history free of damage, this Arrow II is a turnkey solution for a pilot who values pedigree and documentation over the uncertainty of a high-turnover aircraft.

Listed at $139,000, this 1973 Piper Arrow II is a rare opportunity to inherit a legacy of meticulous care.

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.