Piper PA-34 Seneca

The light twin built to provide accessible multiengine performance.

Overview

Piper United States ICAO: PA34 1971–Present Active $1.2 million (2019)

The Piper PA-34 Seneca was introduced in the early 1970s as a light twin-engine aircraft for training and personal travel. Derived from the Cherokee Six airframe, it added twin engines and retractable landing gear. The aircraft became a staple in multiengine instruction worldwide.

Live Fleet Activity (PA34)

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Teledyne Continental TSIO-360-RB
Engine type
Piston
Power
2 × 220 hp · 164 kW
Avionics
GARMIN G1000 NXi AVIONICS SUITE with GFC 700 AutoPilot
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
6
Crew
—
Cabin width
4 ft 1 in  ·  1.24 m
Cabin height
3 ft 6 in  ·  1.06 m
Cabin length
10 ft 4 in  ·  3.15 m
Exterior length
28 ft 7 in  ·  8.70 m
Tail height
9 ft 10 in  ·  3.00 m
Fuselage diameter
4 ft 3 in  ·  1.30 m
Wing span
39 ft 1 in  ·  11.90 m
Baggage volume
14 ft³  ·  0.4 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
4,750 lb  ·  2,150 kg
Max landing weight
4,500 lb  ·  2,050 kg
Max payload
1,350 lb  ·  600 kg
Fuel capacity
120 gal · 500 L · 300 kg (AvGas)
Max cruise speed
200 kt  ·  230 mph  ·  370 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
67 kt  ·  77 mph  ·  124 km/h
Range
828 nm  ·  950 mi  ·  1,530 km
Fuel burn
15.97 nm/gal  ·  7.81 km/L
Ceiling
25,000 ft  ·  7,600 m
Rate of climb
1,460 ft/min  ·  7 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,710 ft  ·  520 m
Landing distance
2,200 ft  ·  660 m
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Piper Pa-34-220T Seneca V ‘G-OXFF’

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Operational Context

Piper PA-34 Seneca — light twin-engine piston aircraft

The Seneca first flew in 1970 and entered service in 1971. It retained the low-wing layout of earlier Piper singles while adding a stretched nose and twin-engine configuration. Over successive variants, aerodynamic and systems improvements enhanced performance and reliability.

Two piston engines, typically producing around 200 horsepower each in early versions and up to 220 horsepower in later models, power the aircraft. Cruise speed approaches 190 knots (352 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 4,700 pounds (2,132 kg), supporting training and light transport roles.

The Seneca gained strong popularity among flight schools due to predictable handling characteristics. It also served private owners seeking cabin comfort and redundancy. Production has continued in updated forms, making it one of Piper’s longest-running twin designs.