Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Piper PA-32-300 Lance.

Over many years I developed an affection toward the T-tail Pipers of the late 1970s. They remind me of how strong the general aviation market was at the time and the lengths to which manufacturers would go to keep their lineups fresh  and grab a few more sales. Piper also wanted to keep up with the latest trends, which included T-tails on propeller-driven aircraft.

Early in the decade, Beechcraft had introduced its King Air 200 turboprop, which sported the T-tail that still characterizes current King Air models. At the time, Beechcraft said mounting the horizontal stabilizer up high kept it clear of the wing’s wake, which improved control. Piper went for the same effect with its four-seat Arrow, six-seat Lance and the new two-seat Tomahawk trainer. Skeptics suggested the new tail was more of a marketing move, but that mattered little back in the day. The airplanes looked rakish and people bought them.

In the modern era these older designs offer practicality, value and a head-turning aesthetics. The Lance’s roomy cabin and large side door for passengers and cargo give it the feel of a personal airliner scaled to carry your family with space to spare.

This 1978 Lance has 2,981 hours on the airframe, 170 hours since overhaul on its 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine, and 591 hours since new on its three-blade Hartzell propeller.

The IFR panel includes a Garmin GPS 175, King KI 209 CDI, KI 207 CDI, King KX 175 nav/coms, a Garmin GTX 327 transponder, GDL 82, PS Engineering PMA7000B audio panel, a JPI engine analyzer, Century autopilot, and a DME.

Pilots who need the added comfort and flexibility of a six-seat aircraft and appreciate a dash of 1970s styling should consider this T-tail Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance, which is available for $145,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Air Compare: Piper Lance vs. Saratoga
• FLYING Magazine: Piper Saratoga Avionics Install: Part 1
• FLYING Magazine: The Practical Endurance of the Piper Cherokee Six
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Lance/Turbo Lance
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide:Piper Saratoga/Lance

The post This 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Is a Period-Perfect ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II.

It was the late 1970s, also known as the T-tail era, and Piper was embracing the design feature more intensely than most manufacturers. The company’s Lance and Arrow piston singles converted from traditional tail feathers to the trendy empennage while its PA-38 Tomahawk trainer and PA-44 Seminole light twin were born that way.

Piper’s affection for T-tails eventually cooled, with Arrows returning to “straight” tails and Lances evolving into Saratogas, which also sported the traditional style. For a time pilots regarded the T-tail Lances as dated and undesirable, though today they exude a cool 1970s vibe that has gained popularity with a younger audience, just as big American cars and floral-print clothing of the era have enjoyed revivals. Something about that high tail gives this Lance an extra shot of ramp appeal and more than a hint of swagger. You will need a stepladder to properly preflight this machine but the overall effect is worth the effort.

Beyond pure style, and best of all, the Lance is a powerful, comfortable, and economical traveling airplane with a generous useful load. Family members can stretch out in its six-seat cabin and take in the view through its many windows. The Piper Lance supports the notion that with the right airplane, getting there can be more than half the fun.

This 1978 Lance II has 3,808 hours on the airframe, 1,660 hours on its 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine since overhaul and 327 hours since new on its propeller.

The IFR panel includes a King KMA 20 audio panel and Sigtronics SPA-400 four-place intercom, dual King KX 170B nav/comms with localizer and glideslope, KN 74 RNAV, King KT 76A transponder, and uAvionix Tail Beacon with ADS-B Out. Additional equipment includes LoPresti wing tips, Tanis engine heater, EGT instrument, and electric trim. 

Pilots who want a six-seater that can cruise with conviction while not breaking the bank should consider this 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II, which is available for $149,900 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Air Compare: Piper Lance vs. Saratoga
• FLYING Magazine: I Learned About Flying From That
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Lance/Turbo Lance
• The Aviation Consumer: Piper PA-32R
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Saratoga/Lance

The post This 1978 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance II Is a 1970s-Cool ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.