Walk the line at a vintage fly-in and you’ll find Tri-Pacers in classic paint schemes, with owners who know their airplane’s history by heart. The Tri-Pacer is a high-wing, fabric-covered four-seater with tricycle gear, and this checklist is titled for the 125 and 135 versions, listed as PA-20/22-125/135.
Documentation for airplanes of this age can be thin, and what exists may be scattered across old manuals and placards. A clean checklist gives you a readable working copy, but the airplane’s own flight manual material, placards and records remain the authority. Confirm the checklist matches your airplane’s model and engine before you rely on it.
Quick answer: The CheckMate Piper Tri-Pacer 125/135 PA-20/22 Checklist is a cockpit checklist for pilots who fly the Piper Tri-Pacer 125 and 135, listed as PA-20/22-125/135. It comes as CheckMate, CheckMate+ or CheckMate Pro in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″) sizes. It’s meant to supplement the airplane’s POH/AFM, not replace it, so confirm it matches your exact model, year, engine and handbook before relying on it. It’s listed on Skyfarer and available at Skyfarer Shop.
The Tri-Pacer 125/135 checklist, format by format
- CheckMate. The design that started it all, with the familiar legacy look, in Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″).
- CheckMate+. An updated design aimed at better readability and safety, with passenger and crew briefing prompts, abort plan prompts and ATC communications prompts. It includes an instant low-resolution, black-and-white temporary digital download, so you have a copy to use right away. Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″).
- CheckMate Pro. A personalized CheckMate+: add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours. Standard (6.5″ x 9″) or Compact (5″ x 7″).
Getting the most from it
- Compare it with the POH/AFM before the first flight. Supplements for avionics, autopilots and other modifications can change procedures, so read those too. The handbook always governs.
- Gather your airplane’s documents first. Collect the flight manual material, placards and records for your airplane and read the checklist against them, noting any differences for your specific engine and equipment.
- Keep it where your hand finds it. Decide where the checklist lives in flight and keep it there every time. Standard (6.5″ x 9″) and Compact (5″ x 7″) sizes give you a choice.
Checklist and handbook
Any checklist, including this one, works alongside the airplane’s POH/AFM rather than in place of it. The handbook and its supplements have the final word on procedures, speeds and limitations.
Before you rely on it, confirm it matches your airplane’s exact model, year and engine, and check it against the handbook that belongs to that airplane, including any supplements for modifications or avionics.
Pilot tip: On a vintage airplane, the placards in the cockpit are part of the operating limitations. Read them as carefully as the checklist.
More photos
Where to buy
CheckMate Piper Tri-Pacer 125/135 PA-20/22 Checklist is sold by Skyfarer Shop. Find it on the Skyfarer marketplace or order directly from Skyfarer Shop. Either link shows the current price, shipping options and return terms.
Frequently asked questions
Does this cover the Tri-Pacer 150 and 160?
No. CheckMate lists the Tri-Pacer 150/160 (PA-22-150/160) separately. Choose the one that matches your airplane’s model and engine.
Does this checklist replace the POH/AFM?
No. It supplements the airplane’s POH/AFM. The handbook and its supplements govern every procedure, speed and limitation, so confirm the checklist against them before you rely on it.
What does CheckMate Pro add?
CheckMate Pro is a personalized CheckMate+. You can add your tail number, name or phone number, your empty weight and useful load, and details for up to five airports you visit often. Typical production time is within 48 hours.
What is the temporary digital download?
CheckMate+ includes an instant low-resolution, black-and-white temporary digital download, so you have something to use while the printed checklist is on its way.
