1953 · Piper PA-22-135
N1261C — 1953 Piper Tri-Pacer

Tri-Pacer

N1261C · S/N 1053 · Broomfield, CO (KBJC)

3,300
Total Time
1,000
SMOH hrs
Feb '2027
Annual Due
$35,000
Asking Price
Fresh AnnualADS-B CompliantA&P/IA MaintainedHangar Stored
01Aircraft at a Glance

Additional Specifications

Gross Weight
2,000 lbs
Fuel Capacity
36 gal
Fuel Types
100LL / MoGas (STC)
Engine TBO
1,800 hrs
Hrs to TBO
~800 hrs remaining
Compression
[TBD — e.g. 78/80, 79/80, 77/80, 78/80]
Oil Capacity
[TBD]
Annual By
February 2026 · Sam, A&P/IA
Airframe
PA-22-135
Year
1953
Registration
N1261C
Serial Number
1053
Total Time
3,300 hrs
SMOH
1,000 hrs
Engine
Lycoming O-290-D2
Propeller
McCauley (STC)
Fabric Age
34 years
Useful Load
~750 lbs
Gear Config
Tricycle (original configuration)
Last Annual
February 2026
03Avionics & Equipment

Instrument Panel — Labeled

Panel Photo Placeholder

Upload avionics panel photo with callout labels

ADS-B Out Compliant

uAvionix NavBeacon installed · FAR 91.225 compliant

Dual Nav/Com

IFR-capable

Garmin GNC 250XL

Nav / Comm / GPS — VFR

Mode S Transponder + ADS-B Out

uAvionix NavBeacon

ADS-B

ELT

121.5 MHz

Note

Nav/coms are technically IFR-capable. The aircraft has not been certified for IFR operations. Buyer to verify and certify as desired with an avionics shop.

04The Story

I did my flight training in her at Centennial Airport (KAPA) and she performed beautifully — honest, capable, and forgiving in the way that only a well-maintained classic can be. But I've since started Avly, building aircraft maintenance software for GA and Part 145 repair stations, and my aviation energy has moved from flying to building tools for the people who keep airplanes flying.

This airplane deserves someone who will fly it regularly. When Cessna 150s are selling for $65K, a well-maintained Tri-Pacer at $35K is one of the last genuinely affordable entries into aircraft ownership. I want it to go to someone who will build time in it, love it, and keep it flying.

I bought N1261C in 2017 and flew her sight-unseen from Ohio to Wyoming — then pulled her apart and inspected every inch before I'd trust her with my life. She's been hangared at KBJC ever since, run up monthly on CamGuard, and maintained by my own hands as a licensed A&P/IA. Since 2017 I've been the sole mechanic of record.

About the Seller

Photo

Sam

FAA A&P/IA (Airframe & Powerplant + Inspection Authorization)

Sole mechanic of record since 20179 years of direct, hands-on knowledge of this aircraft.

What A&P/IA means for you

An FAA Airframe & Powerplant mechanic with Inspection Authorization can legally perform and sign off annual inspections — the same certification required by any repair station. This aircraft has had a professional-grade mechanic as its owner, maintaining it to the standard he'd hold any customer's airplane.

05STCs & Modifications

MoGas STC

STC #: [TBD from logbook]

Authorizes use of automobile gasoline (mogas) in the Lycoming O-290-D2. Saves $1–2/gal versus 100LL avgas where mogas is available.

McCauley Propeller STC

STC #: [TBD from logbook]

Documents the approved installation of the McCauley propeller on this airframe.

MoGas STC

Authorizes use of automobile gasoline (mogas) in the Lycoming O-290-D2. Saves $1–2/gal versus 100LL avgas where mogas is available.

McCauley Propeller STC

Documents the approved installation of the McCauley propeller on this airframe.

06Airworthiness & What's Next Due

Full AD Compliance — PA-22-135 · All complied per February 2026 Annual

AD 72-20-08

Wing strut fittings inspection

Complied
AD 74-02-07

Elevator hinge bolt inspection

Complied
AD 99-01-05

Nose gear strut fork — magnetic particle inspection (500-hr)

Complied
Tail Fabric AD

Tail surface fabric inspection

Complied

Complete AD compliance documentation available in logbooks during pre-buy inspection. AD numbers above are representative — Sam to confirm exact list from logbook entries.

Annual InspectionFebruary 2027
Transponder CertificationFebruary 2028
Tail Fabric AD~2029
ELT Battery[TBD from logbook]
Note

N1261C has spent roughly 70% of its life in a hangar — and it shows. Continuous T-hangar storage at KBJC since 2019 has kept this fabric in condition it has no right to be in at 34 years old. Fabric ages slowly when it's protected; this one has been. The asking price reflects the fabric age honestly — so a future recover is an upgrade you plan for, not a surprise you absorb.

Pre-Buy Inspection

I actively encourage and support a pre-purchase inspection by any A&P of your choosing. I will arrange hangar access and be present to answer questions. I have nothing to hide — this airplane has been maintained to the standard I'd hold any customer's aircraft.

07Operating Costs & Performance

Cost Per Hour — Interactive

Hours flown per year

100 hrs
25 hrs100 hrs200 hrs300 hrs

Fuel price ($/gal)

$/gal
Fixed / hr
$75
Fuel / hr
$38
Total / hr
$113

MoGas STC allows cheaper automotive fuel where available — reducing fuel cost below 100LL price.

Fixed Annual Costs

Hangar (T-hangar, KBJC)$4,320/yr
Annual Inspection (est., no repairs)~$2,000/yr
Insurance$1,150/yr
Total Fixed~$7,470/yr

Performance

Cruise Speed~95 MPH IAS @ 6,500 ft
Fuel Burn8.5 GPH @ 100% power
Useful Load~750 lbs
Est. Range~350 nm (36 gal)
Best ForVFR day/night time building, local flying, short cross-countries
Ideal ConditionsVFR, below 12,500 ft MSL, light winds
Note

The aircraft currently occupies a T-hangar at KBJC. For buyers local to Broomfield, there may be an opportunity to assume the hangar lease. Contact Sam to discuss.

Short Wing Piper Club

Part of the Short Wing Piper community? If you want to talk shop, join the club. If you're ready to buy this specific aircraft, reach out directly. Serious inquiries only, please.

shortwingpiperclub.org →

Get In Touch

720-593-9776

Serious inquiries only. I aim to respond within 24 hours during the active listing period.

Asking Price$35,000

Listed at fair market value. This aircraft is priced to sell to the right buyer — not to generate negotiation. Please review all sections of this page before reaching out.

Send a Message

Form endpoint not configured — set SITE.formspreeEndpoint in site.config.ts

Or reach me directly
720-593-9776sam@avly.io

Location

Rocky Mountain Metro Airport (KBJC)

Broomfield, CO · Elevation: 5,673 ft MSL

1953 Piper PA-22-135

$35,000