The Piper Comanche (PA-24) is a classic, fast retractable single from the 1950s–60s — efficient, capable, and a favorite of pilots who value speed and range at a reasonable price.
Key takeaways
- Fast and efficient: strong cross-country performance.
- Classic retractable single with a devoted following.
- Out of production: parts support via a strong community.
About the Piper Comanche
The Comanche came with Lycoming engines from 180 to 260 hp (and the 400 with a big V8-like engine), cruising around 160–180 knots depending on version. Retractable gear and its systems, engine time, and corrosion are key inspection items. A Comanche-savvy pre-buy helps.
| Specification | Piper Comanche |
|---|---|
| Type | High-performance single (retractable) |
| Engine | Lycoming O-360 / IO-540 (~180–260 hp) |
| Cruise | ~160–180 knots |
Typical used price (2026): ~$60,000–$160,000. Condition, avionics, and engine time drive value within that range.
Is the Piper Comanche Right for You?
The Piper Comanche suits owners who want speed and capability in a single, and who are ready for the training, insurance, and cost that higher performance brings. It rewards a proficient, current pilot. If you're newer, plan for transition training — it helps both safety and insurance.
Ownership & Operating Costs
- Fuel: higher — a bigger engine burns more.
- Insurance: performance-priced; transition training and time-in-type matter.
- Systems: budget for retractable gear, turbo, or other complexity if fitted.
- Engine reserve: set aside per flight hour toward overhaul.
For a full framework across models, see our aircraft ownership cost guide.
What to Check When Buying
Check engine time, the retractable gear and/or turbo systems if fitted, avionics, damage history, and complete logs. On a higher-performance single, a type-experienced pre-buy and a realistic insurance/training plan matter as much as the airframe.
Financing a Piper Comanche
A Piper Comanche finances as a piston single (15–20% down, up to 20 years), but as a higher-performance airplane, insurance and transition training carry extra weight and must be arranged before funding. Jaken Aviation is a brokerage, not a lender — we shop your loan across a national network of aviation lenders.
Prices, specifications, and financing figures are illustrative for the 2026 market and are not offers of credit. Jaken Aviation is a licensed aircraft financing brokerage — a division of Jaken Finance Group — and does not make loan decisions. All financing is subject to lender approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Piper Comanche hard to insure?
As a higher-performance single, it's priced on your time-in-type and training. A transition-training plan helps both premiums and safety; coverage must bind before a lender funds.
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