Piper Chieftain vs Cessna 402

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 · refreshed daily

Piper Chieftain
For sale now
29
Median asking
$234,826
Range
$119,925–$584,423
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
11
Source marketplaces
6
Model years available
1973–1984
Cessna 402

No active listings right now.

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)Piper ChieftainCessna 402
All events—325
Serious—23
Fatal—78
Fatalities—230
% Fatal—24%
View full Piper Chieftain NTSB record →View full Cessna 402 NTSB record →

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Piper Chieftain Cessna 402
Piper Chieftain
View 30 listings →
Median $234,826
View 4 listings →
Median $162,645
Price Range $119,925 – $584,423 $150,000 – $175,290
Category Multi Engine Piston —
Model Specifications
Seats 10 9
Horsepower — 300 HP
Cruise Speed 205 kts (380 km/h) 200 kts (370 km/h)
Range 950 nm (1,759 km) 1,200 nm (2,222 km)
Max Gross Weight 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) 6,300 lbs (2,858 kg)
Useful Load — 2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Fuel Burn — 30.0 GPH (114 L/h)
TBO — 1,600 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $40,000
Annual Fixed — $35,000
Hourly Variable — $380
Engines — 2 x Reciprocating

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Piper Chieftain

Cessna 402

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

Which Should You Buy: Piper Chieftain or Cessna 402?

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 Chieftain if…

  • Budget matters — from $119,925 vs $150,000, you save ~$30,075.
  • More seats — 10 vs 9.
  • Faster cruise — 205 kts vs 200 kts.
  • More inventory — 30 listings vs 4.

Pick the 402 if…

  • Longer range — 1200 nm vs 950 nm.

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 Cessna 402?
It depends on your mission and budget. The Chieftain cruises at 205 kts with 950 nm range. The 402 cruises at 200 kts with 1,200 nm range. Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Piper Chieftain: from $375,000. Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Piper Chieftain and Cessna 402?
402 engine: Continental TSIO-520-VB (300 hp). Seats: 10 vs 9. Cruise: 205 vs 200 kts. Range: 950 vs 1200 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?
Chieftain: 10 seats. 402: 9 seats / 2,200 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 updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data