Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.
Today’s Top Pick is a 1957 Piper PA-23-180 Apache.
When modern-day pilots talk about the Piper PA-23 Apache, they almost always mention its lack of power. There is truth to the assessment when you are talking about the early versions with 150 hp engines.
As the airplane developed, Piper installed more powerful engines, and it eventually evolved into the brawny, popular Aztec. Over the years a number of companies also offered modifications to improve the Apache’s performance, and the aircraft for sale here is equipped with what many consider the best upgrade, known as the Geronimo package.
The mods included a larger, sleeker nose section with a baggage compartment, more like the nose of the later Aztec, a squared-off vertical stabilizer, and other changes designed to improve speed and aesthetics. Most important, though, was the installation of 180 hp engines, which transformed the airplane into a nicely balanced, confident flier. Some pilots say the modified version is the airplane the original Apache should have been.
This 1957 Piper Apache has 9,800 hours on the airframe, 2,200 hours on its left engine, and two hours on the right. The aircraft is powered by two 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engines that were included in the package known as a Geronimo conversion, aimed at boosting the airplane’s performance.
The panel features an Aspen AFD 1000 EFIS, Garmin GNS 430W GPS/Nav/Comm, King KX 155 Nav/Comm, Stratus ADS-B transponder, PS Engineering audio panel with intercom, Century II autopilot, and carburetor temperature sensor. The aircraft, which was repainted in 2005, features an inflatable door seal and electric hydraulic backup system for the landing gear and flaps.
Pilots looking for a personal light twin that is easy to handle and can be used for travel or building time, should consider this 1957 Piper PA-23-180 Apache, which is available for $115,000 on AircraftForSale.
If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.
- FLYING Magazine: What Happened to the Piston Twin?
- Plane & Pilot: Piper Apache
- Plane & Pilot: Geronimo!
- Plane & Pilot: Piper Aztec
- The Aviation Consumer: Piper Aztec/Apache
