Today’s Top Pick is a 1981 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F.

A veteran instructor said that owning a light twin is a big step up from piston singles, in both performance and expense. However, for those who find themselves flying ever-longer distances over terrain not suited for emergency landings, the measure of security a second engine offers can easily be worth the cost.

The aircraft for sale here has a roomy, six-place cabin with good-looking upholstery and a panel with a number of modern upgrades. The F model is the last of the Aztec types, and 1981 was the aircraft’s last year of production. The first Aztecs arrived on the market in 1960 and each successive version, with a new letter suffix, brought new features. Many people prefer the F model over the rest because it has most of the desirable features, such as the long nose housing an extended baggage compartment.

This 1981 Piper Aztec F has 3,242 hours on the airframe, 493 hours on each of its 250 hp Lycoming IO-540-C4B5 engines since overhaul, and 26 hours on both propellers since overhaul. A one-piece windshield, long-range fuel tanks, and electric trim are among the aircraft’s upgrades.

The panel features Garmin GNS 530 WAAS and GNS 430 WAAS GPS/Nav/Comms, GMA 340 audio panel, King KCS 55 HSI, Garmin GTX 327 transponder STEC 55X autopilot, King KN DME, Bendix RDR 159 color radar, JPI EDM 760 engine monitor, and Shadin fuel flow instrument,      

Pilots looking for a reliable, six-seat light twin with a nice combination of load-carrying capacity, short-field performance, and cruising speed should consider this  1981 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F, which is available for $280,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Has Top Prop Available for Aztec Operators
• FLYING Magazine: MT-Propeller Receives STCs for Composite Props on Piper, Cessna Twins
• FLYING Magazine: Things to Think About When Moving Up to a Light Twin
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Aztec 
• Plane & Pilot: Piper Apache
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Aztec
• AVweb: Record-Breaking Aviator Fran Bera Dead At 93

The post This 1981 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec F Is a Well-Kept ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

1975 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec E.

When the first PA-23s rolled out of the factory, they marked a departure for Piper. In contrast to the company’s long line of high-wing, tube-and-fabric singles, the new model, called the Apache, was all metal with a low wing and two engines. While it represented “a lot of airplane” compared with the Cubs, Cruisers, and Pacers in which many pilots had trained, some considered it underpowered with a pair of Lycoming O-320s rated at 150 hp each. Single-engine performance was marginal.

Piper made many improvements, but the tide truly turned when the Aztec appeared in 1960. Even though it was still labeled as a PA-23, the Aztec performed like a completely different aircraft. With 250 hp engines, six seats, and a baggage compartment in the nose, it developed a reputation as a strong load carrier and comfortable traveling airplane.

This 1975 Piper Aztec E has 7,640 hours on the airframe, 249 hours on each of its Lycoming IO-540 engines, and 119 hours on its propellers since overhaul. The panel includes a Garmin GMA 340 audio panel, GNS 430 GPS, GNS 150 GPS, MX 20 MFD, King KX 155 nav/com, KN 64 DME, KT 76A transponder, KR 85 ADF, S-Tec 50 autopilot, and JPI EDM 760 engine monitor. The aircraft also has de-ice boots and long-range tanks.

Pilots seeking a light twin that handles well, is relatively easy to fly, and has the power to haul big loads should take a look at this 1975 Piper PA-23-250, which is available for $200,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: MT-Propeller Receives STCs for Composite Props on Piper, Cessna Twins
• FLYING Magazine: Hartzell Has Top Prop Available for Aztec Operators
• The Aviation Consumer: Used Aircraft Guide: Piper Aztec

The post This 1975 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec Is a Roomy ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick for Travelers appeared first on FLYING Magazine.