The Piper Saratoga is the retractable-gear development of the Cherokee Six and a more comfortable way to make the same short Los Angeles trips. Five or six seats at 165 knots.
Piper developed the PA-32R Saratoga from the Cherokee Six with a tapered wing and retractable landing gear. Five to six seats, around 165 knots and 770 nautical miles of range. Full specifications for the Piper Saratoga PA-32R are published by Piper Aircraft.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Piston
- Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft
- Year introduced: 1980
- Seating: 5 to 6
- Crew: 1
- Range: 770 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 165 knots
- Service ceiling: 20,000 feet
- Length: 27.6 feet
- Wingspan: 32.7 feet
- Height: 7.8 feet
- Baggage volume: 24.3 cubic feet
Why the Piper Saratoga PA-32R Fits Los Angeles
The retractable gear and tapered wing buy about twenty knots over a Cherokee Six, which on a Los Angeles to Santa Barbara or Los Angeles to Catalina leg is a few minutes rather than a transformation. What it also buys is a smoother, quieter ride.
Catalina is again the defining route: 12,500 pounds maximum, no jets, daylight operations only, with the operator confirming approval for the specific aircraft. A Saratoga sits comfortably inside those limits.
Six seats is the maximum and luggage is modest with a full cabin. For a group with real bags, a Baron 58 or a Piper Navajo is the better answer.
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Piper Saratoga PA-32R run $900 to $1,300 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The Saratoga quotes just above a Cherokee Six and below the piston twins, which on the shortest Los Angeles legs makes it a sensible middle option.
Other Pistons Available
- Beech Baron 58
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cessna 340
- Cirrus SR-22
- Piper Aerostar 600
- Piper Cherokee Six PA-32
The full pistons category page lists every piston we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Piper Saratoga PA-32R charter in or out of Los Angeles, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.