The prototype PA44 first flew in May 1976,
and production deliveries of the PA44-180
began in May 1978. A contemporary of the
Beechcraft Duchess and GA-7 Cougar, it was a
twin-engined development of the Arrow
series. At the time the aviation industry
was secure, but a depressed market and the
growth in popularity of high performance
singles in the 1980s led to production in
modest numbers.
The PA44-180T of 1980 introduced
turbocharged engines, prop de-icing and
oxygen. Piper ceased production in 1981, but
again began Seminole production in 1988, to
suspend it again two years later. Production
resumed in 1995.