Piper PA-23-250 Aztec
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1959 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-23-250 Aztec is a six-seat twin-engine piston aircraft widely used for business travel, charter, and multi-engine training since the late 1950s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| 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-engine low-wing light piston aircraft
- Club-nose or straight-nose variants distinguishable by engine cowl shape
- Six-seat cabin with retractable undercarriage
Low-wing twin with a distinctive straight-tapered wing, retractable tricycle gear, and either a pointed or club nose depending on series; closely related to the Apache but larger and more powerful.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-23-250 Aztec has a length of 9.52 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.34 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 311 km/h (193 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Aztec evolved from the earlier PA-23 Apache and entered production in 1959 with more powerful 250 hp Lycoming engines. It proved highly popular and remained in production until 1981, with over 4,900 built across multiple series.
Variants
Produced in Series A through F; key changes over the series included nose design revisions (club nose on E/F models), tip tanks, and systems upgrades.
Where you'll see it
Extensively used by general aviation operators worldwide for air taxi, charter, and instrument training; many remain airworthy today.
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- Piper PA-31-300 Navajo
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- Aeromere F.8L Falco Series III
- Air & Space 18A
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