Cessna T303 Aircraft (Crusader)

The Cessna T303 Crusader is a light piston twin built 1981-1986 — twin turbocharged Continental TSIO-520s, six seats, low-wing design (unusual for Cessna), counter-rotating propellers. Short production run; ~315 built. Cruise ~190 knots. A characterful 1980s twin with thin support.

Cessna T303 aircraft for sale

5 used Cessna T303 aircraft for sale · 6-seat · Reference price ~$180,000 ($110,000–$300,000) · updated 2 days ago

Cessna T303 Specifications

Model spec

The Cessna T303 is a 6-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 190 kt (352 km/h), a range of 1,000 nm (1,852 km), and a useful load of 1,600 lbs (726 kg).

Performance
Cruise190 kt (352 km/h)
Max Speed210 kt (389 km/h)
Range1,000 nm (1,852 km)
Service Ceiling25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Engine & Fuel
EngineCONTINENTAL TSIO-520-AE;LTSIO-520-520-AE
Horsepower250 HP
Fuel Capacity102.0 gal (386 L)
Fuel Burn28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO2,000 hrs
ICAO TypeC303
Weights & Seats
Seats6
Max Gross Weight5,150 lbs (2,336 kg)
Useful Load1,600 lbs (726 kg)
Production1983–2005

Cessna T303 for Sale

Cessna T303 asking prices range from $220,000 to $399,000, with a median of $259,000 (market reference $180,000).

1982 Cessna T303

1982 Cessna T303 for sale
$220,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,600
Reg# N303WJ US
Location Summerside, Canada
Via Wacker Aircraft Sales GmbH
Multiple sources

1982 Cessna T303

1982 Cessna T303 for sale
$259,000
For Sale
Total Time 3,321
Reg# N303CC US
Location Sumter, SC
Via Uplift Aviation LLC
Listed 2mo ago

1984 Cessna T303

1984 Cessna T303 for sale
$399,000
For Sale
Total Time 5,631
Reg# N303WA US
Location Stuart, FL
Via Scott Macdonald Aircraft Sales
Multiple sources

1982 Cessna T303

1982 Cessna T303 for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 3,223
Reg# D-IKUM Germany
Location Kamenz, Germany
Via Hubert Wiesner
Multiple sources

1982 Cessna T303

1982 Cessna T303 for sale
Contact for Price
On Request
Total Time 3,680
Reg# D-ICLY Germany
Location Bodø, Enbo
Via Sameiet Crusader
Multiple sources

Compare Cessna T303

See how the Cessna T303 stacks up against similar aircraft in specs, price, and operating costs.

Cessna T303 vs Beechcraft Baron 58 Cessna T303 vs Piper Seneca

Cessna T303 Price & Cost

How much does a Cessna T303 cost? Used T303 prices: $220K – $399K, average $292K (median $259K); market reference $180K, across 3 priced of 5 active listings.

Cessna T303 Price Guide

Key price factors: engine time to overhaul, year and airframe hours, avionics, damage history and logbook completeness — see the buying guide below for the full pre-purchase checklist.

Cessna T303 Cost of Ownership estimate
Fuel (28.0 GPH × $6.20, 100 hrs)$17,360/yr
Annual Fixed (hangar, insurance, annual)$24,000/yr
Variable (per hour)$270/hr
Engine Overhaul (every 2,000 hrs)$38,000
Estimates at 100 flight hours/year. Actual costs vary by usage, location and insurance.

Two turbocharged engines burn approximately 28-30 gph combined. Without a pressure vessel, the T303's annual is simpler than the 340/414/421 - no pressurization seal or differential-pressure inspections. Turbocharger systems on both engines are the primary incremental cost above a normally aspirated 310, and the retractable gear adds standard gear maintenance. Overall the T303 carries a lower annual cost than same-era pressurized twins at similar turbocharged performance.

Buying guides: Buyer's Guide | Financing Guide | Pre-Buy Inspection

Buying a Used Cessna T303

Buying a Cessna T303 comes down to a focused pre-purchase checklist — here is what matters most on this model:

What to check before buying

The Cessna T303 Crusader is a six-seat, turbocharged twin-engine piston aircraft - two turbocharged, counter-rotating Continental engines (about 250 hp each), retractable gear, approximately 190 knots cruise, 1,000 nm range, and a 25,000-foot ceiling - without pressurization. The T303 offers turbocharged twin performance and altitude access at lower acquisition and operating cost than the pressurized 340, with the deliberate trade of giving up a pressurized cabin.

Turbocharged but not pressurized: the T303's trade. The T303's place in the lineup is defined by this trade: turbocharged twin performance without the complexity and cost of a pressure vessel. For operators whose primary need is turbocharged altitude access and twin-engine redundancy - rather than pressurized cabin comfort - the T303 achieves the mission at materially lower operating cost than the 340.

T303 versus 340 and T310. The normally aspirated 310 is slower and lower-ceiling; the T310 adds turbocharging to the 310; the 340 adds pressurization above the T303. The T303's counter-rotating engines eliminate a critical engine, further easing engine-out handling. It is a twin for pilot-focused operators rather than passengers who value pressurized comfort.

Buy it if you need turbocharged twin performance (around 190 knots, 1,000 nm, FL250) without the pressurization overhead - and the T303's lower operating cost versus the 340 is a meaningful advantage for your mission.

Frequently Asked Questions — Cessna T303

What is the Cessna T303 Crusader?
The T303 Crusader is a light cabin-class twin-engine piston aircraft built by Cessna in the mid-1980s, with counter-rotating turbocharged Continental engines, a club cabin and forgiving handling. It was Cessna's last new piston twin design.
How much does a Cessna T303 Crusader cost?
As a short-production light twin with a small used fleet, T303 prices vary with engine times, avionics and condition. See the live price range and median above.
What are the Cessna T303 specifications?
The T303 Crusader is a light cabin-class twin seating six, with counter-rotating turbocharged Continental engines, a comfortable club cabin and benign handling. See the specifications for exact cruise, range and performance figures.
What is the Cessna T303 interior like?
The Crusader has a six-seat cabin-class interior with club seating and good cabin access, designed for comfortable owner-flown travel. Interior condition and avionics fit drive value.
Why does the T303 have counter-rotating engines?
The two engines turn in opposite directions, which eliminates the critical engine and makes engine-out handling more symmetrical and easier — a safety and handling benefit for a light twin.
What is the Cessna 408 SkyCourier?
The 408 SkyCourier is a separate, current Cessna design — a twin-turboprop freighter and commuter aircraft — not related to the piston T303 Crusader. It is covered on its own listings rather than here.
How many seats does the Cessna T303 have?
Six, in a cabin-class club layout.
Is the Cessna T303 Crusader still in production?
No — the T303 had a short mid-1980s production run and is out of production. A small used fleet is supported by the Cessna and Continental parts networks.

Cessna T303 Inventory by Country

United States2
Canada1
Germany1
Enbo1

Cessna T303 by Price

Under $300k2
Under $500k3

Cessna T303 by Decade

1980s5

Cessna T303 Safety Record

Across all T303 variants, 37 NTSB-recorded events are on file from 1982–2023. As with any aircraft, most outcomes depend on pilot training, maintenance and operating conditions rather than the airframe itself.

37

Total Events

17

Incidents

4

Serious

12

Fatal

Most Recent Events

Date Location Severity Probable Cause
Jun 16, 2023 Naha, Incident —
May 08, 2021 Styria, Incident —
Jan 08, 2021 Bojaca-Cundinamarca, Fatal (1) —
Apr 12, 2020 Annecy Meythetf, Serious —
Aug 17, 2019 Lagrangeville, NY Fatal (1) A partial loss of engine power in both engines during initial climb for reasons that could not be determined based on th…

NTSB records 1982–2023. Includes all Cessna T303 variants. Events ≠ aircraft fault.

Disclaimer: All prices, cost estimates, and market values shown are based on asking prices from third-party sources and are provided for informational purposes only. AeroGurus is not an appraiser, broker, or financial advisor. Always obtain a professional appraisal and independent inspection before making a purchase decision.
Listings last refreshed 2 days ago · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data