Piper Comanche 180 Cost of Ownership

The Piper Comanche 180: Classic Design and Handling

The Piper PA-24 Comanche represents vintage aircraft design at its finest. Produced from 1958 to 1972, the Comanche 180 offers refined handling, mechanical simplicity, and elegant design. The 180 HP Lycoming engine provides solid performance combined with reasonable fuel economy. The aircraft is known for forgiving flying characteristics and exceptional build quality.

Today, the Comanche appeals to pilots valuing classic aircraft aesthetics, superior handling, and mechanical understanding. This comprehensive guide examines the financial realities of Comanche 180 ownership—a niche but rewarding aviation experience.

Why Pilots Choose the Piper Comanche 180

The primary appeal is flying experience and design. The Comanche 180 is renowned for responsive, predictable handling. The aircraft is stable and forgiving, yet responsive to control inputs. Pilots appreciate the simplicity of the design and the ability to understand and maintain their aircraft. The Comanche represents pure flying without complex systems.

Secondary advantages include solid performance, good fuel economy, excellent visibility, and the charm of flying a classic aircraft. The trade-off: airframes are 50+ years old, requiring diligent maintenance and finding mechanics experienced with older Pipers.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Era (Production Ended 1972)

The Comanche market offers pricing based on model generation and condition:

• Early Models (1958-1964): $65,000-$120,000 - Original equipment, simpler systems, requires maintenance assessment
• Mid-Range (1965-1968): $95,000-$160,000 - Improved reliability, better systems, good value
• Late Models (1969-1972): $140,000-$210,000 - Final production models, most modern systems available
• Projects/Needing Work: $25,000-$50,000 - Aircraft requiring major overhauls or restoration

Key Price Factors

• Airframe Condition: Age and corrosion history dramatically affect value; pristine airframes worth 30-50% premium
• Engine Time: Fresh engines add $15,000-$25,000; engines beyond TBO reduce value $15,000-$25,000
• Interior: Restored interiors add $8,000-$15,000 to value
• Documentation: Complete maintenance records add $5,000-$10,000 to value

Financing a Piper Comanche 180

Down Payment Requirements

Lenders are cautious with aircraft over 40-50 years old. Expect 25-30% down requirements. For a $130,000 purchase:

• 25% down: $32,500 cash, $97,500 financed
• 30% down: $39,000 cash, $91,000 financed

Loan Terms and Rates

Comanche terms typically range 7-10 years at 7-8% rates (higher than newer aircraft). Example monthly payments for $97,500 loan:

• 7 years at 7.5%: $1,452/month ($17,424/year)
• 10 years at 7.5%: $1,150/month ($13,800/year)

Alternative: Cash Purchase

Many Comanche buyers purchase for cash due to moderate prices and difficulty financing older aircraft. A cash purchase eliminates financing costs but requires careful pre-purchase inspection.

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

For a $130,000 Piper Comanche 180:

• Liability Only ($1M): $345-$495 annually for qualified pilots
• Full Coverage ($1M liability, $130K hull): $1,600-$2,400 for qualified pilots
• Less Experienced Pilots: $2,200-$3,500 for full coverage
• Typical Cost: $1,800-$2,500 annually

Fuel and Operating Costs: Moderate for Classic Aircraft

Fuel Consumption - Reasonable Economy

The Piper Comanche 180 burns approximately 9.5-10 gallons per hour at cruise power settings. At current 100LL avgas prices:

• At $6/gallon: $57-$60/hour
• At $6.50/gallon: $62-$65/hour
• At $7/gallon: $67-$70/hour

Over 100 annual flight hours at $6.50/gallon, fuel costs run $6,200-$6,500 annually. This fuel efficiency is strong for an aircraft from the 1960s-early 1970s.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Annual Inspection: $1,500-$3,000 (vintage aircraft complexity)
• Routine Maintenance: $22.50/hour average
• Engine Reserve: $15/hour toward 2,000-hour overhaul (~$75K)
• Oil and Misc: $4/hour

Hourly Variable Costs

Total variable costs run approximately $110-$130/hour including fuel ($64), maintenance ($22.50), oil ($4), and reserves ($15-$20).

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar/Tie-Down: $70/month ($850/year)
• Insurance: $1,800-$2,500
• Annual Inspection: $1,500-$2,500
• Accessories/Misc: $400-$800

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $4,550-$6,650

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year (Cash Purchase)

Aircraft purchased for cash at $130,000:

• Depreciation reserve: $2,600 (2% annual for vintage aircraft)
• Fixed costs: $5,600
• Fuel (100 hours × $64): $6,400
• Maintenance (100 hours × $22.50): $2,250
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $15): $1,500
• Annual inspection: $2,000
• Total Annual Cost: $20,350
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $204

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year (With Financing)

Aircraft purchased at $130,000 with 30% down ($39,000), $91,000 financed at 7.5% over 10 years:

• Loan payment: $1,150/month ($13,800/year)
• Fixed costs: $5,600
• Fuel (150 hours × $64): $9,600
• Maintenance (150 hours × $22.50): $3,375
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $15): $2,250
• Annual inspection: $2,000
• Total Annual Cost: $36,625
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $244

Piper Comanche 180 vs. Comparable Aircraft

Comanche 180 vs. Cessna 172 (Four-Seat Single)

A modern Cessna 172 costs $180-$220/hour. A Comanche 180 costs $200-$250/hour. The Cessna is newer with modern avionics, while the Comanche offers superior handling and classic design. The choice is lifestyle-driven rather than purely economical.

Comanche 180 vs. Piper Cherokee 180 (Fixed-Gear Four-Seat)

A Cherokee 180 costs $160-$200/hour. A Comanche 180 costs $200-$250/hour. The Cherokee is more economical and newer, while the Comanche offers superior handling and classic appeal. The Comanche premium reflects design elegance rather than performance superiority.

Is Piper Comanche 180 Ownership Worth It?

At $200-$250/hour all-in operating cost with a $130,000 purchase price, the Piper Comanche 180 is primarily for pilots valuing classic aircraft experience and superior handling over raw economy. The aircraft is moderately expensive to own and operate relative to comparable trainer aircraft, but offers unique flying characteristics and timeless design.

Comanche 180 ownership makes sense for experienced pilots flying 100+ hours annually who value responsive handling, mechanical understanding, and classic aesthetics enough to accept higher maintenance requirements and costs.

Next Steps to Comanche 180 Ownership

1. Build experience with vintage aircraft. Fly multiple Comanche examples before purchasing
2. Get pre-purchase inspection from Piper specialist. Budget $2,500-$4,000 for thorough evaluation
3. Review complete maintenance history. Confirm all airworthiness directives and service bulletins complied with
4. Evaluate airframe condition. Have mechanic assess corrosion and structural integrity
5. Obtain insurance quotes. Confirm costs and coverage availability
6. Research available aircraft. Monitor Trade-A-Plane and aviation classifieds

Sources and Citations

1. Pilot Passion (2025). "How Much Does a Piper PA-24 Comanche Cost?" - Aircraft pricing and operating cost analysis. Retrieved from pilotpassion.com
2. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Piper Comanche Insurance Cost" - Insurance premium data and coverage information. Retrieved from bwifly.com
3. Aviation Consumer (2024). "Piper Comanche Used Aircraft Guide" - Aircraft review and maintenance issues. Retrieved from aviationconsumer.com
4. AOPA (2025). "Piper Comanche Fact Sheet" - Aircraft specifications and ownership information. Retrieved from aopa.org
5. Piper Owner Society (2025). "Piper Comanche Resources" - Community knowledge and ownership guides. Retrieved from piperowner.org

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, fuel costs, insurance premiums, and maintenance expenses vary by location and aircraft condition. Vintage aircraft ownership requires specialized knowledge—always work with experienced mechanics and inspectors familiar with the Comanche.