Today’s Top Pick is a 1963 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche.

Take your mind back to the mid-1950s when Piper executives were working on their answer to rival Beechcraft’s Bonanza, a slick, all-metal jewel in a sea of kite-like, high-wing, rag-and-tube aircraft that characterized general aviation at the time.

The resulting Piper PA-24 Comanche was similarly modern, even futuristic. Generally lower list prices for the Piper helped drive brisk sales. Pilots searching the used market today can expect similar value opportunities in the used-aircraft market.

Unlike the Bonanza, which has remained on the market even through difficult times for the aviation industry, the Comanche’s retail run was cut short by a flood that wrecked the company’s Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, factory in 1972. The resulting damage to tooling led to the abrupt end of Comanche production. The relatively high cost of assembling the PA-24 also made it easier for Piper to let the old bird go.

This 1963 Piper Comanche has 2,018 hours on the airframe, 102 hours since overhaul on its Lycoming 0-540 engine, and 5.79 hours since overhaul on its propeller. The aircraft is equipped with chrome cylinders.

The IFR panel includes King KX 170 and KX 175 nav/comm radios, Narco At150 transponder, Sky Beacon for ADS-B Out, Sky Sensor ADS-B In, S-TEC autopilot, King KMA 20 audio panel, Skycom 200E intercom, and Alcor EGT instrument.

Pilots who are looking for a fast, handsome, high-performance retractable single and agree that age is just a number should consider this 1963 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, which is available for $100,000 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.

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• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Comanche
• AVweb: Adopting a Comanche

The post This 1963 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche Is a Stylish, Classic ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1964 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche

Piper’s PA-24-250 Comanche is a classic among high-performance four-seat retractables. Its sleek fuselage and beautifully tapered wing help the mid-20th Century design make a favorable impression in the air and on the ramp. However, with the last of the Comanches manufactured in 1972, before a flood destroyed the factory and tooling, these are antique airplanes that often have a lot of needs. That is why this aircraft, restored and updated inside and out, is particularly appealing.

This PA-24-250 has 6,248 hours on the airframe, 913 hours since new on its Lycoming O-540-A1DS engine and McCauley 3-blade propeller. The aircraft’s maximum takeoff weight is 2,900 pounds and its useful load totals 887 pounds. Fuel capacity is 90 gallons.

The panel features Garmin G500 avionics with synthetic vision, a GMA340 audio panel, GNS 530W GPS/Nav/Com, GDL 69A Sirius XM satellite receiver, GA-55 Sirius XM WX, GTX 330 transponder with active traffic alerts, AV-30C standby display and an S-TEC 30 autopilot and a JPI 9000 autopilot.

The aircraft underwent a refurbishment in 2010 including stripping and the replacement of many rivets. The engine was new when installed in 2014 with extensive detailing of the firewall and engine compartment. Inside, the cabin includes luxury features such as seatback video screens for the rear passengers, a new overhead panel with wood inlays, and a built-in supplemental oxygen system.

Pilots who like the Comanche’s solid performance and stylish design and wish for an example with as many updates as possible should consider this 1964 PA-24-250, which is available for $339,000 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.

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• Plane & Pilot: Piper Comanche 400: A Muscle Car On Wings
• Plane & Pilot: 1964 Piper Comanche 250 PA-24-250
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Comanche

The post This 1964 Piper PA-24-250 Is a Meticulously Refurbished ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.