Piper Comanche Cost of Ownership: High-Performance Retractable Gear Single

The Piper PA-24 Comanche is a vintage high-performance retractable gear aircraft produced from 1958 to 1972. With strong cruise speeds (155+ knots), multiple engine options (180, 250, 260, and 400 horsepower), and solid reliability, the Comanche remains an excellent choice for performance-minded pilots seeking value. Here's the complete financial picture.

Purchase Cost: Finding Value in a Vintage Performer

The Piper Comanche was produced from 1958 to 1972 in multiple variants: PA-24-180 (180 HP), PA-24-250 (250 HP), PA-24-260 (260 HP), and PA-24-400 (400 HP). Approximately 3,900 Comanches were manufactured, creating a reasonable secondary market but with less inventory than more popular retractables like the Piper Arrow.

Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Piper Comanches range from $65,000 (budget high-time examples) to $210,000 (well-maintained low-time aircraft). Some aircraft needing substantial work can be found under $50,000. A typical good-condition Comanche averages $100,000-$140,000. The higher-powered 260 and 400 variants command premiums over the 180 and 250 models.

What Affects Pricing: Engine time since major overhaul is critical—an aircraft with 300 hours since overhaul will cost significantly more than one near TBO (1,800 hours for most Comanche engines). Total airframe hours, maintenance records, avionics configuration, and interior condition all impact value. Aircraft with known service history and well-documented maintenance command premium pricing.

Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics

The Piper Comanche's fuel consumption is moderate for its performance class, making it more economical than many competitors.

Fuel Burn Rates:
At 75% cruise power, the Comanche burns approximately 14 gallons per hour. This translates to fuel costs of approximately $76 per flight hour at current Avgas prices of $5.40/gallon. Different power settings affect consumption:

• 75% Power (Standard Cruise): 14 GPH, 155 knots, $76/hour fuel cost
• 65% Power (Economy Cruise): 12 GPH, 145 knots, $65/hour fuel cost
• 55% Power (Long-Range Cruise): 10 GPH, 130 knots, $54/hour fuel cost

Fuel typically represents 55-60% of the Comanche's total hourly variable operating costs. Careful power management can meaningfully reduce operating costs for budget-conscious owners.

Engine Overhaul: Model-Dependent Costs

Engine overhaul costs vary significantly depending on which Comanche model you own.

PA-24-180/250/260 Models:
These aircraft use Continental IO-320, IO-360, and similar engines with 1,800-hour TBO. Overhaul costs range from $20,000-$30,000 at most experienced shops. Engine reserves should be budgeted at approximately $15 per flight hour ($15,000 ÷ 1,000 hours), though this varies by specific aircraft and engine type.

PA-24-400 Model (Rare):
The powerful 400-horsepower variant uses a Continental IO-470 engine with similar TBO but significantly higher overhaul costs. Budget $60,000-$70,000 for a quality overhaul on the 400, reflecting the larger engine and increased complexity.

Practical Consideration: Many Comanche owners carefully track their engine time and plan overhaul timing well in advance. Engine reserves should be accumulated from day one of ownership. Some owners negotiate aircraft purchase price based on remaining engine life—an aircraft with 1,700 hours on the engine might sell for $20,000 less than one with only 500 hours.

Retractable Gear and Complex Aircraft Considerations

Owning a Piper Comanche requires proper training and adds maintenance complexity not found in fixed-gear aircraft.

Complex Aircraft Endorsement Required:
The Comanche's retractable landing gear, constant-speed propeller, and flap systems require a Complex Aircraft Endorsement. This endorsement requires approximately 5-10 hours of dual instruction (cost: $1,500-$3,000) but no FAA checkride. Many experienced Comanche pilots recommend additional Comanche-specific transition training beyond the minimum endorsement requirements to ensure proficiency with this aircraft's particular systems.

Gear System Maintenance:
Annual inspection includes retractable gear swing testing and system checks. Hydraulic fluid sampling, actuator servicing, and electrical system inspection add to annual costs. Experienced shops familiar with Comanche gear systems charge appropriate rates; inexperienced mechanics may charge premium rates due to system unfamiliarity.

Gear-Up Landing Risk: Comanche pilots must maintain meticulous before-landing checklists. Gear-up landing accidents represent a small but real insurance claim category for complex aircraft. Consider modern gear-up warning systems as valuable safety upgrades worth the investment.

Insurance and Pilot Requirements

Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Piper Comanche runs approximately $2,400 per year for liability and hull coverage. This assumes a hull value of $100,000-$140,000 and qualified pilot with appropriate experience. Complex retractable gear aircraft typically cost 30% more to insure than comparable fixed-gear aircraft.

Pilot Qualification Requirements: Many insurers require minimum 200 total flight hours before insuring retractable gear aircraft. Some require evidence of Complex Aircraft Endorsement training. Instrument rating typically receives favorable insurance rates. Careful pilot selection directly impacts insurance cost—a newly-qualified complex pilot may pay 50% more than an experienced Commercial/Instrument pilot.

Maintenance and Annual Inspection

Annual Inspection Costs:
Annual inspection for a Piper Comanche typically costs $1,500. This assumes straightforward inspection without major repair items. Annual costs including miscellaneous repairs and maintenance average $1,500-$2,500.

Variable Maintenance Costs:
Budget approximately $25 per flight hour for unscheduled maintenance and repairs. This includes propeller overhauls (every 2,000 hours), generator/alternator overhauls, brake servicing, and other routine component replacement.

Why Comanche Maintenance Costs Are Reasonable: Despite the retractable gear, Comanches are relatively straightforward to maintain. They feature robust construction, proven systems, and reasonable parts availability through specialty suppliers and owner communities. Many independent mechanics are familiar with Comanche maintenance, preventing premium pricing.

Total Cost of Ownership: Piper Comanche at Different Utilization Levels

Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year

At 100 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $14,795 per year without financing. This represents solid value for a 155-knot performance aircraft. With financing on a $100,000 purchase price (20% down, 12-year loan at 7%), add approximately $750/month ($9,000/year) for total annual cost of $23,795.

Why Own a Piper Comanche?

The Comanche appeals to performance-minded owners seeking affordable complex aircraft:

• Performance: 155+ knot cruise speed with solid climb performance
• Value: Lower purchase price than comparable Cessna 210 or Piper Saratoga
• Reliability: Proven Continental engines with strong support
• Training Platform: Excellent aircraft for complex endorsement and building retractable gear experience
• Community Support: Active Comanche owner organizations provide technical resources and camaraderie

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources and Citations

Note on Pricing and Data: This article reflects market conditions and pricing as of October 2025. Aircraft values, fuel prices, and insurance rates fluctuate based on market conditions, fuel costs, and regulatory changes. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes from aircraft brokers, insurance agents, and maintenance facilities before making purchase decisions.