Piper 32T Turbo Lance 2

Key Features for GA Buyers

The Piper PA-32RT-300T Turbo Lance II is a high-performance, single-engine aircraft that serves as a logical step-up for pilots graduating from the PA-28 Archer/Arrow series. It is essentially a retractable-gear version of the Cherokee Six, retaining that airframe’s legendary load-hauling capability and spacious six-seat cabin.

• Heavy Hauler: Known as the “Suburban of the Sky,” it offers a substantial useful load (often over 1,500 lbs), allowing for full fuel and a reasonable passenger load.
• Turbo Performance: The turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine allows for cruising at altitudes up to 20,000 ft, maintaining true airspeeds of ~175 kts above the weather.
• Club Seating: Features a comfortable club seating arrangement with a wide center aisle and dual cargo doors, making loading passengers and luggage exceptionally easy.
• T-Tail Configuration: Distinguishes the “Lance II” from earlier Lances and later Saratogas. The T-tail places the horizontal stabilizer out of the propwash, designed to reduce vibration.

Trade-offs

• Handling Characteristics: The T-tail design results in less elevator authority at low speeds compared to the conventional tail, requiring a specific takeoff technique (allowing speed to build before rotation) to avoid abrupt pitch-up.
• Maintenance: The turbocharging system adds complexity and maintenance costs compared to naturally aspirated models. The engine runs hotter and requires careful management to reach TBO.
• Fuel Burn: Expect a fuel burn of 18-20 gallons per hour at cruise, which is higher than smaller retractables like the Mooney M20 or Piper Arrow.