Those interested in the Cherokee 140 are people who know the limits of a budget but love to fly. They are now or may one day be in the market for their first airplane: a simple, inexpensive, easy-to-fly and maintain machine that can perform that essential miracle of lifting them into the sky and taking them someplace.

It started life as a trainer and lives on as a budget cross-country flier for one or two people; mods can even make the 140 modestly peppy.

A lot of little airplanes can do that, of course. What makes the 140 different is its roominess and stability, which make it a good candidate as an entry-level cross-country airplane, including IFR trips for airplanes equipped with even a minimal panel. Looking for thrills in a snappy little weekend flier? Forget the…