montanapilot
Well-Known Member
I was wondering what is the difference between the 180hp comanche and a 180 arrow? Is there much besides age?
arrow versus comanche
- Thread starter montanapilot
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ananoman
New Member
Overall, besides age and minor things like a nose baggage compartment, etc. the big difference is in some of the systems. The older Commanches had generators instead of alternators, although this may have been replaced by STC. They also have a much different gear system. The Commanche has an electric motor that drives a big jack screw that is under the floor between the front seats. There is a 'trolley' that runs back and forth on the screw that is connected to the gear and brings it up and down. The gear is held in position by 'bungees' that have to be replaced every three years. They function like an overcenter lock.
There is the familiar mechanical flap lever between the seats, a trim crank on the ceiling (takes some getting used to), and another large handle with a red knob like a gear shifter on the floor. The 'gear shifter' is for manual gear extension. It is either lying folded back on the floor or straight up and down depending on the gear positon. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS that will interfere with the movement of this lever (warn the passengers so they do not squish their feet).
Depending on the year, there may be other quirks like a switch to turn on the turn & slip indicator. Commanches also have rubber bladder tanks, so watch for blue staining on the back of the wing and wing root during preflight that may indicate a deteriorated bladder.
There is the familiar mechanical flap lever between the seats, a trim crank on the ceiling (takes some getting used to), and another large handle with a red knob like a gear shifter on the floor. The 'gear shifter' is for manual gear extension. It is either lying folded back on the floor or straight up and down depending on the gear positon. DO NOT PUT ANYTHING BETWEEN THE FRONT SEATS that will interfere with the movement of this lever (warn the passengers so they do not squish their feet).
Depending on the year, there may be other quirks like a switch to turn on the turn & slip indicator. Commanches also have rubber bladder tanks, so watch for blue staining on the back of the wing and wing root during preflight that may indicate a deteriorated bladder.
DE727UPS
Well-Known Member
The wing is completely different. The older Arrow's had the standard "Hershey bar" wing that is common with the older Cherokees. The Comanche is older but has a more higher performance, less drag, wing which was more expensive to produce.
The Comanche, while older, is a better performing airplane than the Arrow. I fly a 1961, 250 hp, Comanche that is like a rocket ship.
The Comanche, while older, is a better performing airplane than the Arrow. I fly a 1961, 250 hp, Comanche that is like a rocket ship.
KSRMD11
New Member
Well, the Arrow and Comanche are 2 totally different aircraft type. I believe, and may be wrong, but a comanche is a PA-24 and an Arrow has the PA 28 like the cherokee designation. The Comanche was discontinued in the early 70's when the plant in PA was damaged due to flood. Piper differentiates the Hersey bar wing from the tapered wing by adding a 1 after the engine. A PA-28-140 is an old Cherokee. A PA-28-151 is a Warrior with the new wing. Hope this helps.
KR
KR