Piper PA-32R Lance/ Saratoga SP
Piston • single engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
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Mission Profile
About the Piper PA-32R Lance/ Saratoga SP
The Piper PA-32R-301T Turbo Saratoga SP is a staple of the high-performance single-engine market, evolving from the venerable Cherokee Six into a sophisticated cross-country machine. Its defining feature is the combination of a 300 hp turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 engine and a retractable landing gear system, allowing for consistent performance at higher altitudes where non-turbocharged aircraft struggle. The ‘SP’ (Special Performance) models introduced the tapered wing, which improved handling and efficiency over the earlier ‘Hershey Bar’ wing designs found on the Lance.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Interior Versatility: Often equipped with ‘club seating,’ the cabin is exceptionally spacious for six adults, featuring a large rear cargo door that simplifies loading bulky items.
- Turbocharged Utility: The engine maintains 300 hp up to high altitudes, making it an excellent choice for mountain flying or topping weather systems.
- Stability: Known for being a very stable IFR platform, it handles heavy loads with predictable flight characteristics.
Trade-offs
- Operating Costs: The retractable gear and turbocharged engine increase annual maintenance costs and insurance premiums compared to fixed-gear counterparts.
- Payload vs. Range: While it has a high gross weight, filling all six seats often requires a reduction in fuel, limiting the aircraft’s 784 nm range.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 36.2 ft
- Length
- 28.2 ft
- Height
- 8.5 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 3,600 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 3,600 lbs
- Useful Load
- 1,522 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 102 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 177 KTAS
- Range
- 784 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 20,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1120 fpm
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Videos
Other Links
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Wikipedia: Piper PA-32R - Development, Variants, and Operational History en.wikipedia.org
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AOPA Aircraft Fact Sheet: Piper Saratoga Series Overview www.aopa.org
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Aviation Consumer: Piper Saratoga/Lance Used Aircraft Guide aviationconsumer.com
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AVweb: Deep Dive into the Piper PA-32R Evolution and Performance avweb.com
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Flying Magazine: The Saratoga SP as a Cross-Country Mission Leader www.flyingmag.com
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SKYbrary Aviation Safety: Piper PA-32R Technical Data skybrary.aero