Developed in 1950 from the Piper Pacer, the Tri-Pacer featured a tricycle landing gear arrangement designed to make taxi, takeoff, and landing operations easier for pilots. The Tri-Pacer was accepted with great enthusiasm by Piper customers. Aileron and rudder controls were interconnected to allow pilots to fly with control column or rudder pedals alone when making turns.

Most who flew the Tri-Pacer said it was easy to fly and was docile in the air. During its 14 year production run, the aircraft was built in three versions: the standard Tri-Pacer, the Carribean, and the two-place Colt.

This PA-22-135 Tri-Pacer 135, N8726C, was built by the Piper Aircraft Corporation in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, in 1952. It is on loan to the museum from Marcellus F. Foose of Blue Island, Illinois. It was originally owned and operated by aviation pioneer Cornelius R. Coffey of Chicago. This Tri-Pacer is located in the museum's new exhibit, Barnstormers, Wing-walkers, and Entrepreneurs: 150 Years of Aviation section.