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Pa-30 Piper Twin Comanche with glass cockpit upgrade

PA-30 Twin Comanche B

A great touring aircraft with huge range and a new, triple redundant instrument fit.

Total Time 8224 hrs

2x Lycoming IO320-B1A. Normally aspirated.

Left 1488 hrs
Right 1857 hrs

Engined zero times by Lycoming in 1995

2 x Hartzell Props both 176 hrs TSN.

Engines and Props are on condition for ‘calendar’

The avionics and cockpit were completely upgraded in 2021 by MCA in Bournemouth to provide a safe, modern IFR cruising platform:

Nav/Com 1 Garmin GTN650xi enables GPS navigation, approaches and ILS
Nav2 Garmin 375, this also provides Mode S transponder and ADS-B IN and OUT
Com2 Trig TY97

The Garmin Nav systems also give traffic and terrain alerting and awareness functions

The entire instrument fit was replaced by six Garmin GI275 multi-function displays that are configured thus:

-Main Pilot Flying Display (PFD) including an integral emergency battery and autopilot module
-HSI including an integral emergency battery and autopilot module. This display will automatically become a PFD in the event of a failure of the main PFD.
-2x Engine Monitors-offering accurate engine parameter monitoring, accurate leaning and more.
-Multi function Display-this can repeat any other display, but I tend to use it in Traffic mode.
-Co-pilots PFD on the right side of the cockpit, including an integral emergency battery and autopilot module
Garmin GMA350 comm panel with four place intercom

New alternators were fitted as part of this upgrade.

The autopilot modules mean the aircraft is ready to take any Garmin autopilot (and others) but is currently fitted with the original Altimatic III auto pilot. This offers basic functionality of Hdg and Alt hold.


The integral batteries in PFD,HSI and back up PFD will give up to about three hours instrument life in the event of a total failure of the aircraft electrical system and battery. This provides a safe ‘get you home’ capability in IMC. Each GI275 also has an integral back up GPS which will take over in the event of a failure of both Nav1 and Nav2.

CiES fuel senders fitted in all six tanks

The aircraft is a great cruising machine and a good load lifter. Empty weight is 2400 lbs and MTOW 3720-so it will take -say-full fuel (450 litres) and two adults with ease. An example of 'economical cruise' fuel consumption is about 70 litres/hr at 65% power at 6000’ and equates to about 155 kts TAS. There is a fuel burning heater in the nose which is very effective. My last long trip was to Malta from Gloucester-which the aircraft handled with ease.

Videos of the aircraft in flight are here:

https://youtu.be/0GggvD2nUVA?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/xf8ZvZsaP2M?feature=shared


Asking £100,000 for the aircraft or will sell a half share. Aircraft is hangered at Gloucester.