Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche Cost of Ownership: Economical Light Twin Training Platform
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is a light twin-engine aircraft that has become a staple of multi-engine transition training programs and personal flying for decades. Produced from 1963 to 1972, the Twin Comanche combines economical operation, straightforward systems, and affordable acquisition costs with the capability of true twin-engine flying. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of ownership costs.
Cost Overview: Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
Purchase Price
$80,000–$160,000
Annual Fixed Costs
$7,500–$9,000
Hourly Operating Cost
$220–$260/hr
Fuel Burn
16–18 GPH
Purchase Cost: Finding Value in Twin-Engine Flying
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche was produced in three main variants: the original PA-30 (1963-1966), the improved PA-30B (1967-1969), and the PA-30C Turbo variant (1970-1972). All variants share similar cost structures and operational characteristics.
Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Piper Twin Comanche aircraft range from $80,000 (budget, higher-time examples) to $160,000 (well-maintained, low-time variants). A typical good-condition Twin Comanche from the 1970s-1980s averages $120,000-$145,000. Turbo variants and specially equipped examples may cost slightly more.
What Affects Pricing: Engine time since major overhaul is the primary driver of value. Aircraft with 0-300 SMOH on both engines command premiums. Avionics, interior condition, paint quality, and complete maintenance records significantly impact pricing. Aircraft used for flight training may show higher utilization but often have superior maintenance documentation.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics
The Twin Comanche's fuel efficiency is one of its key attractions for twin-engine pilots. It burns considerably less fuel than larger light twins while providing true twin-engine training value.
Fuel Burn Specifications:
At 75% power cruise, the PA-30 Twin Comanche burns approximately 17.2 gallons per hour combined (both engines). Typical economy cruise around 65% power yields 14-16 GPH. This translates to fuel costs of:
- At $5.00/gallon: $70-$85 per flight hour
- At $5.40/gallon: $76-$93 per flight hour
- At $6.00/gallon: $84-$102 per flight hour
Fuel represents approximately 50-55% of hourly variable operating costs. The Twin Comanche's economy for a twin-engine aircraft is a major advantage for budget-conscious operators and flight training organizations.
Engine Overhaul and Maintenance
The Twin Comanche uses proven Lycoming engines with manageable overhaul costs for a twin-engine aircraft.
Engine Specifications:
Most Twin Comanches use twin Lycoming IO-320-B1A engines producing 160 HP each, with 2,000-hour TBO. Each engine overhaul costs approximately $15,000-$22,000 (roughly $18.20 per flight hour reserve), meaning total overhaul reserves for both engines should be $30,000-$44,000. Turbo variants have higher overhaul costs ($20,000-$25,000 per engine) due to turbocharger complexity.
Annual Maintenance:
Annual inspection typically costs $1,500-$2,000. Total annual maintenance including inspection, routine maintenance, and reserves averages $5,500-$7,000 for a well-maintained aircraft. The Twin Comanche's straightforward systems and proven components keep maintenance predictable.
Why Twin Comanche Maintenance is Reasonable: Unlike more complex twins with pressurization or turbocharging (except Turbo models), the standard PA-30 has simple, accessible systems. Mechanics familiar with Piper aircraft find Twin Comanche work straightforward. Parts are readily available through Piper aftermarket suppliers.
Insurance and Pilot Requirements
Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche ranges $2,400-$3,200 per year for comprehensive hull and liability coverage. Twin-engine aircraft typically cost more to insure than comparable singles due to perceived higher risk, but the Twin Comanche's proven safety record and gentle handling keep premiums reasonable relative to other light twins.
Pilot Requirements: Multi-engine endorsement required for pilot-in-command operations. This makes the Twin Comanche ideal for operators transitioning from single-engine flying or flight training programs introducing students to multi-engine operations.
Total Cost of Ownership: Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (17 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $9,180 | $91.80 |
| Oil | $400 | $4.00 |
| Engine Reserve (2 engines) | $1,800 | $18.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $1,500 | $15.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,500 | $15.00 |
| Insurance | $2,800 | $28.00 |
| Tie-Down Storage | $1,200 | $12.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $650 | $6.50 |
| TOTAL | $19,030 | $190.30 |
Annual Scenario: 150 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (17 GPH @ $5.40/gal) | $13,770 | $91.80 |
| Oil & Misc Variable | $900 | $6.00 |
| Engine Reserve (2 engines) | $2,700 | $18.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $2,250 | $15.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,500 | $10.00 |
| Insurance | $2,800 | $18.67 |
| Tie-Down Storage | $1,200 | $8.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $650 | $4.33 |
| TOTAL | $25,770 | $171.80 |
At 150 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $25,770 per year, demonstrating how higher utilization significantly reduces per-hour costs. This is particularly important for flight training operations and active personal flyers.
Why Own a Piper Twin Comanche?
- Twin-Engine Training: Ideal platform for multi-engine transition and advanced training
- Economical Twin Operation: Lower fuel burn than comparable Cessna twins (310, 340)
- Proven Reliability: Thousands of hours logged by flight schools and personal operators
- Straightforward Systems: Simple, maintainable design with readily available parts
- Four-Seat Capacity: Useful for training multiple occupants or personal transportation
- Affordable Acquisition: Lower purchase cost than larger light twins
- Flight School Appeal: Popular choice for flight training centers introducing students to twin flying
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a used Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche cost?
Used Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche prices range from $80,000 to $160,000 depending on model year, total airframe hours, engine time since overhaul, and avionics. A typical good-condition Twin Comanche from the 1970s-1980s averages $120,000-$145,000. Earlier models cost less, while well-equipped late-production examples command higher prices.
How much fuel does a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche burn?
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche burns approximately 17-18 GPH total (both engines combined) at cruise power, with typical cruise around 16-17 GPH. This translates to fuel costs of roughly $86-$97 per flight hour at current Avgas prices of $5.40/gallon. The Twin Comanche is relatively economical for a twin-engine aircraft.
What is the Piper Twin Comanche engine overhaul cost?
Twin Comanche engines (Lycoming IO-320-B1A) have 2,000-hour TBO. Each engine overhaul costs approximately $15,000-$22,000, and since the aircraft has two engines, total overhaul costs range $30,000-$44,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at $18-$20 per flight hour.
What are annual insurance costs for a Twin Comanche?
Annual insurance for a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche ranges $2,400-$3,200 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and coverage type. Twin-engine aircraft typically require higher premiums than single-engine comparables, but the Twin Comanche is still considered relatively affordable to insure.
What is the total annual cost to own a Piper Twin Comanche?
At 100 hours of annual flying, total ownership costs average approximately $22,000-$26,000 per year, or $220-$260 per flight hour. This includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, storage, and reserves. Higher utilization reduces per-hour costs significantly.
Is the Piper Twin Comanche suitable for training?
Yes. The Twin Comanche is popular for multi-engine transition training due to its benign handling characteristics, relatively low fuel burn for a twin, and affordable operating costs compared to larger twins. Many flight schools use it for advanced training.
What is the useful load for a Piper Twin Comanche?
The Twin Comanche has a useful load of approximately 1,200-1,300 pounds depending on model. With four seats and reasonable baggage capacity, it can carry three or four adults plus fuel for useful personal flying.
How does the Twin Comanche compare to other light twins?
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche offers excellent economics and simplicity for light twin operation. It burns less fuel than comparable Cessna twins (310, 340) and has lower acquisition costs. The trade-off is lower performance and useful load compared to larger twins.
Ready to Own a Piper Twin Comanche?
The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche offers excellent value for operators seeking an affordable introduction to twin-engine flying. Whether for flight training, multi-engine transition, or personal transportation, the Twin Comanche delivers proven reliability and economical operation.
Use our affordability calculator to evaluate Twin Comanche financing options and determine the right ownership structure for your needs.
Sources and Citations
1. PlanePhD - Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche Specifications & Operating Costs
Comprehensive valuation and operating cost analysis for multiple PA-30 variants with PAPI pricing estimates updated January 2025.
2. Piper Owner Society - Twin Comanche Resources
Technical guidance, maintenance tips, and ownership community insights for PA-30 operators.
3. BWI Fly - Piper Twin Comanche Insurance Analysis
Current insurance cost data and coverage options for light twin-engine aircraft.
4. Aviation Consumer - Piper Twin Comanche Used Aircraft Guide
Detailed market analysis, common issues, and buyer guidance for pre-owned Twin Comanches.
5. AVweb - Piper Twin Comanche Feature Article
Historic context, performance characteristics, and practical operating insights from experienced pilots.
6. Pilots of America - Light Twin Operating Costs Discussion
Real-world owner perspectives on maintenance, fuel consumption, and total ownership costs.
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. All figures represent typical cases and should be verified with current quotes before making purchase decisions.