Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E Turbo
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1972 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E Turbo is a turbocharged variant of the Piper Aztec light twin, offering improved high-altitude performance through the addition of turbochargers to its Lycoming IO-540 engines. The E model introduced refinements to the nose design and interior.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.52 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-piston low-wing light twin with turbocharged engines
- Distinctive pointed nose with extended nosecone for avionics
- Six-seat general aviation twin with retractable tricycle gear
Low-wing twin with a pointed extended nose and straight rectangular wing; the turbocharged version is not visually distinctive from normally aspirated Aztecs externally.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E Turbo has a length of 9.52 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.34 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 338 km/h (210 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2 + 4 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Aztec series began in 1959 as a development of the Apache twin, progressively updated through models A through F. The Turbo Aztec E variant, introduced in the early 1970s, added turbocharged engines for operation at higher altitudes and in hot-and-high conditions, broadening its appeal for charter and utility operations.
Variants
The PA-23 Aztec progressed from the original through models A to F; turbo variants were offered from the C model onwards. The F was the final production version before the line ended in 1981.
Where you'll see it
The Aztec was widely used for charter, air taxi, corporate, and training operations worldwide; military examples served with several South American and other air forces in the liaison and utility roles.
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