Cessna 402 vs Piper Navajo
The Cessna 402 and Piper Navajo are the two classic unpressurised cabin-class piston twins of commuter and cargo aviation — both ~9-seat workhorses with large cabins and strong utility heritage.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
Cessna 402
No active listings right now.
Piper Navajo
- For sale now
- 40
- Median asking
- $262,250
- Range
- $123,300–$552,867
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 10
- Source marketplaces
- 12
- Model years available
- 1967–1984
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 402 | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 325 | 1 |
| Serious | 23 | 0 |
| Fatal | 78 | 0 |
| Fatalities | 230 | 0 |
| % Fatal | 24% | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 402 | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $123,300 – $552,867 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 9 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 300 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 200 kts (370 km/h) | 206 kts (382 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 1,065 nm (1,972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 26,800 ft (8,169 m) | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg) | 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,200 lbs (998 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 102.0 gal (386 L) | 182.0 gal (689 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 30.0 GPH (114 L/h) | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | 1,600 hrs | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $40,000 | $42,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | $30,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $380 | $350 |
| Engines | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) | 2 x Piston (Turbocharged) |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 402
Fuel$165/hr
Variable$380/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$111,000/yr
Piper Navajo
Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 402 or Piper Navajo?
Bottom line: Choose the 402 for the Cessna support network and easy large-door cargo loading. Choose the Navajo for its rugged utility reputation and slightly larger cabin — selection often comes down to support, parts and the specific airframe's condition.
Pick the 402 if…
- More seats — 9 vs 8.
- Longer range — 1200 nm vs 1065 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1971 vs 1967.
Pick the Navajo if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$350/hr vs $380/hr.
- Faster cruise — 206 kts vs 200 kts.
- More inventory — 40 listings vs 1.
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 Navajo?
Engine make and capacity. The Cessna 402 (TSIO-520-VB, 300 hp each, 8–9 seats, unpressurised, ~195–210 kt) is a Continental-powered cabin-class utility twin. The Piper Navajo (PA-31, Lycoming TIO-540, ~310 hp each, 6–8 seats, unpressurised, ~185–195 kt) is Lycoming-powered, with a pressurised variant (the PA-31P Pressurized Navajo) also available. Both are 1970s–1980s piston twins for charter and commuter use.
Cessna 402 or Piper Navajo — which charter twin?
Buy the 402 if: the Continental TSIO-520 network, eight-to-nine-seat capacity, and slightly higher cruise speed define the priority. Buy the Navajo if: Lycoming powerplants, a pressurised variant option, and 6–8 seat configuration suit the mission. Both are proven charter workhorses; the choice often comes down to Continental vs Lycoming preference.
Does the Navajo's pressurised variant matter?
The Piper PA-31P Pressurized Navajo adds pressurisation that the standard 402 lacks. If missions require altitude comfort without stepping up to a pressurised Cessna 421, the Pressurized Navajo fills a gap the standard 402 cannot — at the cost of a more complex, rarer airframe.
How do specs compare?
Cessna 402C: TSIO-520-VB (300 hp each), 8–9 seats, unpressurised, ~195–210 kt. Piper Navajo PA-31: TIO-540 (~310 hp each), 6–8 seats, unpressurised, ~185–195 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
Both are large piston twins with comparable operating cost profiles. TSIO-520 vs TIO-540 overhaul costs are broadly similar. The 402's higher cruise speed can improve revenue efficiency for charter operators. Parts availability for both aircraft is reasonable in the US market.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 402 for higher-capacity commuter and charter operations with Continental powerplants. Piper Navajo for Lycoming preference, or if the pressurised variant is operationally important. Both aircraft are mature designs with established support.
Which is better, Cessna 402 or Piper Navajo?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range.
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?
Piper Navajo: from $216,191.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Cessna 402 and Piper Navajo?
402 engine: CONTINENTAL TSIO-520-VB (300 hp).
Seats: 9 vs 8.
Cruise: 200 vs 206 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 1065 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
402: about $380/hr variable cost.
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?
402: 9 seats / 2,200 lb 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?
402: 1,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$40,000.
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