Piper Aztec E

jrh

jrh

Well-Known Member
Has anyone here flown this plane?

I'm FINALLY finishing my multi-engine rating in an Aztec E this week. I got the entire week off work for Thanksgiving (I work at a high school) and decided to hammer it out while I can. My checkride is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Anyhow...what a plane! My only other experience has been in a Twin Commanche and a Turbo Seminole, but the Aztec is by far the best. It's powerful, stable, light on the controls, reasonably fast, certified for known ice, systems are simple to operate...just an all around good plane. I'm not sure why they aren't more popular for trainers. Maybe price? I'm paying $226/hr wet...but I've seen Senecas and Seminoles go for almost as much. I don't know...whatever the case, if you get a chance to try out an Aztec, I highly recommend it!

Ok, back to studying my POH now...
 
jrh said:
Has anyone here flown this plane?

I'm FINALLY finishing my multi-engine rating in an Aztec E this week. I got the entire week off work for Thanksgiving (I work at a high school) and decided to hammer it out while I can. My checkride is scheduled for Monday afternoon.

Anyhow...what a plane! My only other experience has been in a Twin Commanche and a Turbo Seminole, but the Aztec is by far the best. It's powerful, stable, light on the controls, reasonably fast, certified for known ice, systems are simple to operate...just an all around good plane. I'm not sure why they aren't more popular for trainers. Maybe price? I'm paying $226/hr wet...but I've seen Senecas and Seminoles go for almost as much. I don't know...whatever the case, if you get a chance to try out an Aztec, I highly recommend it!

Ok, back to studying my POH now...
Click to expand...

GASP!!!!!!

You like it better than the Twin Comanche?

Aztecs are awesome planes but they burn about 24 GPH that is why they aren't use much for training. They are really nice planes though.
 
desertdog71 said:
You like it better than the Twin Comanche?

Aztecs are awesome planes but they burn about 24 GPH that is why they aren't use much for training. They are really nice planes though.
Click to expand...

My instructor failed the right engine (non-critical side) on me in cruise flight, doing about 160 mph. I was like, "Huh? I don't feel it." Barely had to step on the rudder or anything. It just slowed down to about 140 and we kept on trucking. It's not that easy in the Twin Commanche!

And for the fuel burn, we actually figure on *34* gph, not 24. 17 gph/side. So...yeah...good point. But 500 hp is worth it!
 
I have about 500 hours in an E model Aztec. Great, honest twin. And if I remember right, 17 GPH per side sounds right on.

Get used to that trim crank, yet? :)
 
Looking4Lower said:
Get used to that trim crank, yet? :)
Click to expand...

Yep, the Twin Commanche uses a trim crank too, so I had no problem in the Aztec.

Tell you what though, I just about spun that trim crank to death the first time I extended 15 degrees of flaps while doing 160...I was pushing forward with about 50 pounds of force and still couldn't hold the nose down!
 
jrh said:
Yep, the Twin Commanche uses a trim crank too, so I had no problem in the Aztec.

Tell you what though, I just about spun that trim crank to death the first time I extended 15 degrees of flaps while doing 160...I was pushing forward with about 50 pounds of force and still couldn't hold the nose down!
Click to expand...

I haven't flown anything but a Twin Comanche so I am kind of Biased I guess. I might get a few hours Seneca II here pretty quick though. We will see what happens.
 
they don't call it the Aztruck for nothin. I'm flying its little brother the Apache right now and having a blast.
 
yep, I took my checkride on monday and passed the oral however we got weathered out. So I'll be doing the flying portion soon.
 
We used to have an Aztec on line, but at $295 an hour, nobody was touching it. Why oh why my school won't buy something cheap is beyond me.
 
Did my multi in a '62 B model Aztec. Had a good time but probably lost half my hearing. That thing was a piece.
 
Oh, a LOT worse. I had anr AND earplugs and I still felt like my eardrums were gonna vibrate out of my head.
 
You'll love the Aztruck. You can fill it up with gas, people, and as much baggage you can stuff in there and you'll still be legal for T/O. Fairly fast as well. I would say it's one of the most practical light twins out there if you are looking at hauling people or things around.

I loved flying the Twinkie around, but I just don't see a 4 place light twin as being very practical.
 
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