Piper is one of the most notable general aviation aircraft manufacturers in the world. The Vero Beach, Florida-based company is often considered to be one of the “Big Three” of general aviation aircraft manufacturers, alongside Cessna and Beechcraft. The company was founded by Clarence and Gordon Taylor in 1927, originally called Taylor Brothers Aircraft Manufacturing Company. After Gordon’s death in 1928, William T. Piper became a large investor in the company and moved the company from New York to Pennsylvania.