This 1975 Piper PA-23-250 Aztec Is a Roomy ‘AircraftForSale’ Top Pick for Travelers

It took a few years for Piper’s PA-23 to become a stalwart among light twins.

Piper’s PA-23 is well-regarded among light twins for its handling and comfort. [Courtesy: Scott MacDonald]

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.

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.

Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4

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