PA-32-301 Saratoga

The Piper PA‑32‑301 Saratoga is a six‑seat, single‑engine, low‑wing aircraft that debuted in 1974 as a higher‑performance variant of the beloved PA‑32 series. Developed by Piper Aircraft to compete with other six‑seat utility planes, the Saratoga featured a more powerful Lycoming O‑540‑A4B5 engine delivering 300 horsepower, giving it a cruise speed near 180 kt and a useful load that appealed to business travelers and flying clubs alike. Its stretched fuselage, reinforced wing structure, and optional turbo‑charged version (the Saratoga Turbo) provided improved climb rates and higher service ceilings, while modern avionics packages kept the model relevant through the 1990s. The aircraft’s reputation for reliable handling, spacious cabin, and relatively low operating costs cemented its role in general aviation, where it served as a bridge between basic trainers and larger corporate twins. Over its production run, more than 1,500 Saratogas were built, many of which remain active in private, charter, and flight‑training fleets today, underscoring the model’s lasting impact on versatile, single‑engine aviation.

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