Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-24 Comanche is a low wing, retractable gear, single engine piston aircraft built by Piper Aircraft. It first flew in 1956, with production running from 1957 to 1972. Designed as a faster, more refined step up from fixed gear trainers and basic touring aircraft, the PA-24 became an important competitor to the Beechcraft Bonanza and early high performance Cessna singles. Its combination of clean aerodynamics, all metal construction, and efficient cruise performance still gives it a distinct place in the used aircraft market.

Performance & specifications

Performance varies significantly by variant. The PA-24-180 uses a 180 hp Lycoming O-360, while the PA-24-250 and PA-24-260 use six cylinder Lycoming O-540 or IO-540 engines rated at 250 hp or 260 hp. The rare PA-24-400 uses a 400 hp Lycoming IO-720. Typical cruise speeds range from about 140 knots in the 180 hp model to around 155 to 165 knots in the 250 and 260 hp versions, with the 400 hp model capable of higher speeds. Usable range is commonly around 700 to 900 nautical miles depending on tanks, power setting, and reserve policy. Useful load is often around 1,000 to 1,300 lb, subject to equipment and empty weight. Service ceilings are generally in the high teens, with some variants published near 20,000 feet.

Cabin & avionics

Most Piper PA-24 Comanche aircraft have four seats, although some later 260 models were offered with six seat configurations. The cabin is relatively compact by modern standards, but it is comfortable for two adults with baggage and capable of longer cross country trips. No PA-24 left the factory with modern integrated suites such as Garmin G1000 or Garmin Perspective. Buyers will typically see legacy analog panels, often upgraded with Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, digital engine monitors, ADS-B equipment, Garmin G5 or GI 275 instruments, Aspen displays, and modern audio panels. Autopilot condition and supportability deserve careful review.

Buying & value

Key pre-buy items include landing gear rigging and conduits, corrosion history, fuel system condition, engine time, propeller status, logbook continuity, and compliance with applicable airworthiness directives. The PA-24-250 and PA-24-260 are the most common choices for buyers seeking a balance of speed, load, and operating cost, while the PA-24-400 is much rarer and more specialized. Common upgrades include tip tanks, speed mods, engine monitors, modern GPS, and panel modernization. In current PlaneFox used-market data, asking prices average about EUR 98,000, with listings ranging from roughly EUR 52,000 to EUR 156,000, reflecting variant, avionics, engine condition, and overall restoration quality.