Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide
Piper PA-23 Apache · Model Guide
Overview
The Piper PA-23 Apache is a piston light twin built 1954 to 1963 that seats 4 to 5. Sources say Piper built about 2,100 from 1954 through 1961. It has a rugged tubular structure and a roomy cabin, and it was cheap to buy and run. Its known weakness is poor performance on one engine.
- Piper PA-23 Apache: rugged tubular airframe and roomy cabin, but weak single-engine performance is its known weakness.
- A 1981 pilot article put used Apaches at $10,000 to $20,000. That figure is dated, so check current prices.
- Common upgrade: 150/160-hp Lycoming O-320s replaced by 180-hp O-360s. One modified example cruised 140 knots on about 18 gph.
- Piper treats the main gear drag link bolt replacement (SB 1299) as mandatory at 1,000 hours time in service, then every 1,000 hours.
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Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.
Document
Source
Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type ·
- Model Guide
- Year ·
- 2026
- File size ·
- 49 KB
- Copy found at ·
- sprinkle.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Specifications
- Seats max ·
- 5
- Seats min ·
- 4
- Apache 235 total fuel (gal) ·
- 144
- Apache 235 engine power (hp) ·
- 235
- Pa 23 main fuel capacity (gal) ·
- 72
Performance
- Apache 235 range (nm) ·
- 850
- Apache 235 fuel burn (gph) ·
- 22
- Apache 235 cruise speed (kt) ·
- 165
- Modified 180hp fuel burn (gph) ·
- 18
- Modified 180hp cruise speed (kt) ·
- 140
Weight & balance
- Apache 235 useful load (lb) ·
- 1,859
- Apache 235 empty weight (lb) ·
- 2,941
- Apache 235 max gross weight (lb) ·
- 4,800
How does the Piper PA-23 Apache handle on one engine?
The Piper PA-23 Apache flies well with both engines running. Its single-engine performance earned it a poor reputation, so owners must stay proficient in emergency procedures. Dorsal fins and 180-hp engines are reported to improve single-engine margins.
What did a used Piper PA-23 Apache cost?
A 1981 article gave used Piper PA-23 Apache prices of $10,000 to $20,000. That is old data. A conversion shop quoted about $18,000 for an inspection and overhaul.
What fuel and electric pump settings does the Piper PA-23 Apache use?
The 1955 Piper PA-23 Apache flight manual lists 72 gal main fuel capacity. Electric fuel pumps go on for takeoff and landing and off in cruise. The cross feed is for single-engine emergencies only.
What is the Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide?
The Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide is a model guide for the Piper PA-23 Apache, dated 2026.
What year was the Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide published?
The Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide — the Piper PA-23 Apache model guide on file — is dated 2026.
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More Piper PA-23 Apachemanuals & documents
- SERVICE BULLETIN NO. 1299Service Bulletins
- INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR HEATER KIT #1 P/N CD11005K1Weight & Balance
- SERVICE LETTER NO. 1141Maintenance Manual
- Service Bulletin No. 771AService Bulletins
- PIPER PA-23-150/160 ApacheSystems Description
- AAIB Bulletin: 1/2007 G-MOLY EW/G2006/07/24Other Documents
- APACHE SERVICE MANUALMaintenance Manual
- Piper Parts CatalogChecklist
- Specifications for the Piper PA-23 ApacheSpecifications
- Piper PA-23 Apache Supplemental Type CertificateSupplemental Type Certificate
- Airplane Flight ManualFlight Manual
- Piper Apache 235 SpecsChecklist
Related documents
- Piper Apache 235 SpecsPiper PA-23 Apache · Checklist
- Piper PA-23 Apache Supplemental Type CertificatePiper PA-23 Apache · Supplemental Type Certificate
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- Piper PA-28 Cherokee 235 Model GuidePiper PA-28 Cherokee 235 · Model Guide
- PIPER Aztec PA-23-250 Model GuidePIPER Aztec PA-23-250 · Model Guide
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In this document
What to inspect before buying
Rubber fuel bladders: a conversion shop said about half needed replacing. Check the tubular frame for leaks and corrosion; the shop found serious corrosion in very few. Cowlings crack and need constant repair. ADs cover cracks in control surfaces, the landing-gear selector lever and the entrance step frame, plus fuel valves and the combustion heater.
Landing gear and service items
Gear is hydraulic tricycle. An anti-retraction valve stuck by debris and corrosion let the gear collapse on the ground (AAIB report). Gascolator service is due every 90 days or 50 hours (Service Letter 1141). A parking brake placard is required by SB 771A. Drag link bolt SB 1299 covers PA-23-150, -160 and -235.
Apache 235 reference figures
The PA-23-235 has 235-hp Lycoming O-540s, 144 gal total fuel and about 22 GPH burn. Listed cruise is 165 kts, with 850 nm range with reserves. Speeds in mph: Vso 62, Vs1 72, Vr 80, Vx 90, Vy 110, Va 145, Vfe 125, Vno 198, Vne 249, Vmc 80.
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Safety notes
- Left engine is critical and drives the hydraulic pump (Apache 235 notes). If it fails after takeoff, you may need to hand-pump the gear up.
- Placard: do not operate the Lear L-2 autopilot during single-engine operation.
- Pulling and holding the parking brake before or while applying the brakes gives little or no braking (SB 771A).
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Full document text
Piper PA-23 Apache Model Guide The Piper PA-23 Apache is a piston light twin built 1954 to 1963 that seats 4 to 5. Sources say Piper built about 2,100 from 1954 through 1961. It has a rugged tubular structure and a roomy cabin, and it was cheap to buy and run. Its known weakness is poor performance on one engine. • Piper PA-23 Apache: rugged tubular airframe and roomy cabin, but weak single-engine performance is its known weakness. • A 1981 pilot article put used Apaches at $10,000 to $20,000. That figure is dated, so check current prices. • Common upgrade: 150/160-hp Lycoming O-320s replaced by 180-hp O-360s. One modified example cruised 140 knots on about 18 gph. • Piper treats the main gear drag link bolt replacement (SB 1299) as mandatory at 1,000 hours time in service, then every 1,000 hours. What to inspect before buying Rubber fuel bladders: a conversion shop said about half needed replacing. Check the tubular frame for leaks and corrosion; the shop found serious corrosion in very few. Cowlings crack and need constant repair. ADs cover cracks in control surfaces, the landing-gear selector lever and the entrance step frame, plus fuel valves and the combustion heater. Landing gear and service items Gear is hydraulic tricycle. An anti-retraction valve stuck by debris and corrosion let the gear collapse on the ground (AAIB report). Gascolator service is due every 90 days or 50 hours (Service Letter 1141). A parking brake placard is required by SB 771A. Drag link bolt SB 1299 covers PA-23-150, -160 and -235. Apache 235 reference figures The PA-23-235 has 235-hp Lycoming O-540s, 144 gal total fuel and about 22 GPH burn. Listed cruise is 165 kts, with 850 nm range with reserves. Speeds in mph: Vso 62, Vs1 72, Vr 80, Vx 90, Vy 110, Va 145, Vfe 125, Vno 198, Vne 249, Vmc 80. Safety notes: • Left engine is critical and drives the hydraulic pump (Apache 235 notes). If it fails after takeoff, you may need to hand-pump the gear up. • Placard: do not operate the Lear L-2 autopilot during single-engine operation. • Pulling and holding the parking brake before or while applying the brakes gives little or no braking (SB 771A).