Blue was built in 1958 by the Piper Aircraft Company. They called this model the Tri-Pacer because of the tricycle configuration of the landing gear. She came from the factory with a 160 horse power Lycoming engine. The 108, 135, and 150 h.p. engines are great for most flying but the extra power of Blue's engine really helps in the mountains where we live.

Here are a few basic statistics from Piper:
  • Top Speed 142 mph
  • Cruise Speed 125 mph
  • Stall Speed 48 mph
  • Empty Weight 1100 lbs
  • Max Takeoff wt. 2000 lbs
  • Range 500 miles
  • Wing Span 29 feet
  • Length 21 feet

Here are a few of Blue's modifications:
  • Wheel and wing strut fairings for smoother airflow.
  • Rudder tip strobe replaced by wing tip strobes.
  • Droop wing tips for improved low speed control.
  • Four place intercom system with music inputs.
  • Improved battery cables and a lightweight starter.
  • Garmin GPS with moving map.
  • Airtex interior with cushy seats for long trips.
  • Cylinder and exhaust temperature gauges.