1982 Piper PA-38 Tomahawk

Additional Remarks

• The Piper PA38 Tomahawk is a single-engine, low-wing cantilever monoplane with a distinctive T-tail and an enclosed cabin designed for two occupants. It features fixed tricycle landing gear and is powered by a Lycoming O-235 four-cylinder piston engine, paired with a twin-bladed tractor propeller. The aircraft provides access to the cabin through two front-hinged doors.
• Piper developed the Tomahawk in response to the demand for an affordable, two-place trainer. Prior to its design, Piper extensively surveyed flight instructors to gather their input. Instructors desired a more spin-capable aircraft for training purposes, as other trainers like the Cessna 150 and 152 were designed to naturally recover from spins. To meet this need, the Tomahawk’s NASA GA(W)-1 Whitcomb airfoil design ensures that specific pilot input is required for spin recovery, thereby enhancing pilot proficiency in this area.
• Introduced in 1977 as a 1978 model, the Tomahawk remained in production until 1982, with a total of 2,484 units built. The 1981 and 1982 models, including G-BYMD, were designated as the Tomahawk II. These models featured several enhancements: improved cabin heating and windshield defroster performance, an upgraded elevator trim system, a refined engine thrust vector, comprehensive airframe zinc-chromate anti-corrosion treatment, enhanced cockpit soundproofing, and larger 6″ wheels and tires for better ground clearance and performance on grass and dirt runways.