Piper Chieftain vs Piper Navajo
The Piper Chieftain (PA-31-350) and Navajo (PA-31) are the same family — the Chieftain is the stretched, more powerful development with counter-rotating engines and more seats; the Navajo is the lighter, shorter baseline.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Chieftain | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $90,000 – $679,000 | $75,659 – $589,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | — | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | — | 206 kts (382 km/h) |
| Range | — | 1,065 nm (1,972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 182.0 gal (689 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $42,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $30,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $350 |
| Engines | — | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Chieftain
Piper Navajo
Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Piper Chieftain or Piper Navajo?
Bottom line: Choose the Chieftain for more cabin, payload and counter-rotating-prop handling — the commuter/cargo hauler. Choose the Navajo for lower operating cost when the smaller cabin and payload suit the mission.
Pick the Chieftain if…
Pick the Navajo if…
- Budget matters — from $75,659 vs $90,000, you save ~$14,341.
- More inventory — 38 listings vs 28.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Chieftain or Piper Navajo?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Navajo cruises at 206 kts with 1,065 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Chieftain and Piper Navajo?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Navajo: about $350/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?
Navajo: 8 seats / 2,800 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?
Navajo: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$42,000.
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