N15579 - 1973 PIPER CHALLENGER 180


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    Aircraft Summary


    General

    Year
    1973
    Manufacturer
    PIPER
    Model
    CHALLENGER 180
    Serial Number
    28-7305089
    Registration #
    N15579
    Condition
    Used
    FlightRules
    IFR
    Description
    This is a aircraft you are looking for. Whether you are a new pilot looking for a great first aircraft to build time or a seasoned aircraft owner wanting a top example of the easy to own and maintain Cherokee platform, this is one to look at. This aircraft has a fantastic look both in and out plus a host of modern avionics and features that make it easy and safe to fly for any mission. A WASS equipped GNS430 (with terrain database) coupled to a Garmin 496 with XM weather lets you fly any type of instrument approach and provides real-time weather data that is even more accurate than ADS-B. Plus the XM link lets you listen to satellite radio while flying on those cross country trips. Recently upgraded to ADS-B out compliance with a brand new King KT-74 transponder. Speaking of cross country flying, with speed mods and STCed engine upgrades this Challenger is one of the fastest you will find. Check out the uploaded video which shows actual performance while flying. I have flown this aircraft comfortably with family and friends everywhere east of the Rockies from Minneapolis to Austin to Florida. I used it as a commuter for work between Chicago and Nebraska every month for over a year. Easily carry 4 people and plenty of fuel with the 941 lbs. useful load. The aircraft has proved to be very easy and affordable to maintain, with parts (both original and STCed) easily available. My last two annuals have been under $1,000. The plane is very easy to fly with very forgiving flight characteristics and a very low stall speed. I have flown it from casual $100 hamburger runs to day long cross country flights to hard IMC conditions and it has always served me well. After 7 years of building time and experience in this plane, I'm moving into a Cirrus and so this Challenger needs to find a new happy home. If you don't know about the "Challenger" name, it was only called that for one year (1973) before being renamed "Archer" and changing to the new PA28-181 designation. The Challenger has all the good stuff of an Archer (longer fuselage, more interior room, redesigned panel, 3rd window, larger stabilizer, and larger wings) but with the "Hershey Bar" shaped wings of the Cherokee. Don't let the PA28-180 designation of this year fool you, its absolutely nothing like a 1960's or early 70's Cherokee and better in almost every way.

    Airframe

    Total Time
    4224.0
    Airframe Notes
    A great condition Piper Cherokee Challenger. First year for the extend fuselage giving you 5" more interior length and plenty of leg room for adults in the back seats. A great useful load of 941 lbs lets you easily take 4 people, luggage and 3+ hours of fuel. Lots of upgrades and speed mods make flying easier, faster and safer. Gap seals decrease stall speed and increase climb performance. Flies 140mph TAS burning 9GPH at 8000MSL. - Main and baggage door seal STC upgrade (2014) - Door Steward door strut (2018) - Both flight yokes stripped and powder-coated (2014) - Speed Mods - Knots2U Flap and Aileron Gap Seals (2014) - Knots2U Wing Root Fairing - LoPresti Nose gear fairing - LoPresti "Fancy Pants" for main gear with custom finishing and paint (2014) - All new panel plastics and placards (2013) - UMA Inc. EL instrument light rings for all instruments in the 6 pack (2013) - LED Landing Light (2015) - Interior condition 8/10 (2003) - Paint condition 7/10 (2003)

    Engine

    Engine Notes
    Engine was rebuilt in January 2018 at J.B. Aircraft Engines in Seabring, FL. Due to a recall on one of the roller lifter parts it was disassembled and inspected again in January of 2019 at approximately 65 hours. - Lycomming O-360-A4A 180hp Engine - 4,223.96 Total Time Engine - Approximately 100 hours SMHO (2000 hr TBO) - All engine baffles refinished and powder coated in 2017. New baffle seals added at that time. - Upgraded with Electroair EIS-41000 at overhaul* *The Certified Electroair system replaces one magneto and adds true electronic ignition. It reduces fuel consumption and increases horsepower.

    Props

    Prop Notes
    Sensenrich 2 Blade Fixed Pitch Prop Replaced with refurbished prop in 2013

    Avionics

    Avionics/Radios
    - Electric Trim - Dual PTT - Garmin GNS430 WASS - TKM MX11 Radio - Garmin 496 with XM Weather and XM Radio (music wired into comms with auto interrupt) - GMA340 Audio Panel - Just Upgraded to Bendix King KT-74 ADS-B Transponder - Electronics International fuel computer with Tank Switch Notification (every 10 gallons used) - Electronics International 4-cylinder engine monitor - Piper Autocontrol II single axis autopilot - coupled to CDI/GPS

    Additional Equipment

    Additional Equipment
    Included with sale: - New EIS-41000 switch panel (for the electronic ignition) that is not yet been installed. - Tow Bar - Bruce's Custom Covers Aircraft cover with custom N-number on it. - 12v Power Adapter with 2x USB and real time voltage reading - Gust lock strap - Fuel measuring stick

    Exterior

    Year Painted
    2003
    Exterior Notes
    Paint is in very good condition overall but does have some cracking in 3 areas (the lower cowling, both wingtips and around the tow bar ports)

    Interior

    Year Interior
    2003
    Number of Seats
    4
    Interior Notes
    Interior has been well cared for and is one of the best features of this plane. It has a much better fit and finish than most other Cherokees and really shows very well. All new panel plastics and lots of small details cared for while I have owned the plane. Leather is in excellent condition for rear seats and good condition for the front. Pilot's seat shows some wear as it gets the most use.

    Inspection Status

    Inspection Status
    Current Annual and IFR Certification


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