Quantcast

Piper Aerostar continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts

Riyadh Air plans new jet order decision early next year
LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
WA Labor & Industries plans to create new airline worker protections
Airlines must now give automatic refunds for significant delays. Here's what to know.
American Airlines Technical Operations, Fleet Service, Cargo and Central Load Planning team members ratify new agreement
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
Piper Aerostar continues to captivate aviation enthusiasts
Policy
Webp piperpa60
Piper PA-60 Aerostar | Wikipedia

The Piper Aerostar, also known as the Piper PA-60, is renowned for its high performance among twin-engine aircraft. It was designed by Ted Smith, a noted aerospace engineer, to excel in speed and engineering. The Aerostar's design features an aerodynamic profile and powerful engines, which have kept it popular among aviation enthusiasts and pilots.

The history of the Aerostar began in the 1960s when Ted Smith, formerly with Douglas Aircraft Company, sought to create a superior twin-engine piston aircraft. He established Ted Smith Aircraft Co. to realize this vision. The first prototype flew in 1967, featuring a low-drag design that quickly garnered attention.

In 1968, production began on what became known as the fastest piston-engine twin available at that time. Piper Aircraft acquired Ted Smith Aircraft Co. in 1972 and continued producing the Aerostar under its brand name. Despite changes in ownership and production locations over the years, the Aerostar has maintained its reputation as a high-speed aircraft.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Ted Smith emphasized speed and efficiency without sacrificing simplicity in his designs. This philosophy resulted in various models like the 600A, 601B, and 700P—each offering turbocharged engines for enhanced performance.

Skybrary provides detailed specifications: "Wingspan: 36 feet 7 inches (11.15 meters), Length: 34 feet 2 inches (10.41 meters), Height: 9 feet 10 inches (3.00 meters), Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW): 6,000 pounds (2,721 kilograms), Powerplants: Two Lycoming IO-540-K1A5 engines (290 horsepower each), Maximum Cruise Speed: 285 knots (328 mph or 528 km/h), Range: 1,000 nautical miles (1,151 miles or 1,852 kilometers), Service Ceiling: 25,000 feet (7,620 meters), Cabin Seating: Up to six passengers."

The cabin of the Piper Aerostar is functional yet comfortable enough for private owners or business travelers despite being primarily built for performance. Features include seating for up to five passengers with large windows providing natural light and panoramic views.

Design-wise, every element of the Aerostar aims to minimize drag while maximizing performance—features include a tubular fuselage with flush-riveted aluminum skin and T-tail configuration enhancing stability at higher speeds.

Maintaining an Aerostar presents unique challenges due to its advanced design requiring experienced mechanics familiar with specific systems like pressurization or retractable landing gear; parts availability can be challenging since production ceased decades ago but remains supported by dedicated communities ensuring resources remain accessible.

Despite these complexities involved with ownership experience regarding upkeep demands versus benefits offered through unmatched pleasure operating such machines—the thrill cruising near speeds approaching nearly three hundred miles per hour makes owning one rewarding according owners frequently highlight joys flying them too often prize possessions indeed!

Other similar aircraft within market space competing against Piper’s product offerings include Beechcraft Baron Cessna Mitsubishi models respectively each bringing strengths albeit lacking distinct advantages found uniquely within aerodynamics efficiency setting apart truly iconic model itself:

The legacy left behind by this innovative piece technology continues influencing modern-day counterparts pushing boundaries general aviation industry alike testament lasting impact achieved throughout decades past well into future inspiring manufacturers pursue new heights beyond current limitations further expanding possibilities overall advancement field moving forward evermore so than before now forever remembered legendary status firmly cemented place history books rightfully earned recognition deservedly holds dear hearts minds those passionate about flight universally acknowledged globally celebrated accomplishment representing pinnacle human ingenuity endeavor always striving reach higher goals never settling anything less best possible outcome attainable every single time without exception no matter what circumstances arise along way journey taken together collectively shared experiences gained therein contained herein mentioned above...

###

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Alaska Airlines has announced a significant expansion of its route network for 2026, with plans to introduce service to two new cities and launch 13 new or returning routes.

Oct 25, 2025

Delta Air Lines will introduce new in-flight menu options created by celebrity chef José Andrés starting November 4.

Oct 25, 2025

The Blue Sky partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue launched today, allowing members of both airlines’ loyalty programs to earn and redeem points across the two carriers.

Oct 25, 2025

Air Canada is set to expand its presence at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) by introducing four new nonstop routes to the United States in 2026.

Oct 25, 2025

United Airlines has announced it will add 10 new destinations from its Chicago O'Hare International Airport hub starting next year.

Oct 25, 2025

The partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as Blue Sky, has officially launched.

Oct 25, 2025