Piper PA-30 Turbo Twin Comanche

Piston • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear

Range Visualization

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Payload vs. Range

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Avg. pax weight (lbs)

Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Luggage per pax (lbs)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers

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Fuel on board

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Range

Available Range / nm

Mission capable — Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.

Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).

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Mission Profile

194

KTAS

Cruise Speed

Occupants

1100

Max Range

597

lbs

Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Piper PA-30 Turbo Twin Comanche

The Piper PA-30 Turbo Twin Comanche is the ultimate efficiency machine in the light twin category. By pairing a sleek, laminar-flow airframe with two fuel-injected 160 hp Lycoming engines, it achieves cruise speeds that rival much larger twins while burning a fraction of the fuel (roughly 15–17 GPH total). The Turbo models, typically featuring manual RayJay wastegates, allow the aircraft to maintain power up to 24,000 ft, making it a serious high-altitude cruiser.

Key Features for GA Buyers

Unmatched Efficiency: Frequently cited as the only twin that makes financial sense compared to high-performance singles, offering a second engine for safety with a ‘nickel budget’ fuel burn.
Long Endurance: When equipped with the iconic 15-gallon tip tanks (totaling 120 gallons), this aircraft has a range of over 1,100 nm, capable of crossing half a continent in one hop.
Ramp Appeal: Its low-slung stance and pointed nose give it a timeless, sporty look that stands out among mid-century GA designs.

Trade-offs

Complex Engine Management: Older Turbo models use manual wastegates, requiring the pilot to manage throttle and wastegate knobs simultaneously during climb to avoid over-boosting.
Challenging Landings: Due to the laminar-flow wing and short main gear, it is a notorious ‘floater’ that can reward poor speed control with a punishing ‘thud’ on touchdown.
Single-Engine Performance: Like many light twins of its era, single-engine climb is anemic (approx. 200-260 FPM). It requires a proficient pilot who respects its $V_{MC}$ and $V_{SSE}$ speeds.

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Wingspan: 36.0 ft
Length: 25.1 ft
Height: 8.2 ft

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight: 3,725 lbs
Max Landing Weight: 3,725 lbs
Useful Load: 1,317 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 120 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed: 194 KTAS
Range: 1100 NM
Service Ceiling: 30,000 ft
Rate of Climb: 1460 fpm

Engines

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