The PA-32 line includes the fixed-gear Cherokee Six, the retractable-gear Lance and current Saratoga retractables. The PA-32-260 Cherokee Six was first delivered in 1965. A 260 hp Lycoming powered the Six from 1965 to 1978. In 1966, a 300 hp Lycoming engine was offered and the two versions were sold side by side for several years. Production ended in 1990 with over 4,400 Cherokee Sixes delivered.
Piper replaced the original “Hershey Bar” shaped wing in 1980 with the better performing semi-tapered wing. Other than the wing, the design was relatively unchanged throughout its production run.
As with many aircraft, you cannot have full fuel and a full passenger load; however, the Cherokee Six is a good four-person full-fuel plane. Removing all the seats and operating the aircraft as a freighter can expand the carrying capacity of the airplane. The cabin is quite comfortable for four, and adequate for six.
