Cessna 340A vs Commander 500B
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 340A
- For sale now
- 66
- Median asking
- $320,632
- Range
- $185,682–$536,250
- Model years available
- 1976–1984
Commander 500B
No active listings right now.
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) | Cessna 340A | Commander 500B |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 113 | — |
| Serious | 4 | — |
| Fatal | 46 | — |
| Fatalities | 107 | — |
| % Fatal | 41% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 340A | Commander 500B |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $185,682 – $536,250 | $119,000 – $230,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | — |
| Horsepower | 310 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 195 kts (361 km/h) | — |
| Range | 1,180 nm (2,185 km) | — |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,990 lbs (2,717 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 1,840 lbs (835 kg) | — |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 28.0 GPH (106 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,800 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $28,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $320 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | — |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 340A
Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$92,000/yr
Commander 500B
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Cessna 340A or Commander 500B?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 340A cruises at 195 kts with 1,180 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Cessna 340A: from $400,000.
Commander 500B: from $119,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 340A and Commander 500B?
340A engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-NB (310 hp).
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340A: about $320/hr variable cost.
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?
340A: 6 seats / 1,840 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?
340A: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data