Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche

Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1962 · light aircraft

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is an American light twin-engine piston aircraft developed from the single-engine PA-24 Comanche, offering improved safety and performance for owner-pilots and charter use.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	7.67 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Twin-engine light GA aircraft derived from the single-engine Comanche
Retractable tricycle undercarriage under a slim tapered low wing
Two Lycoming IO-320 engines in sleek low-drag nacelles

A sleek low-wing twin with retractable undercarriage, pointed spinner on each of two wing-mounted engines, and a Comanche-derived tapered wing — slimmer and more aerodynamic looking than the Piper Apache or Aztec.

Specifications

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche has a length of 7.67 m (25 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.22 m (37 ft).
Its maximum speed is 330 km/h (205 mph).
Typical crew: 1 pilot + up to 5 occupants.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1962, the PA-30 entered production and became a popular choice for instrument-rated private pilots seeking a twin-engine aircraft. Piper built 2,141 PA-30s and the related PA-39 (counter-rotating engine variant) before production ended in 1972 when the Lock Haven factory was destroyed by a flood.

Variants

The PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R used counter-rotating engines to eliminate P-factor; the PA-30B added a third rear seat and other refinements.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by private owners and small charter operators in North America and exported globally; still actively flown today.

Related aircraft

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