Piper Pa-36 Pawnee Brave

Single Piston· 82 globally registered

The Piper PA-36 Pawnee Brave is a purpose-built agricultural aircraft that emerged in the 1970s as Piper's answer to the growing demand for more powerful and capable crop dusters. Developed from the earlier PA-25 Pawnee, the PA-36 features a significantly stronger airframe, a larger hopper capacity of up to 400 gallons, and a choice of engines ranging from 285 to 375 horsepower, making it one of the most versatile ag-planes of its era. The Brave's low-wing design, excellent forward visibility from the elevated cockpit, and rugged construction allowed it to operate from short, unprepared strips in remote farming regions worldwide. Built between 1973 and 1982, the PA-36 became a workhorse across North America, Australia, and South America, where aerial application remains essential for large-scale agriculture. Its straightforward systems, ease of maintenance, and ability to handle heavy chemical loads made it a favorite among aerial applicators. Though production ended decades ago, many PA-36s remain in active service today, testament to their durability and the specialized role they fill. The type's operating envelope (cruise speeds around 110 knots, service ceiling near 13,000 feet, and a never-exceed speed of 152 knots) reflects its low-altitude, high-workload mission profile rather than speed or altitude records. SkyMeter has tracked 7 flights across 2 airframes and 2 operators, with AURORA COOPERATIVE ELEVATOR CO the largest observed operator.