PA-32 Cherokee Six/Lance/Saratoga/6X
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 10; Flight Crew Total 2200; Flight Crew Type 1800
Distraction; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On level out going to practice area; the engine began to hiccup/surge and then loose partial power; I notified Tower of my intent to land immediately; and was cleared. The power loss was momentary at that time. It occurred again; and I declared an emergency to get on the ground as soon as possible. Tower asked the questions re souls aboard and fuel; which I answered. They also asked if I wanted to have them roll equipment. I was still developing power; and could make the field and so I declined the equipment rollout. Power hiccup/surge occurred a third time on descent; but we never lost power completely. On touchdown; Tower indicated 'good Job' and on taxi; Tower asked; 'are you canceling the emergency.' I responded yes. I taxied to my Mechanic's hangar and now await word on why the power surge happened.
After takeoff; a PA32R engine began surging then partially loosing power; so the pilot declared an emergency and returned to the departure airport with engine still developing power.