PA-38-112 Tomahawk

Pedagogy and handling

Designed in consultation with active CFIs with deliberately sharper stall and spin behaviour than a Cessna 152 so student recognition of departures from controlled flight would be unambiguous; the type retains a niche role at schools that specifically value that pedagogy.

Operating economics

Acquisition cost between $22,000 and $60,000 and Lycoming O-235-L2C fuel burn around 6 gph keep the Tomahawk among the cheapest two-seat trainers available to flying clubs that retain the type.

Production volume

Approximately 2,497 airframes were built before production ended in 1982 — substantially smaller fleet than the Cessna 152, with corresponding parts-availability constraints driven by type-club support rather than factory channels.

Parts and MRO ecosystem

Out-of-production since 1982 with no factory support; parts are sourced through type-club networks (notably Piper Owner Society) and salvage. Common consumables (Lycoming O-235 cylinders, sparks, magnetos) remain widely available because the engine is still produced for other airframes, but PA-38-specific airframe items (T-tail attach hardware, control surfaces) are increasingly difficult to source new and frequently rely on overhaul of existing stock.

Regulatory fit

FAA TCDS A11SO certifies the PA-38-112 in both Normal and Utility categories with intentional spin certification — relevant for CFI / commercial pilot spin-training requirements under FAR 61.183(i). Not LSA-eligible (1,670 lb MTOW exceeds the LSA limit) and not approved for IFR in the original certification, though many active airframes carry post-certification IFR-capable retrofits.

Fuel future-proofing

100LL-only without a documented G100UL pathway as of the FAA EAGLE programme's 2026 status. The Lycoming O-235-L2C is on the manufacturer's broader unleaded-fuel evaluation track but not on a published G100UL STC list specific to the PA-38 airframe — meaning Tomahawk operators face the same lead-fuel transition risk as other discontinued 100LL trainers without an explicit fleet pathway.