Arrow vs Pilot 100i
The Arrow leads, topping 5 of 7 compared metrics.
The Piper Aircraft Arrow (introduced 1967) and the Piper Aircraft Pilot 100i (introduced 2019) 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 range, where the Arrow has the advantage. 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.
Arrow vs Pilot 100i: the key differences
- The Arrow delivers 51% more range (Arrow: 786 nm; Pilot 100i: 522 nm).
- The Arrow delivers 9% more cruise speed (Arrow: 140 kt; Pilot 100i: 128 kt).
- The Arrow and Pilot 100i are evenly matched on passenger capacity, both at 4 seats.
- The Pilot 100i is the newer design (introduced 2019 versus 1967 for the Arrow), a gap of 52 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 2,550 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 Pilot 100i 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
Arrow vs Pilot 100i: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the Arrow or the Pilot 100i?
The Arrow has the longer published range — 786 nm versus 522 nm for the Pilot 100i.
Which is faster, the Arrow or the Pilot 100i?
The Arrow cruises faster, at 140 kt versus 128 kt for the Pilot 100i.
Which is newer, the Arrow or the Pilot 100i?
The Pilot 100i is the newer design, introduced in 2019 versus 1967 for the Arrow.
Is the Arrow or the Pilot 100i the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the Arrow is the larger aircraft — 2,900 lbs versus 2,550 lbs for the Pilot 100i.
Should I buy the Arrow or the Pilot 100i?
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 Pilot 100i 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 Arrow vs Pilot 100i?
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.