Cessna 402 vs Piper Chieftain

The Piper Chieftain (PA-31-350) and Cessna 402 are the two classic unpressurised cabin-class commuter/cargo twins — both ~9-10 seat workhorses with large cabins, long careers in feeder and charter operations.

Live Market Snapshot

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

Cessna 402
For sale now
4
Model years available
1973–1981
Piper Chieftain
For sale now
35
Median asking
$220,521
Range
$111,976–$537,108
Model years available
1973–1984

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 402Piper Chieftain
All events325—
Serious23—
Fatal78—
Fatalities230—
% Fatal24%—
View full Cessna 402 NTSB record →View full Piper Chieftain NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Cessna 402 Piper Chieftain
Median $162,645
 Piper Chieftain
View 35 listings →
Median $220,521
Price Range $151,264 – $174,026 $111,976 – $537,108
Category — Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 9 10
Horsepower 300 HP 350 HP
Cruise Speed 200 kts (370 km/h) 205 kts (380 km/h)
Range 1,200 nm (2,222 km) 950 nm (1,759 km)
Service Ceiling 26,800 ft (8,169 m) 24,000 ft (7,315 m)
Max Gross Weight 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg)
Useful Load 2,200 lbs (998 kg) 2,350 lbs (1,066 kg)
Fuel Capacity 102.0 gal (386 L) —
Fuel Burn 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) 38.0 GPH (144 L/h)
TBO 1,600 hrs —
Overhaul Cost $40,000 —
Annual Fixed $35,000 —
Hourly Variable $380 —
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Cessna 402

Fuel$165/hr
Variable$380/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $111,000/yr

Piper Chieftain

Fuel$209/hr

Which Should You Buy: Cessna 402 or Piper Chieftain?

Bottom line: Choose by support, parts and airframe condition — both are proven workhorses. The Chieftain offers a slightly larger cabin and counter-rotating props; the 402 offers the Cessna support network and easy large-door loading.

Pick the 402 if…

  • Longer range — 1200 nm vs 950 nm.

Pick the Chieftain if…

  • Budget matters — from $111,976 vs $151,264, you save ~$39,288.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 205 kts vs 200 kts.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the key difference between the Cessna 402 and Piper Chieftain?
Cabin size and power. The Cessna 402 (TSIO-520-VB, 300 hp each, 8–9 seats, unpressurised, ~195–210 kt) is a cabin-class utility twin optimised for commuter and cargo operations. The Piper Chieftain (PA-31-350, Lycoming TIO-540-J2BD, ~350 hp each, 9–10 seats, unpressurised, ~190–200 kt) has more seats and power — both are unpressurised, both serve commuter and charter operations.
Cessna 402 or Piper Chieftain — which light commuter twin?
Both are proven commuter and charter workhorses. The 402's TSIO-520 engines are widely supported; the Chieftain's TIO-540 provides more power per engine with more seats. Buy the 402 if: the Continental TSIO-520 maintenance network and eight-seat utility are the priorities. Buy the Chieftain if: nine or ten seats and the extra power margin of the TIO-540 suit the mission.
How do their commuter-charter operations compare?
Both aircraft were workhorses of regional commuter aviation in the 1970s–1980s. The 402 was widely used by feeder airlines and cargo operators; the Chieftain served similar roles with a slightly larger cabin. Both are now primarily in charter, medevac, and private use.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 402C: TSIO-520-VB (300 hp each), 8–9 seats, unpressurised, ~195–210 kt. Piper Chieftain PA-31-350: TIO-540-J2BD (~350 hp each), 9–10 seats, unpressurised, ~190–200 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
Both are comparable in operating cost class — TSIO-520 vs TIO-540 are large twin piston engines with substantial fuel consumption. The 402's smaller engine has lower per-overhaul cost; the Chieftain's extra power provides margin at high-altitude airports. Total cost depends heavily on mission profile.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 402 for the Continental TSIO-520 maintenance network and proven utility twin heritage. Piper Chieftain for more seats and power margin per engine — particularly in hot-and-high operations where the TIO-540's power reserve is valuable.
Which is better, Cessna 402 or Piper Chieftain?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range. The Chieftain cruises at 205 kts with 950 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Chieftain: from $410,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402 and Piper Chieftain?
402 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-VB (300 hp). Seats: 9 vs 10. Cruise: 200 vs 205 kts. Range: 1200 vs 950 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
402: about $380/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?
402: 9 seats / 2,200 lb useful load. Chieftain: 10 seats / 2,350 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?
402: 1,600-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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data