Regan Brown
The Piper Aztec is a twin-engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear and a spacious cabin. It was manufactured for 20 years, with almost 5,000 aircraft produced. The price of a Piper Aztec varies depending on the model, total hours, and engine status. The average price for a pre-owned Piper Aztec D-E is $105,000. The fuel efficiency and consumption of the Piper Aztec are important considerations for owners and pilots. The aircraft has a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, providing over five hours of flight time. The fuel burn rate is approximately 27 gallons per hour, and the aircraft can fly for about 4 hours and 830 miles at a normal cruise power setting. Modifications are available to increase fuel tip-tank capacity, and proper fuel management is essential for optimal performance and safety.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption per hour | 26-28 gallons |
| Fuel capacity | 140 gallons |
| Fuel cost | $6 per gallon |
| Range | 830 miles |
| Fuel tank capacity | 36 gallons |
| Fuel tank capacity with tip tanks | 56 gallons |
| Fuel burn | 27.4 gallons per hour |
| Fuel efficiency | Acceptable |
| Fuel economy | Good |
| Fuel injection | Optional in Aztec B, standard in Aztec C |
| Fuel type | Gas |
| Fuel cost per hour | $998 |
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What You'll Learn
Fuel capacity and consumption
The Piper Aztec is a six-place, low-wing, twin-engine aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear. It was manufactured for 20 years, from 1962 to 1981, with almost 5,000 aircraft produced.
The Aztec was never the fastest light twin, nor did it have the greatest payload or most powerful engine. However, it offered excellent cabin space, load-hauling ability, fuel economy, range, VMC, short-field performance, durability, and accelerate/stop distance.
The Piper Aztec has a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, which provides a range of about 830 miles with no reserves at a "normal" cruise power setting (about 80% power). At 75% power, the fuel consumption is between 26 to 28 gallons per hour, resulting in a cruise speed of 165 knots.
The Aztec F model has a maximum structural cruise speed of 175 knots, never exceeding 221 knots. Lower-level cruises typically achieve speeds of 150 to 160 knots. The F model has a range of 1,300 nautical miles with 45-minute reserves, or 1,145 nautical miles for the turbo version.
The Aztec's fuel efficiency is further enhanced by its ability to carry full fuel and six passengers, or full fuel, five passengers, and baggage, depending on the model and restrictions. The zero-fuel-weight limit for the original Aztec is 4,000 pounds, while the turbo models have a limit of 4,500 pounds.
Additionally, modifications are available to increase the fuel tip-tank capacity, and specific procedures are recommended to address fuel-related issues, such as burning off the outboards first when dealing with fuel distribution in the aux tip tanks.
The Piper Aztec's fuel capacity and consumption characteristics contribute to its reputation for good fuel economy and range, making it a versatile and reliable aircraft for personal transportation and commercial aviation.
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Fuel cost
The Piper Aztec is a six-place, low-wing, twin-engine aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear. It was manufactured for 20 years, with almost 5,000 aircraft produced. The Aztec is known for its cabin space, load-hauling ability, fuel economy, range, VMC, short-field performance, durability, and accelerate/stop distance.
The fuel economy and range of the Piper Aztec are impressive. The aircraft can fly for about 4 hours and cover 830 miles with no reserves at a "normal" cruise power setting (about 80% power). The fuel consumption at cruise is approximately 26 to 28 gallons per hour at 75% power. The aircraft has a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, allowing for a range of over 5 hours.
The Piper Aztec's fuel efficiency is further enhanced by its ability to haul full fuel and six passengers. Even with zero-fuel-weight restrictions, the Aztec can carry full fuel, four or five adults, and baggage. The front and rear baggage compartments have a capacity of 150 pounds each.
The cost of fuel for the Piper Aztec depends on various factors, including fuel price, fuel efficiency, and flight time. For example, based on 200 annual owner-operated hours and a fuel cost of $6 per gallon, the variable costs for a Piper Aztec D-E are estimated to be $101,560, resulting in an annual budget of $199,680, or $998 per hour.
Additionally, modifications are available to improve the aircraft's performance and fuel efficiency. For example, Micro Aerodynamics offers a micro vortex generator kit that lowers VMC and stall speeds, while Met-Co-Aire manufactures modifications to increase fuel tip-tank capacity.
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Fuel efficiency
The Piper Aztec is a twin-engine piston aircraft with retractable landing gear. It has a spacious cabin with plenty of elbow, head, and legroom. The Aztec was first released in 1962 and retailed at around $50,000. The price rose to $70,000 by the time the F series was introduced in 1971. Today, the price of a Piper Aztec varies depending on the model, total hours, and engine status. For instance, good-condition early A or B models with high-time engines can be priced at $60,000–70,000, while F models with average hours and low-life engines can sell for approximately $180,000. The average price for a pre-owned Piper Aztec D-E is $105,000.
The Aztec is known for its load-carrying ability and can carry full fuel, four to six passengers, and baggage. The aircraft has a fuel capacity of 140 gallons, providing over five hours' worth of fuel and a range of 830 miles with no reserves. The fuel consumption on cruise is considered adequate, with a burn rate of 26–28 gallons per hour at 75% power. The Aztec F has a range of 1,300 nautical miles with 45-minute reserves.
The Aztec is not the most fuel-efficient light twin aircraft available, but it makes up for this with its load-carrying capabilities, cabin space, range, short-field performance, and durability. Modifications are available to increase the fuel tip-tank capacity, such as those offered by Met-Co-Aire in California. Additionally, proper speed control and power management can help improve fuel efficiency and reduce the Dutch roll tendency when the auxiliary tip tanks are full.
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Fuel tank modifications
Fuel costs for the Piper Aztec vary depending on the model, engine status, and other factors. For instance, the Piper Aztec D-E has a total variable cost of $101,560, with an annual budget of $199,680, which equates to $998 per hour, based on 200 annual owner-operated hours and a $6-per-gallon fuel cost.
Now, here is some detailed information on fuel tank modifications for the Piper Aztec:
The Piper Aztec is a versatile aircraft that has undergone numerous modifications over the years to enhance its performance and functionality. One area that has received attention is the fuel system, particularly the fuel tanks. Here are some common fuel tank modifications for the Piper Aztec:
- Fuel Tank Capacity: The Aztec is known for its load-carrying capabilities, and modifications have been made to increase fuel tank capacity. For example, the last Aztec model, the F, introduced in 1976, offered 20-gallon tip tanks, increasing the fuel capacity to 1,300 nautical miles with 45-minute reserves. This modification was ideal for longer flights and provided a range that surpassed that of earlier models.
- Fuel Tank Seals and Bladders: The Piper Aztec has had issues with fuel tank seals and bladders. In some cases, when the tanks are full, it may indicate a poor seal at the bladder tank filler, requiring rectification. Leaking tanks due to bladder porosity have also been reported, necessitating repair or replacement. As a solution, companies like Floats & Fuel Cells in Tennessee offer replacement bladders specifically for the Aztec.
- Fuel Tank Interconnectivity: The Piper Aztec is equipped with four 36-gallon wing fuel tanks. Fuel can be pumped from any tank to both engines using engine-driven or electric fuel pumps. This interconnectivity ensures a consistent fuel supply to the engines during flight.
- Fuel Tip-Tank Capacity Modifications: Met-Co-Aire, a California-based company, offers modifications to increase the fuel tip-tank capacity of the Piper Aztec. These modifications enhance the aircraft's range and endurance, making it suitable for longer flights or operations requiring extended loiter time.
- One-Piece Cowls: The engine cowls on the Aztec are notoriously challenging and time-consuming to remove and replace. STC mods have been introduced to the market, offering one-piece cowls that significantly reduce maintenance time and streamline the process of accessing the engine for inspections or repairs.
- Turbocharger Oil Tank Replacement: For turbocharged Aztecs, Piper has issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) requiring the replacement of the turbocharger oil tank to prevent possible in-flight fires. This modification is essential for the safety and continued airworthiness of turbocharged Aztec variants.
These fuel tank modifications for the Piper Aztec enhance its performance, safety, and maintenance efficiency, making it a more reliable and versatile aircraft for owners and operators.
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Fuel burn issues
The Piper Aztec is a six-place, low-wing, twin-engine aircraft with retractable tricycle landing gear. It was manufactured for 20 years, with almost 5,000 aircraft produced. The Aztec is known for its cabin space, load-hauling ability, fuel economy, range, short-field performance, and accelerate/stop distance.
Fuel Efficiency
The Piper Aztec is known for its good fuel economy and range. With a high-lift wing design, it can haul full fuel and six passengers. The fuel consumption at cruise power settings is approximately 26 to 28 gallons per hour at 75% power. At lower-level cruise settings, fuel burn is expected to be around 150 to 160 knots.
Fuel Tank Configuration
The Piper Aztec typically features four 36-gallon wing fuel tanks. However, some variants like the F model offer additional 20-gallon tip tanks, increasing the total fuel capacity and extending the range.
Fuel Burn Rates
The fuel burn rate varies depending on the model and operating conditions. For example, the E and F models have slightly lower fuel burn rates compared to the earlier Aztecs, burning around 26 to 28 gallons per hour at 75% power. At higher altitudes, a Turbo Aztec may burn fuel at a rate of 30 to 35 gallons per hour while cruising at speeds of 190 to 200 knots.
Fuel Burn during Descent
It is recommended to burn off the outboard fuel tanks first, especially when the aircraft has 120 pounds of fuel in each auxiliary tip tank. This is because Aztecs with a significant amount of fuel in the tip tanks tend to Dutch roll in turbulence. Therefore, standard practice is to burn off the outboard fuel first to improve stability during descent.
Fuel Costs
The cost of operating a Piper Aztec includes fuel costs, which can vary depending on fuel prices and the aircraft's fuel efficiency. For example, an owner of a Turbo Aztec E mentioned fuel costs of $225 per hour, which is significantly higher than the previous figure of $200 per hour when fuel prices were lower.
Fuel Tank Modifications
There are modifications available to increase the fuel tip-tank capacity, providing longer range capabilities. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the seal of the bladder tank at the filler, requiring repairs or replacements.
In summary, the Piper Aztec is known for its good fuel economy, and modifications are available to enhance fuel efficiency and range. However, owners should be mindful of fuel burn rates, especially during descent, and consider the impact of fuel costs on their operating budget.
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Frequently asked questions
The price of a Piper Aztec depends on the model, total hours, and engine status. The first model was released in 1962 for $50,000, and the price rose to $70,000 by the time the F series was released in 1971. Today, a pre-owned Piper Aztec D-E costs around $105,000, while F models with average hours and low-life engines can sell for around $180,000.
The Piper Aztec has four 36-gallon wing fuel tanks, with the option of adding 20-gallon tip tanks. The aircraft's total fuel capacity is 140 gallons, and it burns between 26 to 28 gallons per hour at 75% power.
The Piper Aztec can fly for around 5 hours on a full tank of fuel, covering a distance of 830 miles at a normal cruise power setting. With the optional 20-gallon tip tanks, the F model has a range of 1,300 nautical miles with 45 minutes of fuel reserves.
