Beechcraft / Piper Beechcraft Model 18 (left) / Piper PA-28 Cherokee (right)

Cltflights 🇺🇸

19 Jun 2026 · © Unknown

Twin engine, Beachcraft and Piper Cherokee arrow

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Aircraft

Beechcraft Model 18 (left) / Piper PA-28 Cherokee (right) BE18 / PA28

Beech 18 in polished metal classic/vintage livery; PA-28 in yellow-and-white checkered tail/engine cowl with military-style nose art

Manufacturer

Beechcraft / Piper

Gear

Apple iPhone 14 Apple iPhone 14 back dual wide camera 5.7mm f/1.5

Achievements

Retro Wings, Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend, Boeing Beginner

5 badges earned

Photo grade

Bronze

Score: 75.0

Great vintage pair, but overcast light mutes the metals and background foliage is a bit busy.

Location

Hickory Regional Airport

HKY/KHKY

35.7411, -81.3895

Open map

Hickory Regional Airport HKY

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

Beech 18 is a classic American light twin used extensively from the 1930s-1970s for civil, cargo, and military use; Piper PA-28 is one of the world’s most popular training/touring light single engines since the 1960s.

Fleet Rarity

Beech 18 is rare in active use (~200 or fewer airworthy worldwide); PA-28 is still in wide use and fairly common.

Safety & Events

Beech 18 had widespread military service (C-45 Expeditor variant) and is among the most iconic classic twins; both types have had long safety records suitable for their class.

Future Outlook

Beech 18s are typically flown as classics or museum pieces; PA-28s continue widely in civil/club training fleets.

Specifications

Beech 18: Pratt & Whitney R-985 radial engines (x2); PA-28: Lycoming O-320/360 series

Engine

Beech 18: 14.53 m; PA-28: 10.7 m

Wingspan

Beech 18: 10.4 m; PA-28: 7.2 m

Length

Beech 18: ~1931 km; PA-28: ~1036 km

Range

Beech 18: ~320 km/h; PA-28: ~201 km/h

Speed

Beech 18: up to 11 passengers; PA-28: 4 seats

Capacity

Beech 18: ~3856 kg; PA-28: ~1111 kg

MTOW

Beech 18: 2.97 m; PA-28: 2.2 m

Height