Piper PA-44 Seminole
At first, it seems that Piper created the PA-44 Seminole by putting a T-tail on the PA-34 Seneca. However, it is more appropriate to say that the manufacturer took the PA-28RT Arrow, fitted it with two engines with counter-rotation props and a long, streamlined nose. After all, the cabin of the PA-44 only seats four, against six for the PA-34. The T-tail is also very similar to that of the Arrow, as is the retractable gear, of which the nose gear retracts rearward. Finally, the Seminole has tapered wings outside the engine nacelles, with significant dihedral.
How to recognise the different versions of the PA-44
The different versions of the PA-44 can be distinguished by:
- the shape of the vertical stabiliser
- the shape of the engine nacelles
PA-44 (experimental)
In the beginning, Piper was looking to define the definite shape of the PA-44. The original prototype had a larger vertical stabiliser then it eventually got, and it had a small bullet fairing towards the front.
PA-44-180 Seminole & PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole
The PA-44 was produced as the normally aspirated PA-44-180 Seminole and the turbo-charged PA-44-180T Turbo Seminole. Externally, they are not different in nacelle shape. Compared to the experimental PA-44, the T-tail was made smaller, closer resembling that of the PA-28RT, but less tall. The cooling intakes at the front of the nacelles, at the sides of the prop spinner, have a rectangular shape, in landscape orientation. The engines can drive two or three blade propellers. Over the years, the appearance of the PA-44 slightly changed, in particular the nose.
PA-44 Seminole DX
In the pilot training market Piper has significant competition of the diesel-powered DA42 Twin Star. Hence, it developed the Seminole DX, which also has engines on diesel fuel. They fit in more or less the same (flat) nacelles, but the cooling intakes at the front are in portrait orientation.
Similar aircraft
Some airplanes look so similar to the PA-44 that you may confuse them. Below you can read how to distinguish them.
Differences PA-44 & Beech 76
Obviously, the Beech 76 Duchess is the main competitor of the PA-44 in outward appearance, as both are piston twins with low wings and a T-tail. Most differences are quite subtle, but the easiest is to look a the tail and the nose gear. The latter retracts forward on the Duchess, while that of the Seminole rearward. (photo: Tomás Del Coro/Wikimedia, modified)
Differences PA-44 & DA42/DA62
The Diamond DA42 and DA62 are also piston twins with low wings and a T-tail, but easier to distinguish from the PA‑44. The Diamonds more have a popping out canopy with lots of glass. Additionally, the nacelles are more rounded than flat like on the PA‑44. Finally, the DA42/DA62 has long slender wings with winglets.
Differences PA-44 & Piper PA-34
When you don't see the the tail of the PA-34 Seneca, you might well confuse it with a PA‑44 Seminole. Apart from the conventional tail, the PA-34 also has non-tapered wings and a forward retracting nose gear.