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.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- 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) | Piper Chieftain | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 1 |
| Serious | — | 0 |
| Fatal | — | 0 |
| Fatalities | — | 0 |
| % Fatal | — | 0% |
Full Specs Comparison
| Spec / Model | Piper Chieftain | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $119,925 – $584,423 | $123,300 – $552,867 |
| Category | Multi Engine Piston | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 205 kts (380 km/h) | 206 kts (382 km/h) |
| Range | 950 nm (1,759 km) | 1,065 nm (1,972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 7,000 lbs (3,175 kg) | 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
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…
- Budget matters — from $119,925 vs $123,300, you save ~$3,375.
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
Pick the Navajo if…
- Faster cruise — 206 kts vs 205 kts.
- Longer range — 1065 nm vs 950 nm.
- More inventory — 38 listings vs 30.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.