About the PIPER PA-44-180T
The Piper PA-44-180T, commonly known as the Piper Seminole, is a highly regarded twin-engine light aircraft that was produced by Piper Aircraft. Introduced in the late 1970s, the Seminole was embodied in Piper’s effort to provide an effective, reliable, and affordable multi-engine trainer aircraft for general aviation. Its primary motivation was to offer a suitable upgrade for pilots who needed to transition from single-engine flight to multi-engine operations, addressing the growing demand from flight training schools and civilian aviators pursuing advanced ratings. The Seminole was first certified in 1978 and production began shortly thereafter. Its continued popularity over the decades highlights its significance in pilot training and general aviation. The PA-44 retains many design elements familiar to pilots who have trained in Piper’s single-engine offerings like the Cherokee, thus easing the transition to multi-engine operations. The Seminole is easily identifiable by its low-wing configuration and T-tail design, with later models featuring turbocharged engines, hence the “180T” in its designation. Powered by two Lycoming O-360 engines initially, the turbocharged models use Lycoming TO-360 engines, offering enhanced performance at higher altitudes. The benefits of the PA-44-180T include its straightforward handling, robust safety features, and redundancy afforded by the twin-engine setup, which makes it an ideal platform for multi-engine instruction. The aircraft is designed with simplicity and ease of maintenance in mind. The Seminole's ability to simulate engine-out procedures safely and effectively has made it a cornerstone in the training fleets of many flight schools. It also features counter-rotating propellers, which eliminate critical engine considerations and add to its pilot-friendly attributes. Despite newer multi-engine trainers entering the market, the Piper PA-44-180T remains a steadfast favorite among flight training institutions worldwide, thanks to its balance of performance, reliability, and instructional capacity.