B and C Model PA30

[Billy Matthews]

What are the most notable differences between the PA30 B and C models? Is one better than the other?

[Kristin Winter]

The two main differences are that the C models got a more modern instrument panel with rocker switches and the standard T configuration for the flight instruments. The other difference is a thicker horizontal stabilizer which is doubtless stronger and may help in the landings, but probably costs a knot or two.

I limited my search to the C's and the PA-39's while favoring the C. I wanted upgraded panel as I thought, and still think, that they look a bit more modern which might help on resale, and I like it better. I preferred the non-CR as they perform slight better and some of the CR components are a bit rarer and sometimes pricier.

[N8632Y]

I know the C model has direct access to the baggage compartment, in case you get locked in via the front door, then you can access the baggage door and get out,
how do i know?
I think the B does not have direct access, and their baggage door is on the right side, the C is on the left.
steve

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Close Steve, but not quite (don't you hate that...). All of the 6 window aircraft have the baggage door on the aircraft left, and also have direct access to the baggage compartment, bucket back seats, battery in the nose, and the baggage door doubles as an emergency exit, openable from the inside regardless of weather it is locked on the outside or not. Only the 63-65 models were 4 window birds, and their interior reflected the same layout as the 4 window singles of the day.

Realy, in todays market, there is not much difference between a B and a C if the B has been converted to Alternators and has an upgraded panel with a std T layout. Yes the C has the thicker stab, but I haven't noticed any difference in flight between the two, except possibly a few knots in speed, but that is hard to track as there are so many airframe variables. The only thing I did notice is that ice doesn't build as fast on the larger radius tail feathers, but I never had controllability issues with the thin tail in ice either, even though it looked ugly!

-Zach

[9089P]

Hi Zach,

Some might argue that you would be better off buying a "B" even if it had generators as then you could convert to Plane Power alternators rather than have the Piper system that was put in the "C".

Don

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Don,
Even if you get a C, that option is still available. Kristin Winter just converted her C to the Plane Power system. Also, the InterAv system is also a very good option for the "A"s and "B"s, and should not be over looked when making the conversion decision.
Zach

[Kristin Winter]

Zach,

Is the Interav system paralleling system or does it use the main/aux voltage regulation system that Piper was using in the late 60's and early 70's.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

Kris,
It is a paralleling system. Two separate voltage regs with automatic switching and sharing.
Zach

[Billy Matthews]

Thanks for all the reply's

[SLIMDREDGER]

B & C model PA30 comments:

I like the right side location of the baggage door on the earlly models as it's easy to load and unload items without walking around the airplane. This ease also encourages loading in the back where the aft weight helps move the cg to a more efficient position.

I also like the enclosed baggage compartment that allows storage of items in the airplane where they cannot be seen and tempt a thief when the airplane is tied down overnight.

I have not flown a B or C model, but when I sit in one I sense the added height of the instrument panel somewhat limits the forward visibility.

Al Powers ICS 2978

[N8632Y]

Al,
Some excellent comments on the baggage compartment door being on the right side, I never thought of it.
I still like having access to the back in flight, and an easy emerg. exit.
As far as seeing over the panel, in climbout, i fly faster, less pitch, so vis has never been a problem and i'm 5'9
and in cruise, the plane gets on step, and has a small angle of attack, so i see rather well, much better than in a mooney, cessna....
steve

[N3322G]

The 39 is very close to a PA30 C and at 5'4" it has always been a challenge for me to see over the instrument panel on climb out in any aircraft but once I get it over 105 MPH best SE rate of climb on the twin, I drop the nose to facilitate visibility - after 41 years, it continues to work well for me.

[JimR]

I think I read somewhere that the C has a slightly longer fuselage than earlier models, like 2 or 3 inches.

[Zach Grant L1011jock]

You did, because some people just don't know what they are talking about, let alone know how to check simple facts. All Twincos are the same length (those with the radar nose mod are about 2 inches longer, and Miller noses are longer yet, but all non modified birds are the same, and certainly do not have longer empenages or moved verticle fins). Reference PA-30 TCDS

Zach

[N3322G]

Jim,

it might look longer because of the additional window