COMMONPrivate & business

Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

The Tomahawk

“The trainer with a T-tail and a reputation.”

ICAO type code PA38 · Piper

First catch: 25 points in Bogey
Piper PA-38 Tomahawk, The Tomahawk
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Length
23 ft 1 in
Wingspan
34 ft 0 in
Max speed
109 kts
Range
468 nmi
Ceiling
13,000 ft
Engines
1x Lycoming O-235 (112 hp)
Crew
1
Max passengers
1
Typical config
side-by-side 2-seat
Built
2,484

The story

Piper built the Tomahawk after surveying flight instructors, who asked for a trainer that spins honestly so students learn respect. They got it — and nicknamed it accordingly.

Fun fact

Instructors nicknamed the PA-38 the 'Traumahawk' for its assertive spin behavior — exactly what its designers were asked to build.

Quick answers

How do you identify a PA-38 Tomahawk?

Low-wing two-seat trainer with a T-tail and a big, rounded wraparound cabin glazing.

How fast is the PA-38 Tomahawk?

Top speed is 109 kts.

How many passengers does the PA-38 Tomahawk carry?

Up to 1. A typical layout is side-by-side 2-seat.

How far can the PA-38 Tomahawk fly?

Range is about 468 nmi.

How big is the PA-38 Tomahawk?

It is 23 ft 1 in long and 34 ft 0 in across the wings.

How many PA-38 Tomahawks have been built?

2,484 built.

How rare is a PA-38 Tomahawk in Bogey?

COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first PA-38 Tomahawk catch is worth 25 points.

Bogey · free on iPhone and Android

Is a PA-38 Tomahawk overhead right now?

Bogey shows every aircraft around you on a live map. When a PA-38 Tomahawk crosses it, tap the blip and it flips into a COMMON card worth 25 points.

  • A live map of every aircraft around you, at its real position.
  • Tap one and it flips into a trading card: type, airline, route, photo.
  • Catch rare ones. Build a collection. Climb the leaderboard.
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