If you’re in the market for a new aircraft, you may have heard of the Pipestral Panthera. This sleek and stylish plane is a step up from some of its earlier models, like the Sinus and Virus (yes, those were the actual names). Equipped with a Lycoming io-540 engine, the Panthera has plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine in the future. It’s designed to cruise at 198 knots and is currently in the process of obtaining FAA certification.
While the Panthera has been met with fanfare, it’s important to note that it’s still in the planning phase and not yet available for purchase. However, if you’re willing to build it yourself, you can purchase it as a kit. In terms of competition, the Panthera is comparable to the Cirrus SR-22 and Diamond da50, and even outperforms them in certain areas. But, as with any high-performance aircraft, the cost to operate and maintain it can be quite steep.
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Key Takeaways
- The Pipestral Panthera is a sleek and stylish aircraft with plans to use hybrid or all-electric engines in the future.
- While it’s not yet available for purchase, the Panthera is comparable in performance to other high-end aircraft like the Cirrus SR-22 and Diamond da50.
- As with any high-performance aircraft, the cost to operate and maintain the Panthera can be quite steep.
Pipestral Panthera Overview
If you’re looking for a sleek airplane, the Pipestral Panthera might be just what you need. While the company has had some interesting model names in the past (like the “Sinus” and “Virus”), the Panthera is a step up in terms of design and performance.
Equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 engine, the Panthera has plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine in the future. It’s also expected to cruise at 198 knots, although it doesn’t currently reach that speed. The Panthera is currently being sold under the experimental exhibition category, pending FAA certification.
Compared to other planes in its class, the Panthera is a strong competitor. It’s on par with the Cirrus SR-22 in terms of performance, but burns less fuel due to its lower drag. It’s also faster than the Diamond DA50 and burns less fuel.
The cost of a new Panthera is high, but not surprising for a high-performance general aviation aircraft. However, the cost of a certified version should be lower due to the certification. Maintenance and insurance costs will likely be higher due to the higher hull value, but a certified version should have a lower premium.
Overall, the Pipestral Panthera is a beautiful and high-performing airplane, but it’s still in the planning phase for some aspects. While it’s not the most affordable option, it’s a great choice for those looking for a high-performance airplane.
Engine and Performance Plans
The Pipestral Panthera is equipped with a Lycoming io-540 engine, but there are plans to use a hybrid engine and an all-electric engine in the future. The current cruising speed is not yet at the planned 198 knots. The Panthera is still in the planning phase and is pending certification from the FAA.
In terms of performance, the Panthera is exceptionally close to the Cirrus SR-22, but burns a bit less fuel due to its lower drag. It is also faster than the Diamond DA50 and burns less fuel.
The Panthera is a high-performance general aviation aircraft and is quite expensive to purchase and operate. The cost to operate is estimated to be around $700,000 for the hull value, condition inspection, and maintenance. However, the cost of a certified version should be lower than an experimental composite retract single.
Overall, while the Panthera is still in development, it has great potential to compete with other high-performance single-engine aircraft such as the Cirrus SR-22, Diamond DA50, Mooney Acclaim, and Cessna TTX.
FAA Certification Status
The Pipestral Panthera is currently being sold under the experimental exhibition category, pending certification from the FAA. While it was released with great fanfare a few years ago, it is still in the planning phase and has plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine, which will make it more fuel-efficient.
There are currently seven registered Panthers in the USA, and the hull value is estimated to be around $700,000. Although there is not a great deal of data floating around, we can draw from various other existing planes to estimate that a certified version should cost more, and maintenance will certainly be more expensive. However, the fact that it’s certified should push the insurance premium down.
In terms of performance, the Panthera is exceptionally close to a Cirrus SR-22, but it burns a bit less fuel. It’s faster than a Diamond DA50 and apparently burns less fuel, making it a strong competitor in its class of new four-place singles. Other planes in this class include the Bonanza, Mooney Acclaim, and Cessna TTX.
Overall, the Panthera has great potential and is a handsome airplane, but it’s not quite there yet. If you want one today, you can build it as a kit for double the cost of an RV10 or get on a list to buy a factory model. While it’s definitely an expensive investment, owning a Panthera is a great way to enjoy the glory of high-performance general aviation aircraft.
Comparison with Other Models
When it comes to new four-place singles, the Pipestral Panthera is in competition with some other models. The Cirrus SR-22 and Diamond DA50 are among its competitors, while the Bonanza is a bit slower. If we include modern discontinued models, the Mooney Acclaim and Cessna TTX are also in the mix.
In terms of performance, the Panthera is exceptionally close to the SR-22, but burns a bit less fuel, probably due to its lower drag. It’s faster than the DA50 and apparently burns less fuel as well. However, it’s important to note that the Panthera is still in the planning phase for some features, such as its hybrid and all-electric engines.
As for cost, the Panthera is certainly not cheap. Building it as a kit will cost the same effort and double the cost of an RV10. Buying a factory model requires getting on a waiting list, as they are currently only selling under the experimental exhibition category pending certification.
Assuming a hull value of $700,000, condition inspection, and some owner maintenance, the cost to operate the Panthera is likely to be high. While there are currently only seven registered Panthers in the USA, a certified version should cost more, with maintenance and insurance also being more expensive.
Overall, while the Panthera has some impressive features and potential, it’s important to weigh its cost and availability against other options in the market.
Aesthetics and Performance
The Pipestral Panthera is a sleek and stylish aircraft that is sure to turn heads. Its performance is also impressive, with plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine and cruise at 198 knots. In terms of competition, the Panthera is up against the Cirrus SR-22, Diamond DA50, Mooney Acclaim, and Cessna TTX.
Compared to the SR-22, the Panthera has similar performance but burns less fuel due to its lower drag. It also outperforms the DA50 and burns less fuel than the competition. In terms of cost, the Panthera is expensive to purchase and operate, but its high performance and attractive design make it a desirable choice for aviation enthusiasts.
As an experimental composite retract single with an IO 540 and MT3 blade propeller, the Panthera has a hull value of $700,000. Maintenance and insurance costs will likely be high, but a certified version may have lower premiums.
Despite the high cost, owning a Panthera is a dream for many aviation enthusiasts. Luckily, airplanes last a long time and can be purchased used at a more affordable price. In the future, the Panthera may become more accessible to the average consumer as technology advances and prices decrease.
Cost and Operation Assumptions
If you’re considering purchasing a Pipestrel Panthera, it’s important to understand the cost and operation assumptions associated with this aircraft.
Currently, there are only seven registered Panthers in the USA, so there isn’t a great deal of data available. However, based on similar aircraft, we can estimate that the hull value of a Panthera is around $700,000. This assumes the aircraft is in good condition and has undergone regular maintenance inspections.
Operating costs for the Panthera are also relatively high, as is typical for modern high-performance general aviation aircraft. We assume that maintenance and insurance costs will be higher than average due to the aircraft’s composite construction and retractable landing gear. However, the fact that the Panthera is certified should help to lower insurance premiums somewhat.
Overall, the cost of owning and operating a Panthera is quite high compared to other single-engine aircraft. However, if you’re in the market for a high-performance aircraft, the Panthera is a top contender in its class. Other similar aircraft include the Cirrus SR-22, Diamond DA50, Mooney Acclaim, and Cessna TTX.
In summary, while the cost of a new Panthera may be prohibitive for many pilots, owning one of these fantastic machines is still a dream for many aviation enthusiasts. And who knows, in a few decades, the cost of a Panthera may be more affordable as technology continues to advance and the aviation industry evolves.
Comparison with Historical Aircraft Costs
When comparing the cost of the Pipestral Panthera with historical aircraft costs, it’s important to note that the average salary in the USA has increased by nearly exactly 10 times from 1960 to today. While there were no Pipestral Panthers in 1960, the cost of a new Cessna 172 has increased by 47 times in the same time frame.
Currently, there are only seven registered Panthers in the USA, making it difficult to gather data on the cost to operate. However, assuming a composite retract single with an IO 540 and an MT3 blade propeller, the hull value is estimated to be around $700,000. Maintenance and insurance costs will likely be higher than other existing planes, but the fact that it’s certified should push the premium down.
In terms of competition, the Pipestral Panthera is in the same class as the Cirrus SR-22 and Diamond DA50, with the Bonanza coming close but being a bit slower. If you include modern discontinued models, the Mooney Acclaim and Cessna TTX are also in the mix.
While the purchase price of a new high-performance general aviation aircraft like the Pipestral Panthera is expensive, it’s important to remember that airplanes last basically forever. You can still buy a 1960s Cessna 172 today, which has only increased between 5 and 10 times its original cost since then, making it more affordable now than it was in the 60s.
Overall, the Pipestral Panthera is a competitive option in its class and has the potential to be a great investment for those willing to make the initial investment.
Appreciation of Modern Aviation
You can’t help but admire the beauty and performance of modern aviation, especially when you consider the advancements made in recent years. The Pipestral Panthera is a prime example of this, with its sleek design and powerful engine.
Equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 engine, the Panthera has plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine in the future. It’s expected to cruise at 198 knots, making it a formidable competitor in the new four-seat singles class. The Panthera’s performance is comparable to the Cirrus SR-22, but with a bit less drag, it burns less fuel.
While the Panthera is still in the planning phase, it has already garnered attention as a promising aircraft. If you’re looking to purchase one today, you can build it as a kit or get on a list to buy a factory model. However, it’s important to note that the Panthera is currently only certified under the experimental exhibition category.
In terms of cost, the Panthera is in line with other modern high-performance general aviation aircraft. While it may be expensive to purchase and operate, it’s a testament to the incredible engineering and design that goes into creating such a machine.
Despite the cost, there’s something truly special about owning and flying a Panthera. It’s a symbol of the incredible progress we’ve made in aviation and a reminder of the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Future of Aviation
The future of aviation looks bright with new models being released every year. One of the newest models to hit the market is the Pipestral Panthera. Equipped with a Lycoming IO-540 engine, it has plans to use a hybrid or all-electric engine in the future. It also plans to cruise at 198 knots, making it a competitive option in its class.
While the Panthera is still in the planning phase, it has already gained popularity due to its exceptional performance and sleek design. It is comparable to the Cirrus SR-22 and Diamond DA50, and even outperforms the Bonanza in speed and fuel efficiency.
Currently, the Panthera is being sold under the experimental exhibition category, pending certification from the FAA. The cost to operate a Panthera is estimated to be high, but comparable to other high-performance general aviation aircraft. Maintenance and insurance costs may be higher due to the higher hull value, but the fact that it is certified should push the premium down.
Despite the high cost, owning a Panthera is a dream for many aviation enthusiasts. As the average salary in the USA continues to increase, owning a high-performance aircraft may become more attainable in the future. In the meantime, we can still enjoy the glory of the Panthera and other fantastic machines from afar.
