Piper PA-44 Seminole

The Piper PA-44 Seminole was introduced in the late 1970s as a light twin-engine trainer. Designed specifically for multiengine instruction, it emphasized predictable handling. The aircraft became a staple in flight schools.

Piper PA-44 Seminole © KGG1951

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Overview

Piper United States ICAO: PA44 1979–Present Active $660,000 (2013)

Piper PA-44 Seminole — twin-engine training aircraftThe Seminole first flew in 1976 and entered service in 1978. It featured a low-wing configuration and fixed landing gear in early versions. The design focused on safety and controllability.Two Lycoming piston engines producing approximately 180 horsepower each powered the aircraft. Cruise speed approached 160 knots (296 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeded 3,800 pounds (1,724 kg).The PA-44 became widely adopted for multiengine training programs. Its balanced handling characteristics made it suitable for instructional environments. Production continues in updated forms.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Lycoming L/O 360 A1H6/ E1A6
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 180 hp · 134 kW
Avionics
GARMIN G1000® NXI
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
4
Crew
—
Cabin width
3 ft 5 in  ·  1.05 m
Cabin height
3 ft 11 in  ·  1.20 m
Cabin length
7 ft 3 in  ·  2.20 m
Exterior length
27 ft 7 in  ·  8.40 m
Tail height
8 ft 6 in  ·  2.60 m
Fuselage diameter
3 ft 9 in  ·  1.15 m
Wing span
38 ft 9 in  ·  11.80 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
3,800 lb  ·  1,700 kg
Max landing weight
3,800 lb  ·  1,700 kg
Max payload
1,200 lb  ·  550 kg
Fuel capacity
110 gal · 400 L · 300 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
162 kt  ·  186 mph  ·  300 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
55 kt  ·  63 mph  ·  102 km/h
Range
700 nm  ·  810 mi  ·  1,300 km
Fuel burn
16.77 nm/gal  ·  8.20 km/L
Ceiling
15,000 ft  ·  4,600 m
Rate of climb
1,340 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
2,200 ft  ·  670 m
Landing distance
1,490 ft  ·  450 m
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‘N835AT’ Piper PA-44-180 Seminole

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Operational Context

The groundbreaking Piper PA-44 is an American double-engine light airplane many by Piper Aircraft. This is the expansion or advanced model of the previous Piper Cherokee one engine airplane and is intended firstly to utilize for multi-engine flight training. This was build in the year 1979 to 1982, from 1989 to 1990, and has been in production since the year 1995. 

History and Development 

This aircraft was made from the onset with safety in mind. The growing number of double engine-related mishaps as general aviation increased and developed in the middle of the twentieth century. This airplane was made first to be a trainer even if it is kind handling features resulting in it becoming popular amongst those searching for a double-engine kind of aircraft for long-range cruises and those who regularly fly over mountains or waters. 

Amongst the safety features of this aircraft was the integration of two 180HP Lycoming O-360 E1A6 engines. Every engine is rotating counter to each other that provides fantastic airplane stability, and makes sure that no one is regarded as the good engine in case of a failure. Piper PA-44 began production in 1976, and almost 1K has been made to the present day. 

List of Essential Features 

This airplane is armed with state-of-the-art features. Below are some of the best features integrated into this aircraft: 

  • Custom S-TEC 55 autopilot
  • Default GNS530
  • Default G330 transponder
  • Default KX165 NAV2/COM2
  • Custom BK KN64 DME
  • Default KR87 ADF

While this new aircraft was made to be in every pilot’s light twin, the PA-44A did have some superb design features. For instance, it had a unique fuel drain sump style with just two drains for the whole system; both are located on the right portion of the fuselage for fast and simple access. 

Conclusion 

The Piper PA-44 Seminole is considered one of the most excellent overall airplane today from easy maintenance and easy inspection. The fact that this model is still in production at this point, the components are easy to find, and make sure this aircraft is ready on the line once you need to go flying.