Aircraft overview

The Aerostar 700 is the high powered, pressurized piston twin in the Ted Smith Aerostar family, certificated as the PA-60-700P after the design had passed through Piper ownership and back to Aerostar Aircraft Corporation. It appeared in the mid 1980s as a development of the earlier 600 and 601 series, retaining the compact, low drag Aerostar airframe while adding more power and higher certified weights. Its role is a fast owner flown or business transport for buyers who want cabin class twin performance without moving into turboprop operating economics.

Performance & specifications

Power comes from two turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-U2A engines, each rated at 350 hp. The Aerostar 700 is known for cruise speeds in the mid 200 knot range when operated in the flight levels, with a certificated ceiling of 25,000 feet. Range depends strongly on power setting, fuel system, reserves and altitude, but typical trip planning is often around 1,000 nautical miles in long range cruise. Maximum takeoff weight is 6,315 lb, and useful load varies by individual aircraft, modifications and equipment, commonly placing payload and fuel planning at the center of any purchase evaluation.

Cabin & avionics

The Aerostar 700 normally seats six, with pilot and copilot positions up front and club style or forward facing passenger seating in the pressurized cabin. The cabin is not large by turboprop standards, but it is quiet and efficient for four adults with baggage on longer trips when weight and balance are managed carefully. Factory avionics were period analog systems, often Bendix/King or Collins. On the used market, many examples have been updated with Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G500 or G600 displays, Aspen electronic flight instruments, modern audio panels, ADS-B and digital engine monitoring. Garmin Perspective and factory G1000 installations are not typical for this model.

Buying & value

Buyers should confirm that the aircraft is a true Aerostar 700 or PA-60-700P, not an earlier 601P or a conversion represented loosely as a 700. Records should document engine time, turbocharger condition, pressurization system health, fuel tank condition, landing gear maintenance, corrosion inspections and compliance with Aerostar specific service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Desirable upgrades include intercooling, modern engine monitoring, current IFR GPS, updated autopilot capability, known icing equipment where installed, and well documented maintenance by shops familiar with the type. In the used market, the Aerostar 700 occupies a specialized position: rarer and more powerful than most piston twins, faster than many cabin class contemporaries, but demanding of disciplined maintenance and experienced ownership.