This 1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota Is a Supremely Practical ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Familiar Piper design adds extra power that boosts versatility.

1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota [Courtesy: AirMart Aircraft Exchange and Brokerage]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • The article features a 1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota as "Today's Top Pick," an ideal "step-up" aircraft for pilots seeking enhanced power and performance beyond basic trainers.
  • This Dakota model is equipped with a 235 hp Lycoming O-540 engine, significantly boosting its lifting power and cruising speeds, making it suitable for family travel and utility.
  • It boasts a comprehensive and modern avionics suite, including a Garmin GTN 650, ADS-B transponder, G5 HSI, and autopilot, alongside additional features like factory air conditioning.
  • The aircraft has 2,435 airframe hours and 882 hours on its engine and propeller, and is available for $254,900.
See a mistake? Contact us.

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

Today’s Top Pick is a 1986 Piper PA-28-236 Dakota.

After receiving their private certificates, many pilots continue to fly the same aircraft type in which they received instruction and took their check rides. This makes sense because the aircraft are familiar and comfortable for new pilots trying to hone their skills and build hours of experience.

Eventually, though, they start looking for more power and performance for carrying larger loads of people and hardware at higher cruising speeds.

The Piper PA-28 for sale here is an ideal example of such “step-up” aircraft. The Dakota looks a lot like the basic Cherokee training models but has a 540-cubic inch Lycoming engine developing 235 hp. The resulting boost in lifting power makes the Dakota an ideal family travel and utility aircraft for many pilots. Indeed, the Dakota’s main rival is Cessna’s 182 Skylane, also known for its all-around prowess. 

This 1986 PA-28-236 has 2,435 hours on the airframe, 882 hours on its Lycoming O-540-J3A5D engine, and 882 hours on its three-blade Hartzell propeller.

The panel features a Garmin GTN 650 touchscreen GPS/Nav/Comm, GTX 345 transponder with ADS-B receiver, Garmin G5 electronic HSI, GMA 345 audio panel, Bendix-King KX 155 Nav/Comm, Bendix-King KAP 150 autopilot, Stormscope, AstroTech digital clock, JPI EDM830 engine monitor, and vertical card compass. Additional equipment includes factory air conditioning, a standby vacuum system, Aircraft Components Voice Alert Stall Warning, electric pitch trim, and four-place intercom.

Pilots looking for a familiar Piper PA-28 with more power than similar Cherokee models can generate should consider this Piper PA-28-236, which is available for $254,900 on AircraftForSale. 

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

FLYING Staff

FLYING Magazine is a one-stop resource for everything aviation, including news, training, aircraft, gear, careers, photos, videos, and more.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE