Seneca as a freighter
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Join Date: Apr 2011
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Seneca as a freighter
Bit of a longshot, but has anyone ever known someone who used a Piper Seneca, Saratoga or Cherokee 6 in the past to carry freight? I'm looking at moving larger items and require an approved net and restraining system for the aircraft. Only problem is, they seem to be rare to come by for the model in question.
Any help is appreciated
Any help is appreciated
Join Date: Nov 2007
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A quick google search revealed Airpac in the states op Senecas as freighters. May be they can help?
Airpac Airlines Flight Department
Airpac Airlines Flight Department
Join Date: Mar 2010
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Seneca with the payload, gotta be honest with you, its one of the worst aircraft for moving freight. Nevertheless there are approved nets for freight, I've seen one myself.
Sprucegoose
Join Date: Sep 2000
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Many years ago one operated DN-KUN-DN each night, a II from memory.
For a small freighter, you can't beat PA-32 (360 kg's), C-210 (510 kg's), or BE58 (530 kg's), all have freight nets available.
For a small freighter, you can't beat PA-32 (360 kg's), C-210 (510 kg's), or BE58 (530 kg's), all have freight nets available.
The II is very dependant on the options you have fitted, basic weights varying from 1340kg to 1450kg with six seat interior fitted. With the low basic weight you can load 460kg up to MZFW (over 500kg with VG mod). That allows about 350ltrs of fuel remaining to MTOW (2070kg). There is a VG kit which increases MZFW (1814kg) by 75kg. The three blade models add weight and slow it down, two blades still have good field performance with better engine out and cruise of about 170ktas at 100lph. Operating costs are about a third less than a Baron 58, and a lot less if things break. Single engine at MTOW with good technique it should achieve 200fpm at 90kts.
The I apart from training activities is a complete waste of time.
The III and up are a lot more expensive to look after and the V would cost the same as a B58 to run with a lot of little problems.
The I apart from training activities is a complete waste of time.
The III and up are a lot more expensive to look after and the V would cost the same as a B58 to run with a lot of little problems.
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We used to run mail in a Seneca11, lots of mail. Yeah, they were ok, had to watch the load in the nose. had Cherokee 6 300...great workhorse, carry just as much if not more than the 34. Lost an engine at 250 in the Seneca on take off........not pretty! 
Used to haul a lot of freight years ago in Cherokee Sixes..Rocky to Great Keppel Island...260 H.P. version had the best payload...I think in the region of 500 KG.,if my memory is correct...cartons of XXXX Cans were the right size for the forward locker, instant C.G. fix!
Augusta Airways/Airlines Of South Australia used their Seneca 1 as a freighter on the mail run a few times when all their Chieftains fell over for one reason or another.
DF.
DF.
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Air Napier in NZ has 2 Seneca II's, a PA32 and PA31, all have cargo nets for freight.... I think the Pa32 and 1 of the PA34's are hangar queens so they may have a net or 2 to spare.
RFDS PAG used one as well when their B58 was gutsed
DF.