Piper Pa-32-260 Cherokee Six

[alan_mcmahon]

We are looking at purchasing a PIPER PA-32-260 CHEROKEE SIX single light aircraft for long range touring. Does anyone have any experience on this aircraft, recommendations or advice on purchasing this type ? Any pitfalls with the Cherokee Six ?

The spec is as follows:

YEAR 1965
HOURS AIRFRAME 2012 HOURS SINCE NEW
ENGINE 1078 HOURS SMOH
PROPELLER 55 HOURS SOH
ENGINE TYPE LYCOMING 260 HP O-540-E4B5 (2000 TBO + Extn)
PROPELLER TYPE HARTZELL 2 BLADE CONSTANT SPEED

[Genghis the Engineer]

Terribly sorry old chap, but I don't think you've posted in the right forum. I've moved this over to "Private Flying" where I think you're much more likely to find out what you want to know.

Best of luck nonetheless,

Genghis
Flight Test Forum Moderator

[eggs]

Alan.

The PA 32 300 is a very limited aircraft but the 260 is hopeless.

Take a look at the P charts then ask how many pax then baggage then think of fuel.

The pilot comfort is good but with 6 POB it is very close and the range and speed just will not be there.

Good luck.

[Chosun]

Hmmmmmmmmm,
As far as Eggs opinion goes, could I take issue, having plenty of experience in the type in question? (over 60 hours)
The Six-260, with a full fuel load, will carry 4 substantial adults (180-200lbs each) and 100 lbs of baggage comfortably at 6000-8000 feet, at 135-140 kts TAS, and land after 2.5 hours with well over an hour's endurance remaining. I never carried 6 people, just as you wouldn't put 4 adults in a PA28-140. This is not to say that you couldn't or shouldn't, but then you'd be down to about an hour's useful range with reserves, but your ceiling would be the same. The c of g is rarely, if ever, a problem (but check it anyway!!)
In short, the 260 is a safe, relaxing cruiser, and has good take-off and landing performance, too. I have had it safely in and out of a 1500x60 strip with room to spare, with half fuel and two up.
Fuel consumption varies, but typically you'll get 13-15 US galls per hour at 75% power and the speed as quoted above, this being at 2400rpm/24 inches.:)

[GAMAN]

A great aircraft!
I have about 300hrs in them flying air transport ops. We reguarly carry 5 pax@77kg, 90kg bags with just short of 3hrs endurance.
With small aircraft like this the empty wieght can make or break the potential of the plane. Hopefully the one you are looking at has an empty weight of around 850kg or less.
C of G can be an issue at all up weight and it is advisable to keep as much weight as possible at the front.
Fuel management is vital as poor management has killed a few cherokee six pilots. Best where possible to just operate off the tip tanks and have reserves in the mains.
The 6 is a workhorse and our two both have well over 10,000 hours and are in great shape.

[bottieburp]

Alan M

I have the perfect solution for you!

THere is a 6/300 for hire at Turweston EGBT (near Silverstone).

Why not get across there and get checked out - hire it for an hour or two and then make your decision?

THe 6/300 is a far better machine (why would Piper have developed it otherwise?).

The one at Turdy has been repainted/ retrimmed/ new engine/ 3-blade prop etc.

From memory the hire rate is £95 dry + VAT.

Call Peter Maynard anyway on 01295 711157 - he will happily give you an owners perspective.

I don't believe his 6 is for sale but it is worth asking the question.

BB

[maxalpha]

Pa32 300 one of the best ga workhorses ever built
good load carrier easy to fly wide cabin and the great
sound of a 6 cylinder lycoming.

[Chosun]

So, OK, 300 is bigger than 260, by 13%, but what does that translate into in ROC/Cruise-speed/range/load? Is it 13% thirstier too?:confused: