Piper Inks Deal With Sierra Charlie Flight School For 50 Archer TXs

Piper Aircraft announced on Wednesday (July 26) it has signed an order for 50 Archer TX trainers with FAR Part 61 flight school Sierra Charlie Aviation of Scottsdale, Arizona. Deliveries of the single-engine aircraft are scheduled to start in 2026.

Sierra Charlie already operates a twin-engine Piper Seminole. Scott Campbell, owner of Sierra Charlie Aviation (get it?), said, “The Piper Archer and Seminole are remarkable aircraft that perfectly complement our commitment to excellence in aviation and enhancing our operational capabilities while providing an unmatched experience for our students.”

Garmin’s G1000 NXi glass cockpit and G5 standby display are standard equipment in the Archer TX, and the optional air conditioning adds to the Archer’s appeal as a training aircraft in the American Southwest. Powered by a 180-HP Lycoming I0-360-B4A piston engine with a Sensenich fixed-pitch propeller, the Archer TX makes 128 knots at its 75 percent power maximum cruise speed. At slower speeds, maximum range is 522 nautical miles.

Ron Gunnarson, Piper VP of marketing, sales and customer support, said, “Sierra Charlie has chosen Piper to help elevate their program to new heights. We are excited to officially welcome them into the Piper Flight School Alliance.”