The story
The Comanche was Piper's leap into serious speed: a clean laminar-flow wing, retractable gear, and cross-country legs that embarrassed newer designs for decades. Owners are devoted to them, and a well-kept Comanche still turns heads on any ramp.
Production ended in 1972 when Hurricane Agnes flooded Piper's Lock Haven factory — the tooling was destroyed and the line never restarted.
Quick answers
How do you identify a PA-24 Comanche?
Low wing, retractable gear, and a long, slightly squared fuselage with a swept fin. Sits low and sleek on the ground compared to a Cherokee.
What does a PA-24 Comanche sound like?
Big six-cylinder Lycoming with a purposeful, throaty cruise note.
How fast is the PA-24 Comanche?
Top speed is 169 kts.
How many passengers does the PA-24 Comanche carry?
Up to 5. A typical layout is 1 pilot + 3-5 passengers.
How far can the PA-24 Comanche fly?
Range is about 1,060 nmi (aux tanks).
How big is the PA-24 Comanche?
It is 25 ft 0 in long and 36 ft 0 in across the wings.
When did the PA-24 Comanche first fly?
Its first flight was in 1956.
How many PA-24 Comanches have been built?
4,857 built.
How rare is a PA-24 Comanche in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first PA-24 Comanche catch is worth 25 points.
