PA-30 Twin Comanche

The Piper PA‑30 Twin Comanche is a six‑seat, low‑wing, all‑metal twin‑engine aircraft that entered production in 1963 and remained in service until 1982. Developed from the successful single‑engine PA‑24 Comanche, the Twin Comanche was Piper’s first pressurized, retractable‑gear, twin‑propeller design, intended to bridge the gap between light single‑engines and larger business aircraft. Powered by two Lycoming O‑360 engines delivering 180 hp each, it offered cruise speeds of roughly 190 knots, a range of 1,200 nautical miles, and a service ceiling above 25,000 feet, providing owners with unprecedented speed and redundancy in the general‑aviation market. Its bonded aluminum airframe, split‑flap system, and fuel‑efficient engines made it popular among corporate pilots, flight schools, and private owners. Although production numbers were modest—only 736 units were built—the Twin Comanche earned a reputation for reliable handling and was later adapted into the PA‑34 Seneca, which became Piper’s flagship twin. The aircraft’s legacy endures in modern twin‑engine training and light‑business aviation, illustrating Piper’s pivotal role in expanding twin‑engine capability to a broader market. Today a handful of well‑maintained examples still fly, cherished for their smooth performance and as a bridge between classic piston twins and modern turboprop transports.

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