Two Engines, Twice the Drama (and Fun)
If a regular Comanche is a polite dinner guest, the Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is the charismatic twin brother who shows up with two engines and a smile that says, “Let’s cross a continent… before lunch.”
Elegant but speedy. Compact but capable. Quiet but powerful. The Twin Comanche is like if James Bond learned to fly and said, “Make it twin-engine, please.”
A Little Backstory: Born to Beat the Budget
Introduced in 1963, the Twin Comanche was Piper’s answer to the light twin market, basically saying to Cessna:
“Hey, 310? Cute. But have you met my new twin baby?”
Designed by the legendary Ed Swearingen (aka the guy who turned average airplanes into flying beasts), the PA-30 was a brilliant move. It offered speed, efficiency, and safety in a surprisingly affordable package the first “budget-friendly” twin that didn’t feel like a budget cut.
Specifications: Double the Props, Double the Cool
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Lycoming IO-320-B1A |
| Horsepower | 160 HP per engine (320 HP total) |
| Cruise Speed | ~160 knots |
| Range | 1,000+ nautical miles |
| Fuel Capacity | 120 gallons |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 3,600 lbs |
| Useful Load | ~1,400 lbs |
That’s enough to take you, your copilot, your luggage, and your emotional baggage across the country.
Why Pilots Love the Twin Comanche
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It’s fast. Like, sneaky fast. You look at the airspeed indicator and go, “Wait… really?”
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It sips fuel. For a twin, it’s shockingly efficient. It doesn't guzzle it gracefully nibbles.
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Great for training. Multi-engine students love it. Instructors tolerate it. And the plane? It patiently forgives your mistakes. Most of them.
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Sleek design. Low profile, retractable gear, and a vibe that says, “I belong on a mission.”
Flying Experience: Smooth Criminal
Takeoff: Feels like launching a tiny space shuttle.
Climb: Confident and assertive like it knows where it’s going.
Cruise: Silent enough to hear your passenger ask for snacks.
Single-engine performance: Manageable. Just don’t try to make it a one-engine plane on purpose, okay?
The Twin Comanche flies so smooth, you might forget you have two engines until your fuel bill reminds you.
The Quiet Assassin of the Twin World
It’s called the “Silent Twin” in some circles because it doesn’t roar like some light twins. It sneaks up on you like a flying ninja in khakis. Other planes shout; the Twin Comanche whispers, “Cruise at 160 knots, darling.”
Things to Watch Out For (Because No Plane Is Perfect)
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Fuel system knowledge is key – if you ignore it, the plane will teach you a lesson... midair.
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Low gear clearance – avoid rough grass fields unless you want your props to say hello to Earth.
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Parts availability – a bit more niche now, but not extinct. Just... don’t wait till the annual to start Googling.
Piper’s Twin That's Still Turning Heads
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche isn’t just a plane it’s a cult classic. Loved by savvy owners, respected by instructors, and feared by people who can’t manage a fuel selector.
It’s not the biggest, flashiest, or newest twin out there. But it’s smart, slick, and surprisingly affordable to run like the flying version of a reliable sports sedan with two engines duct-taped on (but in a classy way).
If you ever get the chance to fly one, do it. And if you own one? We’re jealous.
