Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander vs Partenavia P68

The BN-2 Islander and Partenavia P.68 are high-wing piston twins — the Islander a rugged short-field utility/commuter hauler, the P.68 a sleeker survey/light-transport twin.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle

Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander

No active listings right now.

Partenavia P68
For sale now
18
Median asking
$180,000
Range
$124,474–$492,680
Model years available
1973–2020

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Safety Record

Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.

NTSB (1982–now)Britten-Norman BN-2 IslanderPartenavia P68
All events11
Serious6
Fatal3
Fatalities7
% Fatal27%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander Partenavia P68
Partenavia P68
View 3 listings →
Median $180,000
Price Range $124,474 – $492,680
Category Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 9 6
Horsepower 260 HP 200 HP
Cruise Speed 130 kts (241 km/h) 160 kts (296 km/h)
Range 755 nm (1,398 km) 1,103 nm (2,043 km)
Service Ceiling 13,200 ft (4,023 m) 19,000 ft (5,791 m)
Max Gross Weight 4,594 lbs (2,084 kg)
Useful Load 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) 1,700 lbs (771 kg)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) 18.0 GPH (68 L/h)
Engines 2 x Piston 2 x Piston

Which Should You Buy: Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Partenavia P68?

Bottom line: Choose the Islander for rugged short-field utility and bigger loads (island-hopping, parachute, commuter); choose the P.68 for higher cruise, great visibility and survey roles. Islander = utility/rugged; P.68 = speed/visibility.

Pick the BN-2 Islander if…

  • More seats — 9 vs 6.

Pick the P68 if…

  • Faster cruise — 160 kts vs 130 kts.
  • Longer range — 1103 nm vs 755 nm.

Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander or Partenavia P68?
It depends on your mission and budget. The BN-2 Islander cruises at 130 kts with 755 nm range. The P68 cruises at 160 kts with 1,103 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Partenavia P68: from $145,944. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Britten-Norman BN-2 Islander and Partenavia P68?
Seats: 9 vs 6. Cruise: 130 vs 160 kts. Range: 755 vs 1103 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
BN-2 Islander: 9 seats / 2,500 lb useful load. P68: 6 seats / 1,700 lb useful load. Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data