Piper Archer II (PA-28-181)

Piper PA-28 Archer II · Checklist

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Overview

This document is a checklist for the Piper PA-28 Archer II, specifically the PA-28-181 model. It provides detailed procedures for preflight checks, engine start, taxi, takeoff, in-flight operations, landing, and emergency procedures. The checklist is designed for pilots to ensure all necessary steps are followed for safe operation of the aircraft. It includes critical information such as fuel management, engine monitoring, and emergency protocols, making it an essential reference for both training and operational use.

Oil capacity is 5-6 quarts normal, 8 quarts maximum.
Main gear strut extension should be 4.25"-4.75".
Nose wheel strut extension should be 3.0"-3.5".
Rotate at 52-65 KIAS for normal takeoff; 41-49 KIAS for short field takeoff.
Oil pressure must be at least 25 psi within 30 seconds after engine start.

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Originally published by www.flying20club.org. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.

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Document details

Type: Checklist
Year: 2025
Pages: 14
File size: 567 KB
Publisher: www.flying20club.org

Documentation completeness

3/7

Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the Piper PA-28 Archer II.

Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
Checklist
Maintenance Manual
Parts Catalog (IPC)
Systems & Wiring
Service Bulletins
Type Certificate (TCDS)

More Piper PA-28 Archer IImanuals & documents

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In this document

Cabin Preflight

The cabin preflight checklist includes verifying the presence of the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) and documents, ensuring the magneto switch is OFF, checking the pitot and static drains, and confirming that the engine temperatures are at least 40°F. Additionally, pilots must verify fuel gauge accuracy and test the stall warning horn.

Walkaround Inspection

The walkaround inspection covers checks on the right and left wings, nose, and fuselage. Key points include checking the main gear strut extension (4.25"-4.75"), tire pressure (24-27 psi), and ensuring fuel tanks are secure and free of leaks. The nose wheel strut should have a 3.0"-3.5" extension, and the prop and spinner should be in good condition.

Engine Start Procedures

During engine start, the throttle should be opened to 1/2" hot or 1/4" cold, and the mixture set to full rich. The master and alternator switches must be turned ON, and the fuel pump activated until stable fuel pressure is confirmed. After starting, the oil pressure should be within 25 psi minimum within 30 seconds.

Takeoff Procedures

For takeoff, ensure doors are closed and latched, all exterior lights are ON, and the transponder is set to ALT. The throttle should be full open, and the aircraft should rotate at 52-65 KIAS for normal takeoff, or 41-49 KIAS for short field takeoff with flaps set to 25 degrees.

Emergency Procedures

Emergency procedures include actions for engine failure during takeoff and in-flight. Pilots should reduce throttle to idle, apply brakes as necessary, and if unable to land safely, follow the emergency landing checklist, ensuring the mixture is set to idle cutoff and the cabin door is unlatched.

Safety notes

Ensure all checks are completed before engine start to prevent accidents.
Monitor engine temperatures and pressures closely during operation.

Full document text

Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 1 1. Oil ……… (5-6 Qt Normal, 8 Max) …… Add oil when <5 Qt, Verify Cap is Secure CABIN PREFLIGHT 1. POH & Documents ………………….…. In Copilot Seatback 2. Magneto Switch ……………...….……. OFF 3. Pitot & Static Drains ….……………….. Push to Drain 4. Avionics/Electrical Switches …………... OFF, except BEACON 5. Master Switch …………………………. ON 6. Engine Temperatures …………………. CHT/Oil Temp ≥ 40F 7. Fuel Gauges …………………………..... Verify Accurate 8. Pitot Heat & Light Switches …………... ON; Verify Operation 9. Stall Warning Horn ………………….…. Verify Operation 10. Pitot Heat & Light Switches …………... OFF, except BEACON 11. Annunciator Panel ……………………... PRESS TO TEST 12. Hobbs & Tachometer ………………… Record 13. Master Switch …………………………. OFF 14. Flaps ……………………………………. Full DOWN (3) WALKAROUND Right Wing 1. Flap & Aileron ………………………… Check Skin & Hinges 2. Wing Surfaces ………………………… No Contamination 3. Wing Tie Down & Chock ……...……… Removed 4. Fuel Vent ……………………………… Unobstructed 5. Fuel Drain ……… Sample Clean …….. No Leaks 6. Fuel Tank ………Quantity Verified …. Cap Secure 7. Main Gear Strut ………………………. 4.25”-4.75” extension 8. Tire & Brakes …………………………. 24-27 psi, No Leaks Nose 1. Cowling ……………………………….. (4) Latches Secure 2. Prop & Spinner ……………………….. Good Condition 3. Alternator Belt …………………….…. Check Secure 4. Engine Cooling Inlet ...…………….…. Unobstructed 5. Air Filter Inlet ...…………….…………. Unobstructed 6. Nose Wheel Strut …………….............. 3.0”-3.5” extension 7. Nose Wheel Tire ……………................ 18-20 psi 8. Nose Wheel Chock ………………....… Removed 9. Main Fuel Strainer …………………… L & R Sample Clean Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 2 Left Wing 1. Wing Surfaces ………………………… No Contamination 2. Main Gear Strut …………………......... 4.25”-4.75” extension 3. Tire & Brakes …………………............. 24-27 psi, No Leaks 4. Wing Tie Down & Chock …...………… Removed 5. Fuel Vent ………………...……………. Unobstructed 6. Fuel Drain ……… Sample Clean …….. No Leaks 7. Fuel Tank ………Quantity Verified …. Cap Secure 8. Pitot/Static Mast ……………………... (3) Openings Clear 9. Flap & Aileron ………………………… Check Skin & Hinges Fuselage 1. Empennage …………………………… No Contamination 2. Tail Tie Down …………………………. Removed 3. Rudder & Stabilator ………………….. Check Skin & Hinges 4. Baggage Door ………………………… Closed & Latched BEFORE ENGINE START 1. Flaps …………………………………... RETRACTED (0) 2. Parking Brake ……………………….... Set 3. Seats & Belts ………………………….. Adjusted & Secure 4. PASSENGER BRIEFING ➢ No Smoking ➢ Turn cell phones OFF or activate “airplane” mode ➢ Seatbelts must be worn during taxi, takeoff, & landing ➢ Explain door operation ➢ Sterile cockpit during taxi, takeoff, and landing ➢ Fire extinguisher location ➢ Help point out other nearby air traffic 5. Circuit Breakers ………………………. Check Closed 6. Carb Heat …………………………...… COLD (off) 7. Avionics/Electrical Switches …………. OFF, except BEACON 8. Display Backup Switch ……………….. AUTO 9. Fuel Selector ………………………….. Lowest/RIGHT Tank Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 3 ENGINE START 1. Throttle …………… OPEN …………… 1/2” hot, 1/4” cold 2. Mixture ………………………………… FULL RICH 3. Master & Alternator Switches ………… Both ON 4. Engine Monitor ………........................... Fuel Quantity SET, MAIN PAGE selected 5. Nav & Beacon Lights …………………... ON 6. Fuel Pump ……………………………… ON, Fuel press. stable 7. Primer …………………………….……. 3-5 shots 8. Prop Area ……………………………… Clear 9. Magneto Switch ………………………. START 10. Throttle ………………………………… 1000-1200 RPM 11. Oil Pressure ………Within 30 Sec …… 25 psi minimum 12. Fuel Selector …………………………… Fullest/LEFT Tank 13. Fuel Pump ……………………………… OFF 14. Mixture ………………………………… LEANED (Max RPM) BEFORE TAXI 1. Fuel Quantity …………………………. Sufficient for flight 2. Avionics Master ………………………. ON 3. Transponder ………………………….. Code & Mode Set 4. Nav/GPS/Radios ……………………..... Programmed & Set 5. ADI/HSI Crew Profile …………………. Load Desired Profile 6. Elevator Trim …………………………. Set to NEUTRAL 7. Flight Controls ...……………….…...... Free and Correct ENGINE RUNUP 1. Parking Brake ……………………….... Set – Guard w/ Feet 2. Seats & Belts ……………………….…. Check Secured 3. FLIGHT INSTRUMENTS a. A.H. …………………………… ~5° nose-up b. Both Altimeters ……………… Baro Set; +/- 75 feet c. VSI ……………………………. Check Zero d. Heading ………………………. Correct & Bug Set e. Turn & Bank ………………….. No Flags 4. Primer …………………………...……. In and Locked Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 4 5. Mixture …………………………...…... RICH / leaned >5000’ 6. Throttle ……………………………….. 2000 RPM a. Oil Pressure …………………. In the Green b. Magneto Check …. ……. ........ 10-170 RPM Drop, < 50 RPM Difference c. Ammeter ……………………... Check w/ Load d. Carb Heat …………………….. ON w/ Carb Temp Rise e. Throttle ………………………. IDLE f. Carb Heat …………………….. COLD w/ RPM Rise 7. Throttle ……………………………….. 1000-1200 RPM 8. Engine Monitor ……………………... MAIN PAGE selected 9. ADI & HSI Check ……………………… Review messages, No yellow/red battery icon 10. Departure Briefing …………………... Completed (see p. 7) Check THAT Setup (Transponder, Heading, Altimeter, Talk) TAKEOFF 1. Doors ……………………………….… Closed & Latched 2. All Exterior Lights ...………...………… ON [Lights] 3. Transponder …………………………. ALT [Camera] 4. Fuel Pump ……………………………. ON [Action] 5. Timer ….……………………….……… Start NORMAL: 1. Flaps …………………………………... RETRACTED (0) 2. Throttle ……………………………….. FULL OPEN 3. Engine Instruments ……….…………. Verify in the green 4. Rotate ………………………………… 52-65 KIAS SHORT FIELD, OBSTACLE CLEARANCE: 1. Flaps …………………………………... 25-degrees (2) 2. Brakes ………………………………… Hold 3. Throttle …………………...................... FULL OPEN 4. Engine Instruments……....................... Verify in the green 5. Brakes ………………………………… RELEASE @ full power 6. Rotate …………………........................ 41-49 Kts, accel to 54 7. Flaps ……………………....................... Retract After 64 Kts • Climb Speed …… to 1000’ AGL …….... Vy (76 KIAS) Piper Archer II (PA-28-181)

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2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 5 ENROUTE CLIMB 1. Airspeed ………………………………. 87 KIAS 2. Throttle ………After 5 Minutes ……... <= 2650 RPM 3. Landing Light …………………………. OFF abv 3000’ AGL 4. Mixture ………………….……………. LEAN abv 5000’ MSL CRUISE 1. Fuel Pump …………….….…….….…. OFF 2. Fuel Pressure …………………………. Verify in the green 3. Power …………………………………. 75% or less 4. Trim …………………………………… Adjusted 5. Mixture ……………………………….. LEAN as required BEFORE LANDING (~12 nm / IAF) 1. ATIS & Altimeter …………..… Obtained & Set [WIR] 2. Landing Light ……………..…. ON [E] 3. Seats & Belts ……………........ Secured 4. Fuel Pump …………………… ON 5. Fuel Selector ……….….….…. Fullest Tank 6. Approach Procedures ….….... Reviewed Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 6 LANDING (Pattern / FAF) 1. Fuel Pump ………………………….…. ON [G] 2. Mixture …………………………….…. RICH [M] PATTERN: 1. Downwind ……………………………. 90 Kts (Flaps 10° - 1) 2. Base …………………………………… 75 Kts (Flaps 25° - 2) 3. Final …………………………………… 66 Kts (Flaps 40° - 3) SHORT FIELD (AFTER TOUCHDOWN): 4. Brakes ………………...………….…… Max as Needed 5. Flaps …………………………………... RETRACTED (0) 6. Control Yoke ………………………….. Full Aft AFTER LANDING 1. Fuel Pump …………………………….. OFF 2. Landing Light …………………………. OFF 3. Carb Heat ……………………………... COLD (off) 4. Flaps …………………………………... RETRACTED (0) 5. Elevator Trim …………………………. Set to NEUTRAL SHUTDOWN 1. Parking Brake ………………………… As Needed 2. Throttle ……………………………….. IDLE 3. Avionics/Electrical Switches a. Avionics ………………………. OFF b. Strobe Lights …….................... OFF 4. Mixture ……………………………….. IDLE CUTOFF 5. Magneto Switches ………………....… OFF 6. Tach time ……………………………... Recorded 7. Exterior Lights ………………………... OFF, except BEACON 8. Master & Alternator Switches …….…. OFF 9. ADI & HSI power ……………………... OFF 10. Flight Plan ………………………….…. Closed Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 7 COMMUNICATION DXR ATIS 127.75 Flight Services 122.20 DXR Ground 121.60 Air-to-air 122.75 DXR Tower 119.40 Helicopter Air-to-air 123.02 V-SPEEDS Vx 64 KIAS Vs 53 KIAS Vy 76 KIAS Vs0 48 KIAS Vfe 102 KIAS 1.3 Vs0 62 KIAS Va – 2500 lbs 113 KIAS Vapp 66 KIAS Va – 1634 lbs 89 KIAS Vno 125 KIAS Vne 154 KIAS Max Demonstrated Crosswind – 17 KIAS Vg 76 KIAS USABLE FUEL 2 @ tabs: 34 gal 1 tab, 1 full: 41 gal 2 full: 48 gal • Add 1 gal per side (2 gal total) for total fuel capacity OIL OPERATING RANGES Idle Normal Max Operating Pressures 25-60 PSI 60-90 PSI 100 PSI Operating Temperature 180 – 210 F Departure Briefing o Takeoff Abort Point ……….. 50 Kts before 50% takeoff roll o Safety Altitude …………….. At least 1000’ AGL o Initial Departure Heading …. Review o Initial Departure Altitude ….. Review Abbreviations WIRE Weather, Instruments, Radios, Everything else GUMPS Gas, Mixture, Switches GAS Gas, Air, Spark Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 8 Lycoming O-360-A4M, 180HP @ 2700 RPM Pressure Alt. Std. Temp C/F 55% 65% 70% 75% 0 15/59 2170 2320 2390 2460 1000 13/55 2190 2340 2410 2485 2000 11/52 2210 2360 2435 2510 3000 9/48 2235 2395 2460 2530 4000 7/45 2260 2410 2480 2555 5000 5/41 2280 2430 2505 2580 6000 3/37 2300 2450 2525 2600 7000 1/34 2310 2475 2550 2625 8000 -1/30 2340 2500 2575 2650 9000 -3/27 2360 2520 2590 10000 -5/23 2385 2540 2605 11000 -7/19 2410 2560 12000 -9/16 2430 2580 RPM Adjustments Each + 5C/9F +10 RPM Each - 5C/9F -10 RPM Fuel Flow (GPH) % Power Best Power (100F ROP) Best Economy (Peak EGT) 55 N/A 6.5 65 9.0 N/A 70 10.5 N/A 75 11.5 N/A • Max cruise CHT < 400F • Max climb CHT < 420F Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 9 ENGINE FAILURE TAKEOFF RUN 1. Throttle ………………………………... IDLE 2. Brakes …………………………………. As Required 3. If insufficient runway remaining: a. Mixture ……………………...... IDLE CUTOFF b. Master Switch ………………… OFF c. Magneto Switch ……….……... OFF d. Fuel Selector ……………….…. OFF IMMEDIATELY AFTER TAKEOFF 1. Airspeed …………………………….…. Vg - 76 KIAS 2. Mixture ………………………………... IDLE CUTOFF 3. Master Switch …………………………. OFF 4. Magneto Switch .......………….………. OFF 5. Fuel Selector …………………………... OFF 6. Flaps …………………………………… As Required 7. Cabin Door ………………………….…. Unlatched & Opened 8. LAND STRAIGHT AHEAD DURING FLIGHT (Restart Procedure) 1. Airspeed ………………….……………. Vg - 76 KIAS 2. Mixture ………………………………... RICH [G] 3. Fuel Pump ……………………………... ON 4. Fuel Selector …………………………... Switch tanks 5. Carb Heat ……………………………… ON [A] 6. Magneto Switch ……………….……… BOTH, or START [S] 7. If no restart, see FORCED LANDINGS on pages 12 & 13 ENGINE PROBLEMS LOSS OF FUEL PRESSURE 1. Fuel Pump ……………………………... ON 2. Fuel Selector …………………………... Select fullest tank 3. Fuel Pressure Indicator ……………….. Cross-check fuel flow 4. If fuel flow is abnormal AND/OR loss of power is experienced: a. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 10 LOW OIL PRESSURE / HIGH OIL TEMPERATURE 1. Throttle ………………………………... Minimum Power 2. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL HIGH CHT (>430F) 1. Mixture ………………………………... RICH 2. Airspeed ……………………………...... 90+ KIAS 3. Throttle ………………………………... Reduce Power ENGINE ROUGHNESS / LOSS OF POWER 1. Primer …………………………………. Verify In & Locked 2. Carb Heat ……………………………… FULL ON 2. If problem continues after 2 minutes: a. Mixture …………………...…… Adjust [G] b. Fuel Pump ………………...…... ON c. Fuel Selector ……………...…... Switch Tanks d. Carb Heat ………………...…… OFF [A] e. Magneto Switch ...….…...……. Try LEFT, RIGHT [S] 3. If problem remains: LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL FIRES ENGINE FIRE – DURING START 1. Starter …………………….……...……. Continue cranking 2. Throttle ………………………………... FULL OPEN 3. Mixture ………………………………... IDLE CUTOFF 4. Fuel Pump ……………………………... OFF 5. Fuel Selector ……………………...…… OFF 6. Magneto Switch ……………...….......... OFF 7. Master Switch …..................................... OFF 8. EVACUATE AIRCRAFT ENGINE FIRE – DURING FLIGHT 1. Mixture ………………………………... IDLE CUTOFF 2. Fuel Pump ……………………………... OFF 3. Fuel Selector ...………………………… OFF 4. Heater & Defroster ……………………. OFF 5. LAND IMMEDIATELY Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 11 ELECTRICAL FIRE 1. Master & Alternator Switches ...……... OFF 2. Vents, Cabin Air, Heat ………………… Closed 3. Fire Extinguisher ……………………… Use As Necessary 4. Avionics/Electrical Switches …………... OFF 5. If fire appears out & electrical equipment necessary: a. Master Switch ………...………. ON b. Circuit Breakers …………...…... Check, Don’t Reset c. Avionics / Electrical Switches .... ON, one at a time ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS ALTERNATOR FAILURE (ALT annunciator illuminated) 1. Alternator Switch ……………………... OFF 2. ALTNTR FIELD Circuit Breaker ……….. Check IN 3. Alternator Switch ……………………... ON 4. If alternator still inoperative: a. Follow ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD Checklist Below ELECTRICAL OVERLOAD 1. Nonessential Electrical Equipment …... OFF 2. If loads are not reduced: a. Alternator …………………...… OFF b. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL MISCELLANEOUS CO ALERT 1. Heater & Defroster …………………… OFF 2. Storm Window & Vents ………………. Open 3. Aircraft Heading ……………………….. Change by 90-180° 4. If alert doesn’t stop after 2 minutes: a. Altitude ………………………... Lowest Safe Altitude b. LAND AS SOON AS PRACTICAL LOSS OF PRIMARY ADI 1. Standby HSI.……………………………. Verify on ADI Page If manual reversion required: Display Backup Switch …………… ON Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 12 OPEN DOOR • With Passenger: 1. Airspeed …………………………….…. Slow to 87 KIAS 2. Cabin Vents ……………………………. Closed 3. Storm Window ………………………… Open 4. If side latch open: a. Pull on armrest to close door b. Move handle to latched position If upper latch open: a. Pull on armrest to close door If both latches open: a. Latch side latch, then upper latch • Without Passenger: 1. Land as soon as practical ICING CONDITIONS 1. Pitot Heat ……………………………… ON (1 switch) 2. Exit icing conditions as soon as possible! 3. Carb Heat & Defroster ………………… FULL ON 4. Maintain airspeed – stall speed may be greatly increased! FORCED LANDINGS LANDING WITHOUT POWER 1. Airspeed ………………………...…...… Vg - 76 KIAS 2. Seats, Belts, Harnesses …………….…. Secured 3. Mixture ……………………………….... IDLE CUTOFF 4. Master Switch …………………………. OFF 5. Magneto Switch …………………….… OFF 6. Fuel Selector …………………………... OFF 7. Flaps …………………………………… As Required 8. If time permits: a. Transponder ……………….…. 7700 b. Radio ………………………….. Mayday (121.5) 9. Prior to touchdown: a. Cabin Door ...…………...……... Unlatched & Opened Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 13 PRECAUTIONARY LANDING WITH POWER 1. Airspeed …………………………......… Vg - 76 KIAS 2. Seats, Belts, Harnesses …………….…. Secured 3. Landing Site …………………………… Overfly, noting conditions 4. If time permits: a. Transponder ……………….…. 7700 b. Radio ………………………….. Mayday (121.5) 5. When landing is assured: a. Mixture …………………….…. IDLE CUTOFF b. Master Switch ………………… OFF c. Magneto Switch ……………… OFF d. Fuel Selector ……………….…. OFF e. Flaps …………………………... As Required 6. Prior to touchdown: a. Cabin Door ...…………...……... Unlatched & Opened DITCHING (WITH OR WITHOUT POWER) 1. Airspeed ………………………...…...… Vg - 76 KIAS 2. Seats, Belts, Harnesses …………….…. Secured 3. Heavy Objects …………………………. Secure or jettison 4. Mixture ……………………………...… IDLE CUTOFF 5. Master Switch …………………………. OFF 6. Magneto Switch …………………….… OFF 7. Fuel Selector …………………………... OFF 8. Flaps …………………………………… As Required 9. If time permits: a. Transponder ……………….…. 7700 b. Radio ………………………….. Mayday (121.5) 10. Approach: a. High Winds, Heavy Seas ……… Land into Wind b. Light Winds, Heavy Swells …… Parallel to Swells 11. Prior to touchdown: a. Cabin Door ...…………...……... Unlatched & Opened Piper Archer II (PA-28-181) 2025-12-22 Property of the Flying 20 Club, Inc. 14 MAXIMUM GLIDE (~9:1) ALTITUDE (AGL) GLIDE DISTANCE 1000 1.5 nm Vg – 76 KIAS 2000 3.0 nm 3000 4.5 nm Power Off 4000 6.0 nm 5000 7.5 nm Flaps RETRACTED (0) 6000 9.0 nm 7000 10.5 nm Zero Wind 8000 12.0 nm 9000 13.5 nm 2550 lbs. 10000 15.0 nm 11000 16.5 nm 12000 18.1 nm

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