The new Archer shown here remains a mainstay in the New Piper line, although it’s no longer the company’s best seller.

Back in the days when flight training was a growth business, would-be pilots had two choices when it came to training: Cessna and Piper. While Cessna dominated the market with its popular 150/152/172 series, Piper earned a definite niche with its Cherokee line, one of the most enduring designs in general aviation.

What’s the appeal? Buyers and pilots like the Cherokee’s low wing as an alternative to the Cessna high wing and the Piper line just had a more solid feel. The Lycoming O-360 proved to be a practical, durable powerplant well suited to the Archer’s weight and performance needs. Among the most popular Cherokees was the PA-28-180 line which eventually…