Piper Aircraft

The New Piper's Saratoga TCs might fall in at the middle of the company's personal craft line, but there is nothing middle-of-the-road about this particular model. Offering affordability, a variety of standard features and strong performance, Saratoga TCs marry power, luxury and affordability. The combination is practically Piper's trademark.

The turbocharged model in the Saratoga personal class, this particular model is famed for having a variety of upgraded features over many other planes in the Piper line. It offers a decent size to go along with its speed, too. Saratoga TCs are 27.9 feet in length and 8.5 feet in height. They have a wing span of 36.2 feet. With seating for six and a useful load of 1,137 pounds, they are considered ideal for not only personal use, but also businesses, as well.

The Saratoga TCs 300 hp, six cylinder, Lycoming engine combines with a high efficiency turbocharger to allow pilots to cruise high above it all. The maximum operating altitude is 20,000 feet, which often puts this plane well above the weather. In addition, it features a range ability of 950 nautical miles when flown at 8,000 feet. Its maximum speed falls in at 194 knots, too.

Beyond speed and power, the model is noted for its Avidyne flight deck and the ability to upgrade to a Garmin avionics suite. Piper's own icing protection system is also available on this model. The system is not designed for deliberate flight into icing conditions, but it provides the ability to handle them if emergencies arise.

When standard Saratoga TCs are being considered, the price comes in at under $575,000. This particular Saratoga, however, does come with a ton of upgrade feature options that can be hard to resist. From better avionics and tracking equipment to XM Radio and weather receivers, this model is not without the ability to obtain some major upgrades. The prices on upgrades can add a lot on to the total cost, depending on what is selected.

The cabin itself is compact, but effective. The seating is handcrafted leather with lumbar support. In addition, workspace is available within the craft. The noise level is considered quiet in the Saratoga line, too.

Saratoga TCs are just one of several models in the personal craft line created by the New Piper Aircraft. Although it falls in the middle of the personal craft pack as far as pricing is concerned, this plane does not offer mediocrity at any level.

Piper Aircraft |