PA-32-300 Cherokee Six

The Piper PA‑32‑300 Cherokee Six is a six‑seat, low‑wing, single‑engine aircraft that emerged from Piper’s post‑World War II family of utility planes. Introduced in 1965 as an evolution of the earlier PA‑32‑260 Cherokee Six, the –300 version received a more powerful 300 hp Lycoming O‑540‑B2B5 engine, which gave it a higher cruise speed, improved climb performance, and a greater useful load. Its semi‑monocoque aluminum structure, wide cabin, and fixed tricycle landing gear made the aircraft popular with flight schools, air taxi operators, and private owners who needed a reliable workhorse capable of short‑field operations. Over the next two decades the Cherokee Six earned a reputation for rugged simplicity, low operating costs, and forgiving handling characteristics, contributing to its status as one of the most produced single‑engine utility aircraft in the United States. The model helped solidify Piper’s dominance in the general‑aviation market and set a benchmark for later designs such as the PA‑46 Mirage series. Today, many PA‑32‑300s remain active, serving as trainers, cargo haulers, and family transports, a testament to their lasting impact on aviation history. Its easy maintenance, interchangeable parts with earlier Cherokee models, and generous baggage capacity make it a durable, versatile workhorse.