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 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II.
Piper developed the Lance during the mid-1970s as a retractable-gear version of its popular six-place Cherokee Six. While the company designed the Six to be a heavy-lifting workhorse for hauling cargo and passengers, it aimed upmarket with the Lance.
Retracting the gear made the airplane faster and more efficient. Subtle changes in the engine compartment boosted performance and kept the Lance from losing any of the high useful load for which the fixed-gear Cherokee Six was renowned.
The aircraft for sale today sports the T-tail design that Piper adopted during the 1978 model year—a time when T-tails were in vogue throughout general aviation. Today the tail gives the model a distinct look that enhances its ramp appeal, especially for those who appreciate 1970s styling trends.
At its core, though, the Lance is a practical machine with a roomy cabin, club seating that many passengers prefer, and a straightforward airframe that is easy to maintain. The Lance also tends to be the most economical option among six-place piston singles.
This 1978 Lance II has 5,667 hours on the airframe, 950 hours on its 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine, and 750 hours on its three-blade propeller. The IFR panel includes a Garmin 340 audio panel, GNS 430 GPS/nav/com, Garmin GTX 345 transponder with ADS-B In and Out, King KX155 nav/com, engine analyzer, and Piper Altimatic III with altitude hold.
Pilots seeking the added space and flexibility of a six-place cabin for cross-country travel with family or on business should consider this 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II, which is available for $164,500 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.
- FLYING Magazine: Air Compare: Piper Lance vs. Saratoga
- FLYING Magazine: Piper Saratoga Avionics Install: Part 1
- Plane & Pilot:Piper Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga
- Plane & Pilot: Piper Lance/Turbo Lance
- Plane & Pilot: Piper Saratoga
- The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Saratoga and Lance
