The Practical Endurance of the Piper Cherokee Six

FLYING investigates what it's like to own, maintain, and fly the original Cherokee Six.

Jason McDowell

Friday, December 24, 2021 at 08:23 AM ET

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The Cherokee Six was designed with simplicity and utility in mind. Credit: Jason McDowell

Key Takeaways:

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six (1965-1979) was designed for utility, offering significantly increased space and load-carrying capacity (6-7 seats, extensive baggage) compared to its smaller predecessors, making it ideal for transporting people and oversized cargo.
Prized for its fixed-gear simplicity and powerful engine options (260 or 300 hp), it provides admirable takeoff/landing performance and stable instrument flying, though its fuel burn is not thrifty.
While capable of carrying substantial loads (1,400-1,500 lb useful load), its flight characteristics change significantly with weight, demanding pilot attention, especially when heavily loaded.
Ownership is straightforward with readily available parts and service, and despite potential higher insurance due to seating, it remains one of the most economical means of attaining large-cabin utility without the complexity of light twins.

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When Piper introduced its popular four-place PA-28 Cherokee in 1960, it didn’t take long for the company to realize that a significant number of customers (and potential customers) had a need for more space and more load-carrying capability. By 1963, Cessna had responded to that market segment by introducing its six-place 205, and Piper followed suit in 1965 by introducing the PA-32 Cherokee Six.

The Cherokee Six was designed with simplicity and utility in mind. While it later evolved into the Saratoga, Lance and “Six”—all with various blends of retractable gear, turbocharged engines, T-tails and tapered wings—we’re focusing on the original version, built from 1965 to 1979.