10 Popular Single Engine Piston Aircraft

For more than 120 years, aviation has seen in advancement in aircraft design and technology. From the earliest version of aircraft constructed from wood and paper, to what we have today! The modest piston aircraft formed an essential part of World War I, paving the way for air travel by civilians. Air travel meant less travel hours via train, boat, or bus, because the flights were conducted direct from point A to point B, instead of by route.

Piston engines today are far more economical requiring less maintenance more reliable than the aircraft available in the late 1950’s, enabling unlimited travel for families and businessmen.

In this article we shall be considering the ten most popular single piston aircraft.

Piper M350

Setting new standards in terms of value for money operations, efficiency and capability, the Piper M350 offers standard safety features while travelling in luxury and comfort. The cabin features Integrated Digital Pressurisation, accommodating one pilot and five passengers with its lush leather seating, executive writing tables and Piper AirStair Door, it boasts the finest cabin in its class. Cabin noise is reduction is achieved by the Lycoming TIO-540-AE2A turbocharged engine and Hartzell Three-Blade Composite Constant Speed Propeller.

Additional safety is provided by the Garmin G1000NXI Next Generation Three Screen Avionics Suite with Synthetic Vision Technology, Garmin GFC-700 Autopilot/Flight Guidance Computer and Garmin GTX-345R Transponder with ADS-B (In and Out). Electronic Stability Protection provides stability during flight, applying control force during over- or under speed conditions.

The Piper M350 comes standard equipped with PiperAire Air Conditioning System, Speed Brakes, Rosen Sun Visors, and Garmin SafeTaxi.

Piper Saratoga II TC

The Piper Saratoga II TC has a reputation of being a hardworking, heavy carrying aircraft that combines cabin comfort with speed, accessibility to remote areas and pilot-friendly cockpit.

Powered by the 300 hp Lycoming TIO-540 turbocharged engine, the Piper Saratoga II TC cruises at 183 kts, has the ability of carrying up to six passengers in the club configured cabin, up to a 690nm range. This high-performance aircraft is fitted with a three blade Hartzell constant speed propeller, ensuring cabin noise reduction. Enabling easy access to the cabin, this aircraft provides a wide cabin door and storage hatch aft of the passenger seating.

Beechcraft Bonanza G36

The very popular Bonanza G36 is powered by a Continental IO-550-B engine with a 920 nm range at 174 kts cruise speed, this six-seater aircraft propelled by the Hartzell three blade constant speed featuring the Garmin G1000 NXi Avionics Suite with Garmin DMC-707 Autopilot with ADS-B Out and In provides an easy ride in comfort and style. With additional super soundproofing, adjustable lumbar support and an executive writing table, the Beechcraft Bonanza G36 is the perfect option for the businessman or the family setting out on an adventure! The Beechcraft Bonanza G36 has the ability to land on rough terrain, making travelling options endless. This aircraft is also one of the only options available with a wide passenger door, enabling easy access.

Cessna 210

As single engine, six-seater high performance Cessna 210 has been in production since 1957 which ended in 1986. Derived from the four-seater Cessna 182, the 210 was redesigned to a wider, larger cabin aircraft with retractable gear and an enhanced performance engine. Also available in the pressurized cabin version with an increased take-off weight, longer span stabilizers and a 325 hp Continental TSIO-520-CE engine, only forty of these were built between 1985 and 1986.

Cirrus SR20

Small but nifty, this four-seat aircraft is a small giant to be reckoned with! Business or pleasure has no boundaries when it comes to the Cirrus SR20. It’s spacious four passenger luxurious leather interior with various USB ports. Uncompromised safety features such as Electronic Stability and Protection System, along with the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System makes the Cirrus SR20 a positive contender in the current market.

Cirrus Perspective+ designed by Garmin provides for the avionics suite.

Powered by a Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 engine delivering a cruise speed of approximately 155 kts and a 709 nm range makes the Cirrus SR20 the perfect family mode of transport.

Mooney Ovation M20J

Manufactured by the Mooney International Corporation and first introduced in 1955, this low wing, four-seater aircraft, equipped with tricycle gear and piston powered, the Moony Ovation M20J is one of the leading choices when it comes to small family transportation options that are available on the market. Delivering extraordinary performance with a cruising of 169 kts and achieving a 1,125 nm range, the Mooney Ovation can carry up to 1,100 useful load. Avionics are provided by a state-of-the art avionics suite, allowing for increased pilot cognisance and awareness.

Cessna Skyhawk 182

Providing the owner of a range of 915nm range at a cruise speed of 145 kts, this four-seater Cessna Skylane 182 delivers 1,110 lb of useful load. With its high wing design allowing for magnificent window isle views this high-performance aircraft delivers short take-offs and landings on different platforms.

Complemented by the Garmin G1000 NXi Next Generation Avionics Suite enabled with ADS-B Out and In, Standard Garmin Electronic Stability Protection, Under Speed Protection and VSI makes this aircraft one of the safest and most economical options available on the market

Beechcraft Bonanza F33A

One of the eldest aircraft produced by Beechcraft Corporation, Wichita Kansas, the Beechcraft Bonanza F33A was in production since 1970 until 1994. This four-seater aircraft, powered by the Continental IO-520-B 285 hp engine features a two-axis Autopilot, Constant Speed Propeller and Retractable Landing Gear. Sometimes used for aerobatics due to the structural assembly, the Bonanza F33A stood out from the crowd! Also distinguishing the Beechcraft Bonanza F33A is the large bailout, quick-release door latches.

Diamond DA-20

Taking to the sky in the Diamond DA-20 is similar to taking your taking a Lamborghini to the racetrack – just adding wings! With its attractive, customized design, this affordable aircraft offers unlimited performance, durability that is impressive and matched economically to its peers. Usually used for training, this two-seater aircraft delivers a 729 nm rage at an impressive 126kts cruise speed. Its elegant interior and surpassed Garmin G500 Avionics Suite, it also boasts four-point inertia reel safety harnesses and low-cost maintenance features such as PistonPower, enabling owners and operators to benefit form the cost predictability and peace of mind.

Cessna Cardinal 177 RG

Intended to replace the Cessna Skyhawk C172, the Cessna Cardinal C177 RG which has been in production since 1970. The main landing gears and nose-wheel retract to the rear of the aircraft. Powered by the Lycoming IO-360 engine, the Cessna Cardinal C177 RG offers increased gross weight with at least 300 lbs and an increase of 146 lbs empty weight. According to the statistics of the Cessna R177RG, the aircraft is able to deliver a 230 km/h cruise speed, delivering a range of up to 1,119 km, making this little biscuit a cookie to look out for!