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Piper PA-23 Aztec

The Piper PA-23 Aztec is a rugged twin-engine piston that still runs Palm Beach clients to the Bahamas, particularly to the smaller out-island strips where surface and length rule out a lot of other aircraft. It is not fast and it is not new, and that has never been what it was hired for.

Piper built the Aztec with two Lycoming engines, a sturdy landing gear designed for rough surfaces and a cabin seating up to five passengers. Cruise is around 180 knots and range is 970 nautical miles. It is unpressurized, so it flies in the lower altitudes, and its short-field manners are better than most twins of its size. Full specifications for the Piper PA-23 Aztec are published by Piper Aircraft.

Piper PA-23 Aztec piston for Palm Beach charter

Performance and Cabin

  • Category: Piston
  • Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft
  • Year introduced: 1959
  • Seating: 5
  • Crew: 1
  • Range: 970 nautical miles
  • Cruise speed: 180 knots
  • Service ceiling: 24,000 feet
  • Length: 31.2 feet
  • Wingspan: 37.2 feet
  • Height: 10.3 feet
  • Baggage volume: 27 cubic feet

Why the Piper PA-23 Aztec Fits Palm Beach

Out-island Bahamas flying is the Aztec’s niche out of South Florida. Strips serving the smaller cays are shorter and rougher than Nassau or Marsh Harbour, and the Aztec’s gear and short-field performance handle them. We confirm the specific field, its current condition and the day’s weight and weather before we confirm the trip.

Two engines on a crossing is the other reason clients choose it. From Lantana or North Palm Beach County the Bimini and Freeport crossings are around 75 nautical miles, mostly over water, and a twin is what most Palm Beach clients want under them for that stretch.

It is slower than a Baron 58 and well behind an Aerostar, so on a longer Florida leg to Tampa or Orlando it adds time. On a crossing under 200 nautical miles that difference is a handful of minutes and rarely changes the decision.

Gallery

Piper PA-23 Aztec view for Palm Beach charter

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.
  • 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 PA-23 Aztec run $1,000 to $1,500 per hour as of 9/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.

The Aztec quotes at approximately $1,000 to $1,500 per hour as of 9/2026, the standard South Florida piston twin band. On a short Bahamas hop, minimum charges and Bahamian ground handling usually account for more of the quote than the flying does.

Other Pistons Available

The full pistons category page lists every piston we arrange for Palm Beach departures.

Contact

For a quote on a Piper PA-23 Aztec charter from Palm Beach, FL, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or visit 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.