This 1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche Is a Refurbished, High-Performance ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Newer paint and interior trim make for a sharp presentation.

Jonathan Welsh

Friday, August 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Zach Vasile

1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche [Credit: Rich D]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick is a 1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, which at its 1956 debut was considered a modern and high-performance aircraft.
This specific Comanche features 2,489 airframe hours, an 868-hour 250 hp Lycoming engine, and avionics including a Garmin GNS 430, with recent updates to its interior, paint, cowling, and exhaust.
Described as a stylish, efficient, and economical traveling airplane, it offers a blend of classic aviation charm and modern utility.
The 1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche is available for $155,000, with financing options mentioned through FLYING Finance.

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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 1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche.

Whenever I visit William T, Piper Memorial Airport (KLHV) in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, which seems to hide in the shadow of Bald Eagle Mountain, I try to imagine the scene in 1956 when Piper’s new PA-24 Comanche made its first test flights. It must have been an exciting time.

Even though it took a decade for Piper to answer the challenge of rival Beechcraft’s Bonanza, the all-metal PA-24, with its sleek profile and low, drag-cheating, laminar-flow wing must have looked like a spaceship compared with the company’s long-running series of high-wing Cubs, Colts, Pacers, and Vagabonds. I am sure onlookers were impressed as it rose quickly above the ridge and scooted out of sight on the other side.

This Piper has a neat, uncluttered, and inviting cabin and panel. [Credit: Rich D]

Anyone familiar with Lock Haven knows that Bald Eagle stands just over 2,100 feet, so some might argue it is just a hill. The Cessna 172 that I flew on my first trip to the field powered its way over the peak without too much effort, so the high-performance Piper should make short work of it. I am talking about visual and emotional effects, though, so just try to play along.

The aircraft for sale today could give its next owner a sense of those heady mid-century days when civilian aircraft with the formidable combination of power, speed, and sophistication were still new. At the same time, this PA-24 will fit right into the modern era, making long-distance trips seem a lot shorter for the family members and friends you choose to take along for the ride.

This 1961 Comanche has 2,489 hours on the airframe, 868 hours on its 250 hp Lycoming O-540-A1D5 engine, and 171 hours on its McCauley three-blade propeller. The aircraft carries 90 gallons of fuel and has a useful load of 1,100 pounds.

The panel includes a Garmin GNS 430 GPS/Nav/Com, GPSmap 496, JPI EDM 830 engine monitor, and Narco AT-150 transponder. Additional equipment includes a factory-installed oxygen system, Cleveland brakes, and SureFly ignition. The aircraft received new interior trim in 2004, new paint in 2005, and new fiberglass cowling and exhaust system in 2017.

Pilots looking for a stylish, efficient and economical traveling airplane should consider this 1961 Piper PA-24-250 Comanche, which is available for $155,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use our airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.