1959 Piper PA24-180 Comanche

Will Hyde / +1.405.467.3506 / will@sunsetaviation.net

The 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche, registered as N6224P and based at KSZT, is a classic single-engine aircraft known for its durability and reliable performance. This particular Comanche has an airframe total time of 2,209 hours, reflecting its extensive use over the years, yet it remains a well-maintained and airworthy aircraft with complete logs available. Powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1A engine, which has one hour since its last major overhaul, the aircraft offers dependable power with a TBO (Time Between Overhaul) of 2,000 hours. The Hartzell propeller, a two-blade model, complements the engine's performance, ensuring efficient and smooth operation. Avionics in this aircraft have been updated to include a Trig TT22 transponder, Trig TY90 radio, Electronics International CGR30 primary flight display, and a uAvionix AV-20, making it well-equipped for VFR (Visual Flight Rules) operations. Additionally, the aircraft is ADS-B compliant, enhancing its situational awareness and safety features. The interior of the Comanche offers seating for four, maintaining the aircraft's original design intended for comfortable, cross-country flying. The last annual inspection was completed in August 2023, and another is planned for this month, ensuring that the aircraft continues to meet all airworthiness standards. The 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche is a testament to Piper's engineering, offering a blend of classic design and modern avionics that make it a reliable choice for pilots who appreciate vintage aircraft with updated technology.

The 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche is powered by a Lycoming O-360-A1A engine, a four-cylinder, air-cooled, horizontally opposed powerplant known for its reliability and efficiency. This engine has undergone a major overhaul and currently has just one hour of operation since the overhaul, indicating that it is in near-new condition with a long service life ahead. The engine is rated for a Time Between Overhaul (TBO) of 2,000 hours, which provides a substantial operational period before the next major service is required. The O-360-A1A engine is well-suited to the PA 24-180 Comanche, delivering consistent power output that enhances the aircraft's performance, particularly in cruise flight. This engine type is favored for its straightforward maintenance and durability, making it a popular choice among owners of classic aircraft like the Comanche. Overall, the Lycoming O-360-A1A in this Comanche offers a blend of reliability and performance that aligns with the aircraft's design, ensuring that it remains a capable and dependable aircraft for many more hours of flying.

The avionics suite of the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche, serial number 24-1326, has been thoughtfully updated to integrate both classic and modern technologies, enhancing its functionality and safety for VFR operations. Key components include the Trig TT22 transponder, which provides reliable identification and altitude reporting essential for air traffic control and situational awareness in various airspace classes. Complementing this is the Trig TY90 radio, a dependable VHF communication system that ensures clear and consistent communication with air traffic services and other aircraft during flight. The aircraft is equipped with the Electronics International CGR30 primary flight display, which consolidates critical flight information into an intuitive interface. This display allows the pilot to efficiently monitor essential parameters such as airspeed, altitude, and heading, thereby improving overall situational awareness and flight management. Additionally, the installation of the uAvionix AV-20 system enhances the avionics suite by providing advanced ADS-B In and Out capabilities. This integration not only ensures compliance with current surveillance and navigation requirements but also offers real-time traffic and weather information, significantly contributing to safer and more informed decision-making during flight operations. Overall, the avionics upgrades in this Comanche strike a balance between maintaining the aircraft's vintage character and incorporating modern technological advancements. These enhancements improve the aircraft's operational capabilities, reliability, and compliance with contemporary aviation standards, making the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche a well-equipped and dependable choice for pilots who value both classic design and up-to-date avionics.

The interior of the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche is designed to provide a comfortable and functional environment for both pilots and passengers, accommodating up to four occupants. While maintaining the aircraft's classic charm, the interior layout is practical, emphasizing comfort during longer flights. Seating is arranged in a traditional four-seat configuration, with all seats upholstered in materials that reflect the era of the aircraft's manufacture, yet likely updated over the years to ensure continued comfort and durability. The cabin space is efficiently utilized, offering ample legroom and headroom for a small aircraft of this class, making it suitable for cross-country journeys as well as shorter flights. Storage space within the cabin is thoughtfully designed to accommodate personal belongings and flight essentials, contributing to the overall practicality of the aircraft for both leisure and utility purposes. The instrument panel and controls are easily accessible from the pilot's seat, allowing for a streamlined flight experience, while the overall cabin design remains true to the Comanche's original aesthetic. The simplicity and functionality of the interior make the Piper PA 24-180 Comanche a reliable and comfortable aircraft, ideal for pilots who appreciate a blend of vintage design with the essential comforts needed for enjoyable and efficient flying.

The exterior of the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche reflects the classic design and aerodynamic efficiency that Piper Aircraft was known for during this era. The airframe is characterized by its sleek, low-wing monoplane configuration, which not only contributes to its stable handling characteristics but also enhances its overall performance and fuel efficiency. The aircraft's exterior finish likely features a traditional paint scheme, which may have been updated over the years to maintain its appearance and protect the underlying structure. The Comanche's design includes a streamlined fuselage, contributing to reduced drag and improved speed during flight. The aircraft is equipped with a two-blade Hartzell propeller, a common feature in aircraft of this vintage, known for its durability and efficiency in converting engine power into thrust. One of the key exterior features of the Comanche is its retractable landing gear, which was advanced for its time and contributes to the aircraft's aerodynamic profile. This feature not only improves performance by reducing drag but also enhances the aircraft's aesthetic appeal, giving it a clean and polished look both in flight and on the ground. The Comanche's wing design, with its laminar flow airfoil, further enhances its aerodynamic efficiency, providing better lift and stability. The overall exterior design of the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche showcases the blend of form and function that has made this aircraft a timeless choice for pilots who value performance, efficiency, and classic aviation design.

The 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche showcases a timeless and functional exterior design that embodies the elegance and engineering sophistication of mid-20th century aviation. The aircraft features a low-wing monoplane configuration, which contributes to its excellent stability and aerodynamic efficiency. This design choice enhances the aircraft's performance, making it well-suited for both cruising at higher speeds and providing a smooth, predictable flight experience. The retractable landing gear is a notable exterior feature, adding to the aircraft's sleek profile and reducing drag during flight. This not only improves fuel efficiency but also gives the Comanche a more modern, streamlined appearance compared to fixed-gear aircraft of the same era. The gear mechanism is robust and reliable, contributing to the aircraft's longevity and performance. The Comanche is equipped with a two-blade Hartzell propeller, which is known for its durability and efficiency. This propeller complements the aircraft's overall design, providing effective thrust while maintaining a classic aesthetic that is in keeping with the era of the aircraft. The exterior finish likely includes a classic paint scheme, which may have been refreshed over the years to preserve its appearance and protect the aircraft's structural integrity. The paint and overall condition of the exterior are critical not just for aesthetics but also for the longevity of the airframe, protecting it from the elements and potential corrosion. Another key feature is the laminar flow wing design, which was advanced for its time. This wing shape minimizes drag and maximizes lift, contributing to the aircraft's efficient performance at various speeds and altitudes. The wing design, combined with the overall aerodynamic form, makes the Comanche a nimble and responsive aircraft in flight. Overall, the exterior features of the 1959 Piper PA 24-180 Comanche reflect a careful balance between form and function, showcasing the aircraft's enduring appeal and its capability as a reliable and efficient flying machine.