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 models, the 6X (300-horsepower) and turbocharged 6XT, paying homage to their Cherokee Six origins.
Priced at $336,000 and $356,000 respectively, these aircraft are positioned as "entry-level sport utility vehicles" to compete with popular four-place airplanes.
They offer impressive useful loads (up to 1,440 lbs for the 6X), six-seat capacity with removable rear seats, standard Garmin GNS 430 avionics, and cruising speeds of 150-155 knots.
Deliveries for both new models are expected to commence later this summer.

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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.