Piper Pa-32r-301

Single Piston

The Piper PA-32R Saratoga is a single-engine, six-seat retractable-gear aircraft that has served as the flagship of Piper's high-performance piston lineup since its introduction in 1980. Developed from the fixed-gear Cherokee Six, the Saratoga combines the spacious cabin and load-carrying capability of its predecessor with the speed and efficiency of retractable landing gear, making it a popular choice for family travel, air taxi operations, and personal transportation across medium distances. Powered by a 300-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine, the Saratoga cruises at approximately 170 knots and offers a useful load exceeding 1,200 pounds, allowing it to carry six adults with baggage or full fuel for ranges approaching 900 nautical miles. The type's wide cabin, low-wing configuration, and docile handling characteristics have made it a mainstay in the owner-flown market for over four decades. The PA-32R series includes several variants, with the -301 Saratoga SP (introduced 1995) featuring a tapered wing design that improved cruise performance and handling over earlier models. While not breaking speed records, the Saratoga occupies a sweet spot in general aviation: large enough for serious family missions, fast enough to make 500-mile trips practical, yet simple enough for a single pilot to operate safely. Its combination of payload, range, and comfort has kept it in continuous production longer than most piston singles. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with the largest observed operator.