Piper Aircraft

The Piper Aztec was a major step forward in Piper's foray into the twin-engine world. Although the plane did not arrive on the market until 1959, its history has roots that go much further back in the company's history.

The Piper Aztec's story actually begins with Piper's 1940s acquisition of Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. The company produced the Twin Stinson aircraft, which Piper set out to redo as its own.

The first prototype of the Aztec's forerunner, the Apache, rolled off the line in the early 1950s. Featuring two Lycoming 125 hp engines and a variety of other perks not common in Piper's Cubs, this plane was almost something to write home about, but not quite. Unhappy with the power, Piper went back to the drawing board.

The Apache was redesigned to feature twin 150 hp engines, an all-metal design and a retractable landing gear, among other upgrades. The model went on sale in 1954 for less than $33,000.

Although the Apache was a popular model, Piper wanted more out of the class. In the late 1950s, it began a reworking process of the Apache. Following the addition of several upgrades, including twin 250 hp engines, the Aztec was born. It officially went on the market in 1959, effectively ending the Apache's run.

The earlier Aztecs featured the twin 250s, seating for five and several other advances on the earlier designed Apaches. This model was tweaked through the years, but saw a rather long run. The craft was produced until the early 1980s.

Beyond its upgraded design, the Piper Aztec had several claims to fame that made it a popular model. It was noted for its endurance, stability and load-carrying ability. In addition, later models that were turbocharged offered higher altitude possibilities.

Perhaps the biggest claim to fame, however, was the Navy's use of this craft. The military branch purchased a total of 20 Piper Aztec models and renamed them to meet their own conventions.

Providing an ideal business class plane that was within reach of many smaller companies and individuals, the Piper Aztec enjoyed a relatively long and notable run on the market. During its history, it also served America well by flying the friendly skies with Navy pilots at the controls.

Although it no longer makes the Aztec, Piper continues to rework and recreate its models in much the same tradition. Born of the Apache, the Piper Aztec was just another step in the process toward the planes the company is famous for today.

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