This 1977 Piper PA-32R-300 Is a Strong-Shouldered ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

Much like a minivan or large station wagon, the Lance is ideal for long family trips.

FLYING Staff

Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 12:06 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Kimberly Johnson

1977 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance [Courtesy: Barnett Investment Group]

Key Takeaways:

Today's Top Pick is a 1977 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance, valued as an economical, roomy, and stable six-place load carrier.
This specific aircraft boasts 8,030 airframe hours, a 1,021-hour engine since new, and recent updates including new paint (2018) and interior (2021).
Its panel is equipped with modern avionics such as a Garmin GNS 430W, GI 275 EFD, and an autopilot, alongside other practical features like an engine preheater.
The 1977 Piper Lance is available for $199,900, offering a strong value proposition for pilots needing a versatile six-seat aircraft.

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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 1977 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance.

Piper’s original PA-28 Cherokee of 1960 evolved in several directions during the decades that followed, with larger engines, longer wings, retractable gear, and an overall stretch that resulted in the Cherokee Six. This economical six-seater was an immediate hit, and after several years Piper decided to add retractable gear, more interior appointments, and other upgrades that led to the higher-performance Lance and later, the Saratoga.

While the Saratoga remains a premium six-place luxury transport today, the older, more basic Lance often presents a good value for shoppers who need six seats instead of the usual four. Models from 1978 and ’79 sported T-tails, as did some other Piper models, and turbocharged versions were available. These can present a great opportunity for pilots who want turbocharging for flying faster at high altitudes where non-turbo models tend to struggle.

This 1977 Piper Lance has 8,030 hours on the airframe, 1,021 hours since new on its 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine, and 652 hours on its Hartzell propeller. The aircraft is equipped with an LED landing light and tail beacon, Tanis engine preheater, Precise Flight standby vacuum system, and Brackett air filter assembly. It received new paint in 2018 and a new interior in 2021.

The panel includes a Garmin GNS 430W GPS/nav/com, GMA 340 audio panel, GTX 330ES transponder, Garmin GI 275 EFD, GI 106A, Sigmatek 5000E/L series autopilot, King KR 86 ADF, DME, and United altimeter.

Pilots looking for a roomy, stable six-place load carrier should consider this 1977 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance, which is available for $199,900 on AircraftForSale.

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