5. Piper Dakota PA-28-236

Piper knew that recently licensed pilots tended to buy the type of aircraft they learned in, high wing or low wing, and the Dakota was specifically designed to fill the need for a true, family four-seater with the wing on the bottom.

The Piper PA-28-236 Dakota featured a slightly thinner, semi-tapered airfoil, known generically at Piper as the "Warrior wing" and fitted to all the other four-seat PA-28s. This airfoil imparted slightly quicker roll response than the earlier Cherokees and an allegedly gentler stall, though it's hard to imagine anything more benign than a Cherokee's slow, hobby-horse pitching in deep stall mode.

One area where the Dakota stood slightly taller than the Skylane was useful load. Using 1981 models for examples, the Dakota sported a useful load of almost 1,400 pounds, while the 182 managed only 1,354 pounds. Load 72 gallons aboard both airplanes, and the Dakota would have a payload of 968 pounds, while the Skylane would offer 922 pounds.

The Dakota 236 is a highly sought after climbs better, offers a little more payload, and has a higher service ceiling and better visibility in the pattern. It's also a true four-place airplane with payload to spare.

The prices for Dakota 236s are consequently relatively high, when you can find them! Many brokers are looking to buy good quality examples, so expect to spend more than $150,00 for one in good condition with a mid-time or newer engine.