Piper Pa-42-720 Cheyenne 3

Twin Turboprop· 20 globally registered

The Piper PA-32R-301 Saratoga SP is a high-performance single-engine retractable-gear aircraft that has served as a capable six-seat personal and light business transport since its introduction in 1980. Built by Piper Aircraft as the retractable-gear variant of the Cherokee Six/Saratoga family, it combines the roomy cabin of its fixed-gear siblings with the speed advantage of retractable landing gear, cruising at around 170 knots behind its 300-horsepower Lycoming IO-540 engine. The "SP" designation stands for "Special Performance," reflecting its position as the premium model in Piper's single-engine piston lineup during the 1980s and 1990s. The Saratoga SP found favor among owner-pilots who needed to carry families or small groups over medium distances. Its 1,000-nautical-mile range and spacious cabin made it a practical alternative to light twins for many missions. The type's wide cabin (42 inches across) and club seating configuration offered comfort unusual in single-engine aircraft, while the retractable gear provided a 15-20 knot speed advantage over the fixed-gear Saratoga. Production continued through 2009, with the type earning a reputation for solid cross-country performance and relatively benign handling characteristics, though pilots respected the need for proper speed management on approach given its 3,600-pound maximum takeoff weight. SkyMeter has tracked 18 flights across 9 airframes and 4 operators, with CHEYENNE III FLYERS LLC the largest observed operator.