Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Cost of Ownership: Six-Seat Trainer with Practical Economics
The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six is a practical six-seat aircraft that combines economical operation with excellent utility. Originally produced from 1965-1979 (with later variants continuing production), the Cherokee Six remains popular for flight training, personal transportation, and charter operations. Here's the complete financial picture.
Cost Overview: Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six
Purchase Price
$75,000–$350,000
Annual Fixed Costs
$6,000–$7,500
Hourly Operating Cost
$140–$180/hr
Fuel Burn
14–18 GPH
Purchase Cost: Finding Value in a Multi-Seat Trainer
The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six was produced from 1965-1979, with later variants extending production into modern times. Original production aircraft (PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32-300E, PA-32-300D) are well-represented in the used market.
Current Market Prices (2024-2025):
Used Piper Cherokee Sixes range from $75,000 (high-time budget examples) to $350,000 (late-model well-equipped aircraft). A typical good-condition Cherokee Six from the 1980s-1990s averages $150,000-$200,000. Modern variants and conversion aircraft cost significantly more.
What Affects Pricing: Engine time since overhaul, total airframe hours, avionics package, interior condition, and maintenance records all impact value. Aircraft with 0-300 SMOH command premiums. Well-documented maintenance history supports higher pricing.
Fuel Consumption and Operating Economics
The Cherokee Six's fuel consumption is moderate for a six-seat aircraft, making it economical for its class.
Fuel Burn Specifications:
At cruise power, the Cherokee Six burns approximately 14-18 gallons per hour depending on model and power settings. Typical cruise is 16-17 GPH. This translates to fuel costs of:
- At $5.00/gallon: $70-$90 per flight hour
- At $5.40/gallon: $76-$97 per flight hour
- At $6.00/gallon: $84-$108 per flight hour
Fuel represents approximately 55-65% of hourly variable operating costs. Careful power management and cruise selection can optimize economy.
Engine Overhaul and Maintenance
The Cherokee Six engines are proven and maintain predictable overhaul costs.
Engine Specifications:
Most Cherokee Sixes use Lycoming IO-540 or similar engines with 2,000-hour TBO. Overhaul costs range $20,000-$28,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at $10-$14 per flight hour ($10,000-$14,000 ÷ 2,000 hours).
Annual Maintenance:
Annual inspection typically costs $800-$1,200. Total annual maintenance including inspection, routine maintenance, and reserves averages $3,500-$4,500. The fixed-gear design simplifies maintenance compared to retractables.
Why Cherokee Six Maintenance is Reasonable: Straightforward systems, proven components, and accessible design keep maintenance predictable and relatively affordable. Many independent mechanics are familiar with Cherokee Six maintenance.
Insurance and Pilot Requirements
Annual Insurance Costs:
Insurance for a Piper Cherokee Six runs $2,000-$3,500 per year for hull and liability coverage. Fixed-gear and straightforward systems keep rates reasonable compared to complex aircraft.
No complex endorsement required. Any licensed private pilot can fly the Cherokee Six. This accessibility makes it ideal for flight schools and training operations.
Total Cost of Ownership: Piper Cherokee Six
Annual Scenario: 100 Hours Flying/Year
| Expense Category | Annual Cost | Per Hour |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel (16.5 GPH @ $36/gal) | $5,940 | $59.40 |
| Oil | $350 | $3.50 |
| Engine Reserve | $1,200 | $12.00 |
| Maintenance Reserve | $1,500 | $15.00 |
| Annual Inspection | $1,000 | $10.00 |
| Insurance | $2,500 | $25.00 |
| Tie-Down Storage | $1,200 | $12.00 |
| Subscriptions & Misc | $605 | $6.05 |
| TOTAL | $14,295 | $142.95 |
At 100 annual hours, total ownership costs run approximately $14,295 per year without financing. This represents excellent value for a six-seat aircraft with practical economics and strong training utility.
Why Own a Piper Cherokee Six?
- Practical Seating: Six-seat capacity for training, personal, or charter missions
- Excellent Useful Load: Carry full fuel plus six passengers and cargo
- Economical Operation: Reasonable fuel consumption for class size
- Training Value: Popular for multi-engine transition and advanced training
- Simplicity: Fixed gear and straightforward systems
- Affordability: Lower purchase price than many competitors
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a used Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six cost?
Used Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six prices typically range from $75,000 to $350,000 depending on model year, engine time, and condition. A typical good-condition Cherokee Six from the 1980s-1990s averages $150,000-$200,000. Newer T207 or modern variants cost more.
How much fuel does a Piper Cherokee Six burn?
The Piper PA-32 burns approximately 14-18 gallons per hour depending on the model and power setting. Most cruise at 16-17 GPH. Fuel costs run $86-$92 per flight hour at current Avgas prices ($5.40/gallon).
What is the Piper Cherokee Six engine overhaul cost?
Cherokee Six engines (Lycoming IO-540, IO-580, or similar) have 2,000-hour TBO. Overhaul costs range $20,000-$28,000. Engine reserves should be budgeted at $10-$14 per flight hour.
What are annual insurance costs for a Cherokee Six?
Annual insurance for a Piper Cherokee Six runs $2,000-$3,500 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and coverage. Fixed-gear design keeps rates lower than complex retractables.
What is the total annual cost to own a Piper Cherokee Six?
At 100 hours of annual flying, total ownership costs average approximately $18,000-$22,000 per year, or $180-$220 per flight hour. This includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, storage, and reserves.
Is the Piper Cherokee Six suitable for flight training?
Yes. The Cherokee Six is popular for multi-engine transition training and as an advanced trainer. Six-seat capacity allows multiple students. Simple systems make it economical for flight schools.
What is the Cherokee Six useful load capacity?
The Cherokee Six has excellent useful load (typically 1,500-1,800 pounds depending on model), making it ideal for carrying full fuel plus six passengers and cargo. This flexibility makes it popular for charter operations.
How does the Cherokee Six compare to other six-seat aircraft?
The Cherokee Six offers excellent value and economical operation. Cessna 206 has better climb but costs more. Piper Saratoga is faster but more expensive. Cherokee Six balances economy with practicality.
Ready to Own a Piper Cherokee Six?
The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six offers excellent practical value for operators needing six-seat capacity. Whether training, personal transportation, or charter operations, the Cherokee Six delivers economical and reliable service.
Use our affordability calculator to evaluate Cherokee Six financing options.
Sources and Citations
1. PlanePhD - Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six Specifications & Operating Costs
Multiple variants with detailed valuation and operating cost analysis.
2. Aircraft Cost Calculator - Piper Cherokee Six Operating Costs
Detailed hourly operating cost models and depreciation analysis.
3. Controller.com - Piper Cherokee Six Listings
Real-time used aircraft market data and pricing.
4. Piper Owner Society - Technical Resources
Maintenance guidance and owner community support.
5. AOPA - Piper Cherokee Six Aircraft Information
General aviation resources and ownership guidance.
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.