Blogs & Guides

At Piper, the people who build our aircraft and the community that’s grown up around them in Vero Beach matter as much as the planes themselves. Some employees have been here for decades. Others followed a parent or a sibling through the same doors. That mix of history and community is what a family-first culture…

A Note From the Piper Team Piper J-3 Cubs are the reason a lot of people ended up in aviation. Our President and Chief Executive Officer, John Calcagno, is one of them: this particular Cub inspired him as a kid, and the same airplane inspired his son after him. Two generations, one Cub. He’s in good…

This year (2025), Piper Aircraft is celebrating its 88th year of manufacturing quality aircraft for aviators worldwide. The Piper Aircraft company began its roots as the Taylor Aircraft Co. in Bradford, PA. The Piper Aircraft Corporation was officially founded on November 1st, 1937, following William T. Piper’s, one of the heads of the Taylor Aircraft Company,…

This June, Piper Aircraft welcomed owners, dealers and friends to Portorož, Slovenia, for our first-ever European Fly-In. Over three days at the Hotel Kempinski Palace, the event brought our European community together to celebrate, connect and strengthen relationships with those who have long supported the Piper brand. Celebrating the Piper Community in Europe More than…

For many pilots, earning a private pilot certificate is just the beginning. The next major step in building a career in aviation is obtaining a commercial pilot certificate. This transition comes with higher training standards, new responsibilities and the ability to fly for compensation. In this guide, we’ll walk through what separates private and commercial…

For many aspiring aircraft owners, the Piper M700 Fury is the ultimate destination — a high-performance aircraft that combines speed, safety and advanced technology. But reaching that level of ownership doesn’t happen all at once. It takes time, experience and the right preparation along the way.  Whether you’re just entering the world of aircraft ownership…

Learning to fly is an exciting journey, and it begins with learning the basic components of the aircraft. For student pilots, knowing the essential parts of an airplane and how they function is the foundation for safe and effective training.  We created this guide to help aspiring aviators grasp the basics of airplane anatomy and…

Earning your Private Pilot License (PPL) is a major milestone in your aviation journey, and the checkride is the final hurdle to achieving it. This test assesses your readiness to take to the skies safely. With the right preparation and mindset, you can pass with confidence and take the next step in your pilot career….

Selecting the right trainer aircraft is one of the most important decisions for flight schools. These specialized planes create the foundation for effective pilot training, providing the controlled environment and practical features needed to build essential flight skills. A well-chosen trainer aircraft balances stability and safety with the capabilities that prepare student pilots for real-world…

Piper Aircraft, a renowned and respected name in the general aviation industry, recently reached a significant milestone by producing the 1000th PA46 turboprop. This achievement marks a testament to Piper’s commitment to excellence and innovation in aircraft manufacturing. For over 85 years, Piper Aircraft has been synonymous with quality and reliability in the general aviation…

Piper Aircraft has a long and storied history of producing quality aircraft that pilots around the world have come to love. But what’s truly set Piper apart over the decades is the vibrant and supportive community of aircraft owners who have become a part of the Piper family. Whether they’re exploring new destinations, experiencing new…

Earlier this month, Kyle Hooker pulled onto the Piper Aircraft ramp in his beautiful M500. Waiting for him was M600/SLS serial number 232, painted with stunning orange accents to match his company’s signature color. As both Executive Chairman and Chief Pilot of Tibbetts Lumber Co. LLC and Cox Lumber Ltd., he knows the right aircraft…