AOPA Unveils Piper Archer as Next Sweepstakes Aircraft

“The Archer is the perfect representation of expanded opportunities available to pilots thanks to MOSAIC,” said AOPA Acting Co-President Katie Pribyl. “This airplane reflects the best that general aviation has to offer. We’re taking a proven airplane and making enhancements along the way, while also highlighting the impact of AOPA’s advocacy on the future of general aviation.”

Throughout the sweepstakes, AOPA will introduce a series of enhancements including modern avionics, refined performance, and a striking new look. We will transform the aircraft while staying true to what pilots love about the Archer.

MOSAIC—which AOPA played a key role in—was announced at AirVenture in 2025. The rule greatly expands sport pilot privileges and will bring higher-performance, newly manufactured aircraft into the light sport arena. Changes to sport pilot privileges took effect in October of last year.

“The Archer is a great airplane. It’s easy to fly and has a lot of great features, but it also needs new seats, updated avionics, and an engine overhaul. We're excited to take members on a journey of turning this into a pilot’s dream over the next year and a half,” said AOPA Foundation Flying Clubs Senior Manager Cade Halle, who will help oversee the upgrades.

The Archer will be on display during EAA AirVenture from July 20-26. Monday through Friday of the show, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., internationally recognized artist Noah Heckel of Scheme Designers will transform the Archer into a one-of-a-kind design, painting live on the AOPA campus. Each day, new layers, colors, and details will be added, and attendees will have the opportunity to interact with Heckel to influence elements of the design. AOPA’s most recent sweepstakes airplane, a 2024 Aviat Husky, will also be on display and will be given away on Wednesday, July 22, after AOPA’s Pilot Town Hall.

The AOPA sweepstakes will also include 25 other incredible prizes, including a Redbird TD2 simulator, a Breitling watch, Garmin GDL 52 receivers, Lightspeed Zulu 4 headsets, and more.

Visit aopa.org/sweeps to learn more.

*No purchase or contribution necessary to enter or win. A purchase or contribution will not improve your chances of winning. Open to 50 U.S. states (+DC), Canada (excluding Quebec), Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, age 18 years or older (or at least the age of majority as legally mandated by the entrant's jurisdiction of residence if greater than 18) at date of entry. Void where prohibited by law. Ends at 11:59 PM ET on 12/31/27. To enter and view official rules, including entry instructions, fast entry periods, alternate methods of entry for all chances mentioned above and more, visit aopa.org/sweeps. Sponsor: AOPA.