TYPE: Four-seat utility twin.
PROGRAMME: Prototype first flown May 1976; production version announced 21 February 1978; FAA certification 10 March 1978; two versions, Seminole, and Turbo Seminole (latter certified 29 November 1979), produced until 1982; normally aspirated Seminole restored to production in 1988, suspended in 1990 and restored again in 1995.
CUSTOMERS: Four delivered in 1995, eight in 1996, six in 1997, four in 1998, six in 1999, 11 in 2000, 62 in 2001, 60 in 2002, and 14 in the first nine months of 2003. Recent customers include the University of North Dakota, which ordered one in April 2003.
Manufacture of all PA-44 variants reached 600 in 2002. Many used in twin-conversion and IFR training.
COSTS: Standard, equipped US$424,900 (2003).
DESIGN FEATURES: Twin-engined derivation of PA-28 Arrow. Constant-chord low wing and T tail; leading-edge gloves inboard of engines; sweptback fin with small fillet.
Wing section NACA 652-415; thickness/chord ratio 15 per cent; dihedral 7°; incidence 2°; twist 3°; washout -1°.
FLYING CONTROLS: Manual. Ailerons, rudder and all-moving tailplane with full-span anti-servo tab; rudder tab; four-position manually operated flaps. Control surface movements: ailerons +23/-17°; tailplane +15/-3°; rudder ±37°; maximum flap deflection 40°.
STRUCTURE: Conventional light alloy, with semi-monocoque fuselage; single-spar wings.
LANDING GEAR: Hydraulically retractable tricycle type. Free-fall emergency extension system. Piper oleo-pneumatic shock-absorbers. Mainwheels and tyres size 6.00-6 (8 ply), with tubes. Steerable nosewheel with tyre size 5.00-5 (6 ply), with tube. Dual toe-operated high-capacity disc brakes. Heavy-duty brakes and tyres optional.
POWER PLANT: Two 134 kW (180 hp) Textron Lycoming flat-four counter-rotating engines (one O-360-A1H6 to port and one LO-360-A1H6), each driving a Hartzell two-blade constant-spedd fully feathering metal propeller: HC-C2Y (K,R)-2CEUF/FC7666A-2R and /FJC7666A-2R, respectively. One bladder-type fuel tank in each engine nacelle, with total capacity of 416 litres (110 US gallons; 91.6 Imp gallons), of which 409 litres (108 US gallons; 89.9 Imp gallons) are usable. Refuelling point on upper surface of each nacelle. Oil capacity 11.5 litres (3.0 US gallons; 2.5 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Cabin seats four in two pairs of individual seats. Dual controls standard. Emergency exit on port side. Pilot's storm window. Baggage compartment at rear of cabin, capacity 91 kg (200 lb). Accommodation heated and ventilated. Windscreen defrosters.
SYSTEMS: Electrohydraulic system for landing gear actuation and brakes. Electrical system includes two engine-driven 14 V 60 A alternators and 12 V 35 Ah battery. Janitrol combustion heater of 45,000 BTU capacity. Dual vacuum systems standard.
AVIONICS: Standard and DeLuxe packages by Garmin, as described.
Comms: Standard: Garmin GNS-430 com/nav/GPS; GI-106A VOR/LOC/GS/GPS indicator; GTX-327 transponder; GMA-340 audio panel with marker beacon receiver and four-position intercom; Telex 100T noise-cancelling microphone and Airman 760 headset.
Flight: Standard: Garmin GNS-430 com/nav/IFR GPS; Narco AR-850 altitude reporter. DeLuxe package as above, plus second GNS 430 and GI-106A; VOR/LOC/GS/GPS/HSI with slaved compass system, replacing standard directional gyro; and RCR-650D ADF with IND-650A indicator. Optional equipment includes ST-361 ADI; ST-360 altitude select/alerter; DME-450; Meggitt System 55 dual-axis autopilot; and Meggitt electric trim (standard with autopilot).
EQUIPMENT: Metal instrument panel, engine hour recorders, alternate static source, heated pitot head, instrument panel lights and overhead blue lighting, avionics dimming, dome light, navigation lights, landing/taxying light, wingtip strobe lights, pilot's and co-pilot's vertically adjustable seats in fabric and vinyl, with optional lumbar support, two reclining passenger seats, vinyl cabin side panels, crew armrests, tinted windscreen and windows, pilot's storm window, 'Quietised' soundproofing, tiedown points, jack pads, nose gear safety mirror, external power receptacle, static discharge wicks, and Du Pont Imron polyurethane exterior paint in white base colour with two contrasting trim stripes. Metallic paint optional.
