This 1978 Piper PA-32R-300 Lance II Is a 1970s-Cool ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick

1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II [Courtesy: Aircraft Ownership Solutions]

Each day, the team at Aircraft For Sale picks an airplane that catches our attention because it is unique, represents a good deal, or has other interesting qualities. You can read Aircraft For Sale: Today’s Top Pick at FLYINGMag.com daily.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II.

It was the late 1970s, also known as the T-tail era, and Piper was embracing the design feature more intensely than most manufacturers. The company’s Lance and Arrow piston singles converted from traditional tail feathers to the trendy empennage while its PA-38 Tomahawk trainer and PA-44 Seminole light twin were born that way.

Piper’s affection for T-tails eventually cooled, with Arrows returning to “straight” tails and Lances evolving into Saratogas, which also sported the traditional style. For a time pilots regarded the T-tail Lances as dated and undesirable, though today they exude a cool 1970s vibe that has gained popularity with a younger audience, just as big American cars and floral-print clothing of the era have enjoyed revivals. Something about that high tail gives this Lance an extra shot of ramp appeal and more than a hint of swagger. You will need a stepladder to properly preflight this machine but the overall effect is worth the effort.

Beyond pure style, and best of all, the Lance is a powerful, comfortable, and economical traveling airplane with a generous useful load. Family members can stretch out in its six-seat cabin and take in the view through its many windows. The Piper Lance supports the notion that with the right airplane, getting there can be more than half the fun.

This 1978 Lance II has 3,808 hours on the airframe, 1,660 hours on its 300 hp Lycoming IO-540 engine since overhaul and 327 hours since new on its propeller.

The IFR panel includes a King KMA 20 audio panel and Sigtronics SPA-400 four-place intercom, dual King KX 170B nav/comms with localizer and glideslope, KN 74 RNAV, King KT 76A transponder, and uAvionix Tail Beacon with ADS-B Out. Additional equipment includes LoPresti wing tips, Tanis engine heater, EGT instrument, and electric trim.

Pilots who want a six-seater that can cruise with conviction while not breaking the bank should consider this 1978 Piper PA-32RT-300 Lance II, which is available for $149,900 on AircraftForSale.

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