Introduced in the early 1960s, the Piper PA‑30 Twin Comanche was Piper’s answer to pilots seeking redundancy and performance in a refined, personal-sized airframe. Based on the proven Comanche lineage, the PA-30 features a low-wing design, retractable landing gear, and two Lycoming IO-320 engines producing 160 horsepower each. The result is an aircraft that cruises faster and more efficiently than many contemporaries while retaining light control forces and balanced handling.
Unlike bulkier light twins, the PA-30 was optimized around efficiency rather than cabin volume. Its aerodynamic cleanliness allows cruise speeds approaching 170–180 knots on fuel flows that remain competitive even by modern standards. Over its production run, Piper introduced multiple refinements, including six-seat cabin options, turbocharged variants for high-altitude performance, and later counter-rotating configurations (designated PA-39) to reduce asymmetric handling concerns. Today, the Twin Comanche remains respected as one of the most efficient piston twins ever produced, with a dedicated owner community and enduring utility for personal travel, training, and light business missions.
The original PA-30 Twin Comanche was conceived as a highly efficient personal light twin, emphasizing speed, economy, and balanced handling in a compact airframe. Powered by twin 160 hp Lycoming IO-320 engines, it delivered strong cruise performance with fuel burns notably lower than many contemporaries, while retaining light, responsive control forces. Its clean aerodynamics and modest weight made it particularly attractive to owner-pilots seeking true twin-engine redundancy without the operating penalties of larger cabin twins.
The PA-30B expanded the Twin Comanche’s mission capability by adding a six-seat cabin configuration and additional windows, improving passenger flexibility without sacrificing performance. Retaining the same 160 hp Lycoming powerplants, the B model preserved the aircraft’s efficient cruise profile while offering greater utility for family travel or light business use. This balance of added seating and retained efficiency made the PA-30B a popular choice for owners needing versatility in a compact twin platform.
The turbocharged PA-30 variants extended the Twin Comanche’s envelope into higher altitudes, improving cruise speeds, weather avoidance capability, and overall range. Equipped with turbocharged Lycoming engines and often paired with tip tanks, these models allowed pilots to operate comfortably in the high teens and flight levels. The turbo variants appealed to pilots flying longer cross-country missions who valued altitude performance while maintaining the Twin Comanche’s hallmark efficiency.
The PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R introduced counter-rotating engines to eliminate the critical engine and reduce asymmetric handling challenges inherent to conventional twins. While performance remained largely comparable to the standard PA-30, the revised engine configuration significantly improved single-engine handling characteristics. This made the PA-39 especially attractive for training environments and owner-pilots prioritizing simplified multi-engine handling and enhanced confidence in engine-out scenarios.
Light, Responsive Controls
Handling qualities closer to a high-performance single than a twin.
Twin Engine Redundancy
True multi-engine capability in a personal-sized aircraft.
Aerodynamically Clean Airframe
Low-drag design delivers exceptional cruise efficiency for a piston twin
Multiple Fuel Configurations
Tip tanks and auxiliary fuel options significantly extend range.
Turbocharged Availability
High-altitude cruise capability for weather and terrain flexibility
Retractable Landing Gear
Reduced drag improves cruise speed and fuel economy.
Operating Efficiency
Delivers twin-engine performance with fuel burn well below many comparable light twins.
High Cruise Speed
Cross-country travel at near-Baron speeds in a smaller, lighter airframe.
Pilot Confidence
Redundancy and stability support IFR and longer-range missions.
Training Utility
Widely used for multi-engine training due to predictable handling and systems.
Mission Flexibility
Well suited for personal travel, family flying, and light business use.
Ownership Community
Strong type clubs and support networks simplify long-term ownership.
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