Piper Tomahawk Aircraft (PA-38)

8 used Piper Tomahawk aircraft for sale · $33K – $69K · updated 27 min ago

About the Piper Tomahawk

The Piper Tomahawk (PA-38) is a two-seat T-tail trainer built 1978-1982 — Piper's answer to the Cessna 152. Lighter and more spirited than the 152, the Tomahawk is known for honest stall behaviour (it actually stalls and recovers properly rather than mushing), which has produced both its reputation as an excellent trainer and the unfortunate nickname "Traumahawk" from instructors who disliked the sharper edge. Popular for spin training thanks to its honest characteristics.

Piper Tomahawk helicopter for sale

Piper Tomahawk Specifications

Model spec

The Piper Tomahawk is a single engine piston with a cruise speed of 100 kt (185 km/h), a range of 468 nm (867 km).

Performance
Cruise100 kt (185 km/h)
Range468 nm (867 km)
Weights & Seats
Max Gross Weight1,670 lbs (758 kg)

8 Piper Tomahawk For Sale

There are currently 8 used Piper Tomahawk for sale, ranging from $33,462 to $69,233, with a median asking price of $46,856.

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale
$33,462 ↓ -$474
For Sale
Total Time 9,960
Reg# D-ELJS Germany
Location Germany
Via Marcus Spreti
Listed 1mo ago

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale
$38,000
For Sale
Reg# N2351T US
Location Lancaster, TX
Via Ken Ely
Listed 1mo ago

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale Overpriced
$42,500
For Sale
Reg# N6266A US
Location Lancaster, CA
Via The Aero Center
3 sources
Listed 2mo ago

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale
$51,213
For Sale
Total Time 7,944
Reg# S5-DBH Slovenia
Location Maribor, Slovenia
Via Egmont Aviation d.o.o.
2 sources
Listed 1mo ago

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale
$60,002 ↓ -$848
For Sale
Reg# G-BOLE UK
Location United Kingdom
Via Wilco Aviation Limited
2 sources
Listed 1mo ago

1978 Piper Tomahawk

1978 Piper Tomahawk for sale
$69,233 ↓ -$979
For Sale
Reg# EC-EYN Spain
Location Spain
Via Santi
Listed 1mo ago

1979 Piper Tomahawk

1979 Piper Tomahawk for sale
Contact for Price
For Sale
Total Time 3,895
Reg# N2313N US
Location Kit Carson Couty Airport (ITR), CO
Via Hembree Aviation Sales
3 sources
Listed 2mo ago

1979 Piper Tomahawk

1979 Piper Tomahawk for sale
Contact for Price
For Sale
Reg# N791DS US
Via Wolfgang Klein
2 sources
Listed 1mo ago

Compare Piper Tomahawk

Detailed comparisons for the Piper Tomahawk are being prepared.

Browse all Piper models →

Piper Tomahawk Price & Cost

How much does a Piper Tomahawk cost? Used Tomahawk prices: $33K – $69K, average $49K (median $46K), across 6 priced of 8 active listings.

Piper Tomahawk Price Guide
Market Deal RatingAeroGurus rating
Overpriced
100%
1

Based on 1 priced listings.

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Piper Tomahawk

When buying a Piper Tomahawk, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.

What to check before buying

  • Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
  • Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
  • Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
  • Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
  • Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.

Frequently Asked Questions — Piper Tomahawk

How much does a used Piper Tomahawk cost?
The Tomahawk is one of the most affordable certified airplanes to buy, which is a big part of its appeal. See the live price range and median above; condition, engine time, avionics and corrosion history drive most of the variation.
Why is the Tomahawk called the "Traumahawk"?
The nickname comes from its honest, sometimes abrupt stall and spin characteristics, which made it a demanding and effective spin-training aircraft. Properly maintained and flown within limits, the PA-38 is a capable and economical trainer; the reputation reflects its value for teaching stall and spin recognition rather than a design flaw.
How does the Tomahawk compare to the Cessna 152?
Both are two-seat trainers, but the Tomahawk is a low-wing T-tail with a wider cabin and better forward visibility, while the 152 is a high-wing with a deeper used market and larger support network. The Tomahawk often costs less to buy.
Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 27 min ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data