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New Piper Seneca V
Pilots looking for a twin-engine airplane for reliable family and business transportation flock to the venerable New Piper Seneca line for a luxury aircraft that can go anywhere in style.
The Seneca V is the latest in long legacy of twin-engine Piper airplanes that started with the original Seneca I in 1972. Many multi-engine pilots who earned their ratings in those original, normally-aspirated Senecas will have no trouble transitioning to this luxurious, turbo-charged airplane.
Two turbo-charged, 220 HP Continental engines carry about 1,400 pounds of family, fuel and gear at just over 176 KTS at 10,000 feet MSL. Combine that with a range of 812 miles at 10,000 feet, and you have a capable cross-country twin that can carry business associates or family members with equal ease.
The airplane can operate up to a ceiling of 25,000 feet with both engines, keeping you well above most weather. As a twin-engine airplane, the Seneca is better suited for travel across mountainous terrain or large expanses of water, where landing a single-engine aircraft with engine trouble would be impossible. And because this airplane has a single-engine ceiling of 16,500, it’s safer than normally-aspirated twins that might not be able to maintain altitude after an engine failure.
 New Piper’s legendary twin has many of the handling characteristics of a high-end single, able to take-off in less than 1,200 feet of runway and climb at almost 1,500 feet per minute. A popular option is the $28,000-upgrade for ice protection, due in part to the twin’s reputation as a get-there machine capable of handling all types of weather.
The cockpit of the base Seneca V features a standard avionics include a Garmin 530/430 stack with a dual-axis S-TEC autopilot for $643,500. In the back, passengers enjoy a club-seating arrangement with a refreshment console and a built-in executive writing desk. Luxurious leather seating with a choice of four interior colors and a built-in stereo system make the Seneca comfortable for long trips.
Expansive windows provide excellent visibility for pilot and passengers alike, and optional air conditioning ($14,500) and improved sound-proofing make this an ideal vehicle for business travel.
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Think your plane is ideal for business travel? If so, send us your feedback. |
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While many general aviation twins offer larger cabins (and higher operating costs) that are targeted more toward business travel, the Seneca V offers the ideal suite of features and economy that is best suited for both business or personal travel.
And this mix of features and economy is what makes the Seneca V our pick as Bird of the Month.
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