Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-23 Apache / Aztec is Piper’s classic light twin family, developed from the early-1950s Twin Stinson concept and produced from the mid-1950s until the early 1980s. The PA-23 Apache was the original version, entering the market as a compact, economical piston twin for private owners, training, and light business use. The later PA-23-250 Aztec, introduced for the 1960 model year, used substantially more power and became the better-known utility member of the line. Its importance in the used market comes from a combination of simple systems, generous cabin volume, strong short-field capability, and broad parts and maintenance knowledge.

Performance & specifications

Performance depends heavily on variant, engine condition, loading, and whether the aircraft is naturally aspirated or turbocharged. A typical PA-23 Aztec cruises around 160-170 knots, with practical range commonly in the 700-800 nautical mile class when configured with suitable fuel reserves. Useful load is one of the type’s defining strengths, often around 2,000 lb in Aztec models, making it attractive for passengers, baggage, and fuel flexibility. Service ceiling for normally aspirated Aztecs is in the high-teens, while turbocharged Aztecs offer better altitude capability. The Apache generally uses Lycoming O-320 engines of 150 or 160 hp, while the Aztec is associated with 250 hp Lycoming O-540 engines, with turbocharged versions using turbocharged Lycoming powerplants.

Cabin & avionics

The Apache is typically configured for four to five occupants, while the Aztec is commonly a six-seat aircraft with a notably wide, practical cabin for its class. Large doors, good baggage access, and a stable cabin environment have helped the Aztec remain popular for owner-flown transport and utility missions. Most PA-23 aircraft left the factory with conventional analog instrumentation, so modern examples vary widely. Typical upgrades include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, digital engine monitors, ADS-B equipment, Garmin G5 or Aspen electronic flight displays, and replacement autopilots. Integrated Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective suites are not typical factory equipment for this model.

Buying & value

Prospective buyers should separate Apache and Aztec examples carefully, as performance, payload, operating costs, and values differ significantly. Key inspection areas include corrosion, landing gear and hydraulic system condition, fuel system status, engine times, propeller history, logbook continuity, and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. Desirable upgrades often include modern avionics, engine monitoring, improved interiors, speed mods, de-ice equipment where installed, and turbocharging for buyers needing higher-altitude operations. In current PlaneFox used-market data, asking prices average about EUR 151,000, with a range from roughly EUR 43,000 to EUR 341,000, reflecting the large spread between project aircraft, well-equipped Aztecs, and highly upgraded examples.