Piper Cherokee Six

Single Piston· 1,666 globally registered

The Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six and its successor, the Saratoga, represent one of general aviation's most successful six-seat single-engine designs. Introduced in 1965, the Cherokee Six was Piper's answer to the demand for a true family hauler: an aircraft that could carry six adults and their luggage without compromise. The original Cherokee Six featured a stretched fuselage, a 260-horsepower Lycoming engine, and a cabin wide enough for three-abreast seating, making it a favorite among flying clubs, air taxi operators, and families who needed more than the typical four-seat trainer could offer. In 1980, Piper refined the design into the Saratoga, adding a semi-tapered wing for better efficiency and a more modern instrument panel, while retaining the spacious cabin and solid load-carrying capability that made the type a workhorse. The PA-32 family spans several variants, from the fixed-gear Cherokee Six 260 and 300 models to the retractable-gear Lance and Saratoga II TC (turbocharged). Cruise speeds range from around 140 knots for the fixed-gear models to 170 knots for the retractable variants, with useful loads often exceeding 1,400 pounds, enough for full fuel and six occupants on many missions. The type's rugged construction, stable handling, and forgiving flight characteristics have made it a staple of flight schools, charter operators, and private owners who value utility over speed. While not as fast as a Bonanza or as sleek as a Cirrus, the PA-32 excels at the mission it was designed for: moving people and cargo reliably, comfortably, and economically. SkyMeter has tracked 1,679 flights across 544 airframes and 515 operators, with ISLAND AIR TAXI LLC the largest observed operator.