Piper Aircraft

Businesses and professionals in the market for a small personal plane that can get the job done will find the Piper PA-34 Seneca is an interesting candidate for the task. With a six-seat capacity and an ability to travel a fair distance without refueling, this model is one that offers solid luxury appointments without taking a massive bite out of the bottom line.

With an estimated price tag of about $756,000 for the standard model, the Seneca marries frugality with comfort. This particular professional-class model is billed by Piper as a high utility plane that pays attention to luxury.

The technical specifications of the Piper PA-34 Seneca include a variety of features that make it an ideal model for businesses and even discriminating private owners who want a little more legroom. The twin-engine design offers 220 hp with a total of six cylinders. Its Hartzell propeller offers two blades and boasts constant speeds. Full feathering is also featured in this model.

Although it measures in at 28.6 feet with a wingspan of 38.9 feet and height of 9.9 feet, the Piper PA-34 Seneca packs a lot into a compact size. The plane offers a maximum take-off weight of 4,750 pounds, with a useful load of 1,380 pounds. This means the Piper PA-34 Seneca delivers a decent amount of storage capacity, as well.

The Seneca might not be the biggest professional-class plane in the industry, but it does not skimp on flight capacity either. It can handle a maximum speed of 218 knots and has a range of about 828 nautical miles at a cruising altitude of 15,000 feet. Its maximum service ceiling is 25,000 feet.

This model offers a variety of optional features above and beyond the standard package, as well. They include such things as air conditioning, customized exteriors and several equipment upgrades. The interior colors are coordinated, with owners have a choice of several different schemes.

The biggest equipment upgrade offered is an advanced avionics package the provides enhanced situational awareness. It includes a variety of extra safety features, including a hazard avoidance system. The full package will add nearly $66,000 to the bottom line, but many find it worth the extra investment.

Just one of several planes found in the Piper professional class line, the Piper PA-34 Seneca is considered a solid "luxury buy" with a reasonable price tag. Other models in the professional line include the Mirage and the Meridian.