The Cherokee was developed by Piper in 1961. It was an all-metal, four-seat, single-door aircraft with low-mounted wings. In addition to producing later variants with more powerful engines, Piper also produced versions of the Cherokee with six seats and offered the choice of fixed or retractable landing gear. The traditional wing design on the Cherokee featured the so-called "Hershey Bar" shape--each wing looked like a flat, rectangular candy bar.
By 1974, Piper had altered the wing design to feature tapered wing tips. The wing span was also increased by two feet. The performance benefits of the tapered wing tips were unclear and some designers were concerned that the risk of wing stall and threat of spin was increased by the design change.
The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a supplemental type certificate (STC SA1228CE) approving the installation of aluminum wing extensions and alternative wing tips for the Piper Cherokee. The increased wing span and use of fiberglass wing tips has been claimed to reduce the sensation of wing "heaviness," make for gentler sinking when speed is reduced and improve overall stability.
