162 Skycatcher vs Arrow
The Arrow leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Cessna / Textron Aviation 162 Skycatcher (introduced 2010) and the Piper Aircraft Arrow (introduced 1967) are two aircraft buyers regularly weigh against each other. Both are trainers, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the Arrow carries more passengers. Below we compare them spec by spec, then break down which aircraft suits which mission.
6 more specs per aircraft — ceiling, climb, cabin, dimensions and more — are free with an account.
162 Skycatcher vs Arrow: the key differences
- The Arrow delivers 67% more range (162 Skycatcher: 470 nm; Arrow: 786 nm).
- The Arrow delivers 25% more cruise speed (162 Skycatcher: 112 kt; Arrow: 140 kt).
- The Arrow delivers 100% more passenger capacity (162 Skycatcher: 2 seats; Arrow: 4 seats).
- The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design (introduced 2010 versus 1967 for the Arrow), a gap of 43 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The Arrow is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (2,900 lbs versus 1,320 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for short-haul and regional hops, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the Arrow seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
On published specifications the Arrow leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
More comparisons
162 Skycatcher vs Arrow: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the 162 Skycatcher or the Arrow?
The Arrow has the longer published range — 786 nm versus 470 nm for the 162 Skycatcher.
Does the 162 Skycatcher or Arrow seat more passengers?
The Arrow carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 4 seats, compared with 2 on the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is faster, the 162 Skycatcher or the Arrow?
The Arrow cruises faster, at 140 kt versus 112 kt for the 162 Skycatcher.
Which is newer, the 162 Skycatcher or the Arrow?
The 162 Skycatcher is the newer design, introduced in 2010 versus 1967 for the Arrow.
Is the 162 Skycatcher or the Arrow the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Arrow is the larger aircraft — 2,900 lbs versus 1,320 lbs for the 162 Skycatcher.
Should I buy the 162 Skycatcher or the Arrow?
On published specifications the Arrow leads on both range and cabin capacity, so it suits operators who want maximum mission flexibility from a single airframe. The 162 Skycatcher can still be the smarter buy on acquisition cost, operating economics, runway performance, or current availability — the factors that rarely show up in a spec sheet. Our acquisition advisory team can model both against your actual mission profile before you commit.
Still weighing up the 162 Skycatcher vs Arrow?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.