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-300T Turbo Lance II.
Piper made a splash in the mid-1960s with the release of its Cherokee Six, a roomy, six-place traveling machine that could carry family, business associates or cargo. By the 1970s, though, faster six-seaters were eating away at Piper’s market.
Enter, the Lance, which essentially was a retractable version of the Six that upped performance while continuing to handle big loads.
READ MORE: Equipment to Buy when Purchasing an Airplane
The Lance was on the market for just a few years before the more-advanced Saratoga succeeded it, but in that time Piper turned out several versions of the airplane. Including naturally aspirated and turbo models, some with T-tails and some with “straight” tails.
The aircraft for sale today could be considered the ultimate version, with a T-tail and powerful turbocharged engine that allowed it to reach higher speeds at altitudes too high to be practical for most non-turbo models. This particular Turbo Lance has a comprehensively updated panel, recently overhauled engine, and new propeller that add to the attraction for pilots planning cross-country trips this summer.
This 1978 Turbo Lance II has 2,346 hours on the airframe and 85 hours since overhaul on its 300 hp Lycoming TIO-540 S1AD engine and 85 hours since new on its Hartzell three-blade propeller. The aircraft carries 94 gallons of fuel, has a range of 850 nm, useful load of 1,350 pounds, and service ceiling of 20,000 feet. The interior was refurbished in 2020, and the exterior was repainted in 2021.
The updated IFR panel includes Garmin G3X Touch 10-inch PFD and 7-inch MFD screens, a GTN 750VXi GPS/nav/com, GNC 255 nav/com, G5 backup instrument and a GFC 500 autopilot.
Pilots looking for a heavy-lifting six-seater with the high-altitude and speed advantages of turbocharging should consider this 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300T Turbo Lance II, which is available for $360,000 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.
- 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/Lance
- AVweb: Piper Saratoga and Lance Review
