![]() The big engine gives these airplanes excellent climb performance, as much as 1500 FPM. The 1965 Comanches are transitionairplanes in that they have the earlier fuselage mated to the later 260-HP engine, albeit with a carburetor. The 180, which obviously came second to its bigger brother in load carrying and was not selling as well as the 250, was dropped altogether while the 250 was upgraded to the 260. Production of both the 180 and 250 ended after the 1964 model year. Electric flaps replaced the manual ones in 1962 models. In 1961, the gross weight of the 250 was boosted by 100 pounds. Range remains one of the Comanche’s strong points and many have been fitted with even more fuel capacity in tip tanks and fuselage tanks to give it impressive endurance. In 1961, Piper offered an optional 90-gallon system, which gave the Comanche 180 seriously long legs: nine hours, provided it was only loaded with the pilot, one passenger and a little baggage. The original airplane had a 60-gallon fuel system. Initially the airplane was equipped with hand brakes, but after 1960 most Comanches were delivered with optional toe brakes. Still, there were some notable improvements over early models. The basic airframe proved successful and wasn’t changed much during its production run. Piper didn’t distinguish between the 180 and 250 in its serial number records, but total production for 1958 was 336, comparing favorably to the 396 J35 Bonanzas Beech cranked out that same year. The 180 and 250 Comanche airframes are the same and there’s an STC to upgrade the 180 to the larger engine-although the 250 boasted a significantly higher gross weight: 2800 pounds versus 2550 pounds for the 180. Piper kept the Comanche’s electromechanical manual landing gear relatively simple, although it can be a source of woes when not maintained properly. Both models had carbureted engines mated to constant-speed props. The Comanche hit the market running in 1958 and in its first production year, Piper offered the 180-HP PA-24-180 (Lycoming O-360) and the 250-HP PA-24-250 (Lycoming O-540). The good news is that lots of shops can work on them (although as the accident reports show, pick one that knows the model well), parts are available and market prices are steady, yet reasonable. With a tapered laminar-flow wing, respectable speed (big-engine models make downright impressive numbers), solid handling and lots of available speed mods, the right Comanche could be one of the most desirable vintage piston singles.īut unless you buy one that’s been particularly well-restored and cared for, getting an old Comanche up to snuff can be a pricey proposition. Sure, the Piper PA-24 series is old-one of Piper’s first metal, non-tailwheel cruisers-and ultimately a competitor to the Beech Bonanza and Cessna 210. Sandia cooling fan in nose cowling ducted to Avionics panelĪustralian ICS designed Elevator Horn Australian ICS designed Trunnions both sidesĬontact Nicholas Christie at Light Aircraft Sales on +6139531 1018 or e-mail for a confidential discussion about this aircraft, or for further information.If you’re shopping the used four-place retrac market no doubt you’ll consider a Comanche. Mygoflight Mini iPad mount on pilots yokeĭual USB power, hard wired in panel in Pilots lower panelĪir Box connected to Nose NACA duct and all new Scat hoses Saratoga Pilot and Co Pilot seats (vertical adjust) Matt Kurke Three light gear down indicator Vertical fin fairing to incorporate Strobe in lieu of beaconĬounter rotating Engines (no critical engine)ĪN Plug in baggage compartment for ground power and battery charging Baggage compartment light with auto off after 7 minutes Hans Neubert EO Speed Mods – sealed engine plenum baffling / other baffling Knots 2U Gear lobe fairings, Flap Gap seals, Wing Fillets, Wing Fairings Knots 2U NACA engine inlet ducts, NACA ducts in nose cone, NACA Duct Air Inlet to heater & Cabin Matt Kurke Three light gear down Indicator System CR designation refers to counter-rotating propellers. Notes: Both engines fitted with GAMI Injectors. This beautifully presented and appointed IFR aircraft is fitted with a full suite of speed mods, a glass IFR cockpit with backup instrumentation and multiple optional extras, offering the new owner unrivalled utility for many years to come. Compared to the Piper PA-44 Seminole, the PA-30 is faster, offers superior climb performance, a quieter cabin, cheaper operating costs - and carries more weight. Seller's instructions: "Must Sell - negotiable"ĭesigned to replace the Piper Apache, the Twin Comanche offers a speed-fuel-burn ratio almost unmatched in the light complex twin segment.
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