Piper PA-32R-300 Lance IIPhoto: ZLEA · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variant
Indicative 1978 market price€149k€178k
Estimated annual cost at 80 h€91k
Five-year cash outlay€615k

Key figures

Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.

Seats6
Realistic payload with mission fuel517 kg
Advertised range875 nm
Practical planning radius (4 people)586 nm
Cruise speed155 kt
Runway need~570 m
PressurisedNo
FuelAvgas 100LL
Fixed annual base€28k
Direct cost per flight hour260

The ownership trade-off

A large and useful cabin at an accessible price, but the T-tail, gear and ageing systems need close inspection.

Cost picture at different usage

  • 40 hours/year: about €80k per year ( €2005 per flight hour all-in)
  • 80 hours/year: about €91k per year ( €1133 per flight hour all-in)
  • 120 hours/year: about €101k per year ( €842 per flight hour all-in)
  • 180 hours/year: about €117k per year ( €648 per flight hour all-in)

Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €54k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.

Where it fits well

  • 155 kt cruise supports credible cross-country touring.
  • 875 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 586 nm with 4 occupants.
  • 517 kg realistic payload proxy and 6 seats define the usable cabin mission.

Limitations to price honestly

  • A large and useful cabin at an accessible price, but the T-tail, gear and ageing systems need close inspection.
  • €28k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
  • Approximate 570 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.

Recommended missions

  • Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
  • Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
  • Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.

Similar aircraft to consider