A New Take on the Faithful Cherokee Six

Staff

Sunday, June 01, 2003 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Piper has introduced two new six-place, fixed-gear PA-32 aircraft, the 6X (300-hp normally aspirated) and the turbocharged 6XT, designed as "entry-level sport utility vehicles."
These aircraft are competitively priced at $336,000 and $356,000, featuring a Garmin GNS 430 as standard equipment.
Both models boast impressive useful loads (up to 1,440 lbs for the 6X) and cruising speeds of 150-155 knots, with configurable six-seat cabins including quick-release rear seats.

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In a move designed to capture what Piper believes is an attractive niche market, the company recently unveiled a pair of upgraded six-place fixed-gear PA-32s. The airplanes’ new names pay homage to their Cherokee Six origins. The 6X is powered by a 300-horsepower normally aspirated Lycoming IO-540, and the 6XT is turbocharged.

The airplanes, said Piper head Chuck Suma, are designed to function as “entry-level sport utility vehicles,” and the base prices of the airplanes, $336,000 and $356,000, respectively, are designed to compete with some popular four-place airplanes.