Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is a popular twin-engine light aircraft that has been a favorite among pilots for its combination of speed, efficiency, and reliability.

Introduced in the 1960s, the Twin Comanche was designed to offer better performance and redundancy over single-engine aircraft, making it a preferred choice for both private owners and flight schools.

History and Development

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche was first introduced in 1963 as the twin-engine variant of the Piper PA-24 Comanche, a single-engine aircraft. The goal was to create an aircraft that offered better safety through the use of two engines while maintaining the efficiency and performance of the original Comanche. The Twin Comanche was a result of Piper’s efforts to provide a more economical twin-engine aircraft compared to the larger and more expensive Piper Aztec.

The PA-30 quickly became popular due to its impressive performance, including its ability to maintain altitude on a single engine, which was a key safety feature. Over the years, several versions of the Twin Comanche were introduced, each with improvements in performance, avionics, and comfort.

Piper PA-30 Design and Features

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is a low-wing, twin-engine aircraft with a retractable landing gear. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively lightweight structure, which contributes to its efficiency and performance.

Key Features Include:

• Engines: The Twin Comanche is typically powered by two Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines, each producing 160 horsepower.
• Fuel System: It has a fuel capacity of 90 gallons, with optional auxiliary tanks available to increase range.
• Landing Gear: The aircraft features a retractable tricycle landing gear, which reduces drag and enhances speed.
• Cabin: The cabin is designed to seat up to four passengers, with a fifth seat option available. The interior is compact but comfortable, with options for upgraded avionics and instrumentation.

Piper PA-30 Specifications

Below are the specifications for the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche:

Specification	Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
Manufacturer	Piper Aircraft
First Flight	1963
Crew	1 (pilot)
Passenger Capacity	3-4
Length	27 ft 4 in (8.33 m)
Wingspan	36 ft 1 in (11.00 m)
Height	7 ft 6 in (2.29 m)
Empty Weight	2,490 lbs (1,129 kg)
Gross Weight	3,600 lbs (1,633 kg)
Powerplant	2 × Lycoming IO-320-B1A, 160 hp each
Maximum Speed	224 mph (360 km/h, 195 knots)
Cruise Speed	200 mph (322 km/h, 174 knots)
Range	1,200 miles (1,931 km)
Service Ceiling	20,000 ft (6,096 m)
Rate of Climb	1,500 ft/min (7.6 m/s)

If you are interested you should read about the Piper PA-28

Piper PA-30 Performance

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is renowned for its performance, particularly its speed and efficiency. It is capable of cruising at around 174 knots (200 mph) while maintaining excellent fuel efficiency, making it an economical choice for long-distance travel.

Performance Highlights:

• Single-Engine Performance: One of the most critical aspects of the Twin Comanche is its ability to maintain altitude on a single engine, which is essential for safety during an engine failure.
• Fuel Efficiency: With a fuel burn rate of around 12-14 gallons per hour per engine, the Twin Comanche offers good fuel economy for a twin-engine aircraft.
• Handling: The aircraft is known for its responsive handling and smooth flight characteristics, making it a joy to fly for experienced pilots.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche involves regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules typical of twin-engine aircraft. Key maintenance considerations include:

• Engine Maintenance: Regular engine checks and timely overhauls are crucial to ensure reliability, particularly because of the redundancy provided by the twin engines.
• Landing Gear: The retractable landing gear system requires routine inspections and maintenance to prevent issues with retraction and extension.
• Avionics Upgrades: Many older Twin Comanches have been upgraded with modern avionics, which can improve safety and navigation but also require knowledgeable maintenance.

Piper PA-30 Price and Market Availability

The price of a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche can vary widely depending on factors such as age, condition, engine hours, and avionics upgrades. prices typically range from:

• Used Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche: $60,000 to $150,000

The aircraft is relatively accessible on the used market, with many examples available in various states of condition. Buyers should consider potential costs for upgrades and maintenance when purchasing.

FAQs

1. What is the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche?

• The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is a twin-engine light aircraft designed for private use, flight training, and light commercial operations. It was first introduced in 1963 and is known for its efficiency, speed, and reliability.

2. What engines does the Twin Comanche use?

• The Twin Comanche is typically powered by two Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines, each producing 160 horsepower.

3. How fast can the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche fly?

• The Twin Comanche has a maximum speed of approximately 195 knots (224 mph or 360 km/h) and a typical cruise speed of 174 knots (200 mph or 322 km/h).

4. What is the range of the Twin Comanche?

• The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche has a range of around 1,200 miles (1,931 km), making it suitable for long-distance travel.

5. How many passengers can the Twin Comanche carry?

• The Twin Comanche can carry up to four passengers, with a fifth seat option available in some configurations.

6. What is the single-engine performance of the Twin Comanche?

• The Twin Comanche is capable of maintaining altitude and safe flight on one engine in the event of an engine failure, which is a critical safety feature of twin-engine aircraft.

7. Is the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche fuel-efficient?

• Yes, the Twin Comanche is considered fuel-efficient for a twin-engine aircraft, with a fuel burn rate of about 12-14 gallons per hour per engine.

8. How much does a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche cost?

• As of 2024, a used Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche typically costs between $60,000 and $150,000, depending on factors such as condition, engine hours, and avionics upgrades.

9. What are the maintenance requirements for the Twin Comanche?

• Regular engine maintenance, landing gear inspections, and avionics checks are essential for keeping the Twin Comanche in good working order. Given its age, older models may require more frequent inspections and potential upgrades.

10. What are the key advantages of owning a Twin Comanche?

• The key advantages include its efficient performance, the safety of having two engines, relatively low operating costs compared to other twin-engine aircraft, and its ability to handle long-distance flights with ease.