Piper Seminole
When you reach your multi-engine training at Thrust Flight you’ll be flying in one of our brand new Piper Seminole aircraft. The Piper Seminole is the most popular aircraft used for multi-engine flight training and for good reason. It’s a joy to fly, performs well, and allows students to learn in a reliable and consistent aircraft.
Quantity in our fleet: 3
Year model: 2023
Avionics: G1000
Piper Seminole Specs
AIRCRAFT INFORMATION
Length
27 ft. 7 in.
Height
8.5 ft.
Wingspan
38 ft. 7 in.
Maximum Passengers
4
Useful Load
975 lbs.
Maximum Takeoff Weight
3,800 lbs.
Engine
Lycoming O-360-B1G6
Power Output
180 HP
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Max Cruise Speed
168 KIAS
Cruise Speed
162 KIAS
Stall Speed (VSO)
55 KIAS
Climb Rate
1,340 ft/mn
Max Range
922 nm
Minimum Takeoff Distance
900 ft.
Takeoff Distance to 50 ft.
1,400 ft.
Minimum Landing Distance
2,147 ft.
Fuel Capacity
110 US gal
Average Fuel Consumption
20.4 US gal/hr
Aircraft Documentation
History of the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole has undergone several iterations since its inception in the 1970’s. It stands out among other light twin-engine aircraft for its design philosophy and its practical application in flight training.
While there is a great deal that could be written about this popular aircraft, we’ll give you the brief history and highlights here.
Origin of the Piper Seminole
The Piper Seminole can be traced back to the demand for a light twin-engine aircraft and the need from Piper to replace the Apache models.
From the beginning the Seminole was designed for the flight training market and entry-level aircraft market. It was created to be more economical to fly than others at the time like the Twin Comanche or the Grumman Cougar. It was also designed to be easy to operate making it the perfect aircraft for new multi-engine pilots.
The first prototype of the Seminole flew in the 1970’s with the first production run going from 1979-1982. It was then revived from 1989-1990. And in 1995 it was revived once again and has remained in production ever since.
Over the years the aircraft has been updated to keep up with current technology but overall, the design has remained consistent. It features a T-tail design and counter-rotating propellers which minimize the critical engine effect.
Today the Piper Seminole remains a popular training aircraft. It’s a joy to fly and an exceptional aircraft to train in when obtaining your multi-engine rating.
Want to see more of our fleet? Check out our brand new Piper Archer, Cessna 172, and Sportcruiser aircraft.
Piper Seminole Models
The Piper Seminole has been a staple in multi-engine flight training since its introduction.
Known for its reliability, ease of handling, and safety features, the Piper Seminole has evolved over the years to meet the changing needs of pilots and flight schools.
Piper PA-44-180 Seminole
The original Piper Seminole, designated as the PA-44-180, was introduced in 1979. This model was equipped with two Lycoming O-360 engines, each producing 180 horsepower.
The PA-44-180 quickly gained popularity for its excellent training capabilities, providing a stable and forgiving platform for multi-engine instruction.
Piper PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole
In the early 1980s, Piper introduced the PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole.
This variant featured turbocharged engines, allowing for better performance at higher altitudes.
The Turbo Seminole offered improved climb rates and cruise speeds, making it a versatile option for both training and personal use.
Piper Seminole (Modern Version)
The modern version of the Piper Seminole continues to be a favorite in flight schools around the world. It retains the core characteristics that made the original model successful, such as the robust Lycoming O-360 engines and the reliable airframe.
However, it also incorporates modern avionics and safety features to enhance the training experience.
The latest models are equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite, providing advanced navigation and situational awareness tools.
Piper Seminole Range
The current Piper Seminole model is equipped with two Lycoming O-360-B1G6 engines, each producing 180 horsepower. This configuration provides a balanced combination of power, efficiency, and reliability.
The aircraft’s range capabilities are well-suited for a variety of training missions and practical flight exercises.
- Maximum Range: Approximately 700 nautical miles
- Fuel Capacity: 108 useable gallons
- Cruise Speed: 162 knots
The Piper Seminole’s range allows for extended cross-country flights, making it an excellent choice for multi-engine training programs that require longer flight durations.
The aircraft’s efficient fuel consumption and robust performance ensure that it can handle a wide range of flight conditions, from short training hops to longer navigational exercises.
Ready to achieve your aviation goals? Give us a call or fill out our contact form and we’ll help you determine which program is right for you.