PA-32 Cherokee Six is a robust, single-engine, light aircraft known for its spacious cabin, reliable performance, and versatility. Originally introduced in the 1960s by Piper Aircraft, the Cherokee Six quickly became popular for both private owners and commercial operators due to its ability to carry multiple passengers or cargo while maintaining solid performance.

History and Development

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six was developed as an extension of the PA-28 Cherokee series, which was designed to be a simple and economical aircraft for general aviation. The PA-32, first introduced in 1965, was developed to offer more power, increased passenger capacity, and greater utility than the smaller PA-28.

The Cherokee Six was designed with a focus on versatility, making it suitable for a range of uses, including private ownership, air taxi services, and cargo transport. Over the years, the aircraft has undergone various upgrades and modifications, resulting in different variants such as the PA-32-300, PA-32-301, and the turbocharged PA-32R Saratoga.

Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Design and Features

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is a low-wing, single-engine aircraft with fixed tricycle landing gear. One of the most notable features of the Cherokee Six is its large, spacious cabin, which can be configured to carry up to seven passengers or be modified to transport cargo.

Key Features Include:

• Engines: The original Cherokee Six models were powered by a 260-horsepower Lycoming O-540 engine, with later models featuring the more powerful 300-horsepower version of the same engine.
• Fuel Capacity: The standard fuel capacity is around 84 gallons, providing a balance between range and payload.
• Cabin: The cabin is one of the largest in its class, offering seating for up to seven passengers in a 3-row configuration, with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate cargo.
• Landing Gear: The fixed tricycle landing gear is durable and easy to maintain, contributing to the aircraft’s reputation for reliability.

Piper PA-32 Specifications

Below are the specifications for the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six:

Specification	Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six
Manufacturer	Piper Aircraft
First Flight	1965
Crew	1 (pilot)
Passenger Capacity	6-7 passengers
Length	27 ft 7 in (8.41 m)
Wingspan	32 ft 9 in (9.98 m)
Height	8 ft 3 in (2.52 m)
Empty Weight	1,920 lbs (871 kg)
Gross Weight	3,400 lbs (1,542 kg)
Powerplant	1 × Lycoming O-540, 260-300 hp
Maximum Speed	168 mph (270 km/h, 146 knots)
Cruise Speed	160 mph (257 km/h, 139 knots)
Range	800 miles (1,287 km)
Service Ceiling	15,000 ft (4,570 m)
Rate of Climb	1,000 ft/min (5.1 m/s)

If you are interested you should read about the Piper PA-31 Navajo

Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Performance

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is well-regarded for its solid performance, especially in terms of its payload capacity and ease of handling. It’s capable of carrying a full load of passengers or cargo over medium distances, making it an ideal choice for both personal and commercial use.

Performance Highlights:

• Versatile Load Capacity: The Cherokee Six can carry up to seven passengers or be configured for cargo, making it suitable for various roles.
• Fuel Efficiency: With a cruise speed of around 139 knots (160 mph), the Cherokee Six provides a good balance of speed and fuel efficiency.
• Handling: The aircraft is known for its stable handling characteristics, even under full load, making it easy to fly for pilots with varying levels of experience.

Variants

Several variants of the PA-32 Cherokee Six have been produced, offering different levels of performance and features:

• PA-32-260 Cherokee Six: The original model powered by a 260 hp engine.
• PA-32-300 Cherokee Six: An upgraded version with a 300 hp engine for better performance.
• PA-32R Saratoga: A refined version with retractable landing gear and improved aerodynamics.
• Turbocharged Versions: Variants with turbocharged engines, allowing for better performance at higher altitudes.

Maintenance and Upkeep

Maintaining a Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six involves standard procedures for single-engine aircraft, with emphasis on engine inspections, airframe integrity, and ensuring that the fixed landing gear remains in good condition. Regular maintenance helps to keep operating costs reasonable and ensures the aircraft’s long-term reliability.

Piper PA-32 Price and Market Availability

The price of a Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six varies depending on the model, age, condition, and upgrades. prices generally range from:

• Used Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six: $100,000 to $250,000

The Cherokee Six is widely available on the used aircraft market, and many models have been upgraded with modern avionics and interior improvements, increasing their value and appeal.

FAQs

1. What is the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six?

• The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is a single-engine, low-wing light aircraft designed by Piper Aircraft. It is known for its spacious cabin, ability to carry up to seven passengers, and versatility in both passenger and cargo configurations.

2. How many passengers can the Cherokee Six carry?

• The Cherokee Six can carry up to six or seven passengers, depending on the seating configuration. The aircraft has a large cabin with three rows of seating.

3. What engine powers the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six?

• The Cherokee Six is typically powered by a Lycoming O-540 engine, with variants offering either 260 horsepower or 300 horsepower.

4. What is the cruising speed of the Cherokee Six?

• The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six has a typical cruising speed of around 139 knots (160 mph or 257 km/h).

5. What is the range of the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six?

• The aircraft has a range of approximately 800 miles (1,287 km), making it suitable for medium-distance travel.

6. How much does a Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six cost?

• As of 2024, the price of a used Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six typically ranges from $100,000 to $250,000, depending on factors such as condition, engine hours, and avionics upgrades.

7. What are the main uses of the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six?

• The Cherokee Six is used for a variety of purposes, including personal and family travel, air taxi services, cargo transport, and even medical evacuations, thanks to its spacious cabin and reliable performance.

8. How does the Cherokee Six compare to the Piper PA-28 Cherokee?

• The Cherokee Six is a larger, more powerful aircraft than the PA-28 Cherokee. It offers greater passenger capacity, more cargo space, and a more powerful engine, making it suitable for more demanding roles.

9. What maintenance is required for the Cherokee Six?

• Regular maintenance includes engine inspections, airframe checks, and landing gear maintenance. The fixed tricycle landing gear is durable and straightforward to maintain, contributing to the aircraft’s reputation for reliability.

10. Are there different variants of the Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six?

• Yes, there are several variants, including the original PA-32-260, the more powerful PA-32-300, and the PA-32R Saratoga, which features retractable landing gear and other refinements. There are also turbocharged versions for improved high-altitude performance.