Piper Pa34-220t Seneca Iii

In 1981, the PA-34-220T Seneca III was introduced, having completed certification on December 17, 1980.

The change in model designation reflected an engine upgrade. continental TSIO-360-KB engines were used which produced 220 horsepower (165 kW), although only rated as such for five minutes and then dropping to 200 hp (149 kW)).

The horsepower increase, with the new engines' limit of 2800 rpm (up from 2575 rpm), combined for much improved climb and cruise performance. The new aircraft also incorporated a one piece windshield and a bare metal instrument panel instead of one covered with a removable plastic fascia; and some models have electrically-actuated flaps. More than 930 Seneca IIIs were built; the last 37 Seneca IIIs built had a 28-volt electrical system rather than the 14-volt system of previous aircraft.