Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche

The Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche is an American twin-engined cabin monoplane that Piper developed from the single-engined PA-24 Comanche to replace the Apache. Ed Swearingen converted a Comanche to twin power for the first flight in April 1961, and the Lock Haven prototype flew on November 7, 1962. FAA approval came on February 5, 1963 and the first delivery on July 15, 1963. It seats four to six on retractable tricycle gear, and the Twin Comanche B and C followed. The last PA-30 was completed on November 5, 1969, replaced by the PA-39 Twin Comanche C/R with counter-rotating propellers, and the 1972 flood at Lock Haven ended production of the family.