I'm considering buying a PA24-260C, but my girlfriend with short legs has difficulty getting from the ground onto the wing. (I don't like stepping on the flap for several reasons.) Is there a way to add a step to make it easier? Other types we're considering all have steps. I expect a speed penalty but everything has a price.

they make little fold up steps about 10 in. square that extend and fold up flat about 12 in square
guess you could tie a rope to it and pull it up to put in plane.
gene

Stepping on the flaps isn't a problem in the Comanches that I am aware of. I have been doing it and having broken the flaps on my aircraft yet.

When I take my elderly mother, I have a plastic step stool that is about 10" high and can be bought any any hardware or discount store. I attached some cord to either side so it could be lowered and land on its feet. I tie the cord to the handle and set it in position. Then I can get in first. She climbs up on the wing and pulls up the stool and hands it to me in the plane. She gets in and off we go. getting out is the reverse. She can lower the stool to the ground and then use it to get off the wing.

Don,

Welcome to the Comanche Forum and hopefully Comanche ownership.

I sympathize with your girl friend - at 5'4" and shrinking, it is an effort to step up ... but the previous owner, Mom (1926-1996) was 5'2" and managed and younger sister at 5' and 1/2 inch managed. You do get the hang of it after awhile.

The step stool that Kristin described is also very workable. A 4'10" 260 owner has been doing that for years - she owns many, many aviation records and trophies - Fran Bera.

The Comanche is such a wonderful airplane to fly - I'd use a work around before I'd give up the flight characteristics ... just my 2 cents as the second generation to own the Twin.

I've got a very close personal friend that is about 5 1 1/2"... she has been getting up and down the Comanche wings since 1993... hasn't divorced me yet over it. I have seen a more senior fellow crawl up the wing on his knees.. and come down (getting out) by sliding on his butt.

There are ways.

All the best!
Jim

I think Pug Piper purposely had the landing gear designed short to avoid putting a step in the plane for drag reasons. Bernie