The Piper Colt is an aircraft that has stood the test of time. With its distinct design and exceptional performance, this two-seat aircraft remains a favorite among pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike. Let's delve into the various aspects that make the Piper Colt an interesting and significant aircraft.

HISTORY

The Piper Colt was manufactured by Piper Aircraft and was introduced to the public in 1961. It was intended for use as a personal and flight training aircraft.

Notable Milestones

• Introduction Date: 1961
• End of Production: 1964
• Total Units Produced: Over 2,000

The aircraft's development was derived from the earlier Piper PA-22 Tri-Pacer but with reduced seating to lower costs and make it more accessible to the market.

DESIGN

The Piper Colt was uniquely designed with its pilots and passengers in mind.

• Wingspan: 29 feet 3 inches
• Length: 20 feet 6 inches
• Weight: 1,450 pounds maximum gross weight
• Seating Capacity: 2

Its tricycle landing gear and side-by-side seating layout provide an intuitive flying experience.

PERFORMANCE

The Piper Colt offers excellent performance for its category.

• Top Speed: 123 mph
• Range: 450 miles
• Altitude: 11,000 feet
• Fuel Efficiency: 5.5 gallons per hour

The combination of its efficient fuel consumption and robust performance made it a popular choice among private pilots.

TECHNOLOGY

While not necessarily cutting-edge by today's standards, the Piper Colt featured technologies that were innovative for its time.

• Avionics: Basic but functional, suitable for VFR flying
• Propulsion: Powered by a Lycoming O-235 engine, providing 108 horsepower
• Safety Systems: Simple and reliable mechanical systems

VARIANTS

The Piper Colt was mainly produced in one standard model, aimed at private owners and flight schools.

OPERATORS

Being a light personal aircraft, the Piper Colt was primarily used by private owners and small flying clubs. Its affordability and ease of use made it a popular choice for flight training.

Summary

The Piper Colt represents a significant chapter in aviation history. Its unique blend of design, performance, and technological advancement made it a notable aircraft of its time. If you are an aviation enthusiast or simply curious about the fascinating world of flying, the Piper Colt is worth exploring further.

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Specifications and Performance Data

Feature	Details
Engine	Lycoming O-235
Dimensions	20 ft 6 in (length), 29 ft 3 in (wingspan)
Range	450 miles
Top Speed	123 mph
Altitude	11,000 feet
Fuel Efficiency	5.5 gallons per hour
Seating Capacity	2
Weight	1,450 pounds