Commander 500B vs Cessna 340

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Commander 500B

No active listings right now.

Cessna 340
For sale now
81
Median asking
$300,000
Range
$168,823–$523,000
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
28
Source marketplaces
16
Model years available
1972–1984

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)Commander 500BCessna 340
All events191
Serious7
Fatal72
Fatalities179
% Fatal38%

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Commander 500B Cessna 340
Commander 500B
View 2 listings →
Median $174,500
Cessna 340
View 82 listings →
Median $300,000
Price Range $119,000 – $230,000 $168,823 – $523,000
Category Multi Engine Piston Multi Engine Piston
Model Specifications
Seats 6
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 163.0 gal (617 L)
Fuel Burn 28.0 GPH (106 L/h)
TBO 1,400 hrs
Overhaul Cost $40,000
Annual Fixed $28,000
Hourly Variable $320
Engines 2 x Piston (Turbocharged)

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Commander 500B

Cessna 340

Fuel$154/hr
Variable$320/hr
Annual Fixed$28,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr) $92,000/yr

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Commander 500B or Cessna 340?
It depends on your mission and budget. The 340 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?
Commander 500B: from $119,000. Cessna 340: from $199,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Commander 500B and Cessna 340?
340 engine: Continental TSIO-520-K.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
340: 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?
340: 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?
340: 1,400-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