Onsite today at David Wayne Hooks airport in a suburb of Houston and saw this 1960 Piper taxi by. Hopped in my truck and followed him around to his hanger where I met an incredible man named Dan. I approached and asked if I could take some pictures and look inside, he graciously obliged. The gentleman had to be at least 75 years old, but was incredibly sharp. He showed me all the instruments inside the cockpit. He acknowledged that most were not fancy by today’s standards, but when they were installed, this was a “top of the line” cockpit. He said he had owned a 172 before as well, but ended up selling it simply because he couldn’t stay out of the Piper. By his words, “this old Piper will out climb, out run, and out fly the 172 every time!” And he went on to say how economical to operate the plane was as well. What an awesome unexpected pleasure to meet this man and get to see his aircraft!
Hope you enjoy the pics!
Thank you for posting these great pictures. Piper has been making great aircraft for a long time. I think they are all too often over looked in general, not just by enthusiast. I find it very interesting that the pilot, Dan, commented that it outperforms the 172. I haven’t compared them spec to spec, but that remark coupled with the cost of operating makes me want one for sure. Not to mention that it is just a simply gorgeous aircraft. I just hope i can find one complete with the stopwatch on the “A” pillar. ;)
Yeah. That is definitely a high tech piece of equipment. I’m pretty sure if you look just to the right of the right yoke, you can see a cigarette lighter too!
It’s in great shape. Dan bought it from a man name Robert (Bob) Fuller. Fuller owned the plane for 35 years before selling it when he found out he had cancer. Fuller was also one of the founding members of the Short Wing Piper Club. The plane has a lot of history. Very cool.
The history buff in me can’t let it go. lol I found the listing where it was sold, or there was another Caribbean with a stopwatch and cigarette lighter. Looks like it was sold not far from me.
Not trying to get votes. Just sharing the aircraft and some information about the owner and the planes history. Thanks for the ‘implied’ vote though. :)
