Piper Chieftain Aircraft 1970s
Pre-1980 piston twins are largely 1960s-70s vintage workhorses — Cessna 310, original Baron 55/58, Piper Apache/Aztec/Twin Comanche. Engines are typically on second or third overhaul; avionics typically replaced; pressurised variants (rare in this era) need pressure-vessel inspection. These are demanding aircraft to own well; budget for both engines on potentially divergent overhaul cycles, mandate-upgrade investment if not already complete, and corrosion-prone-area inspection.
14 used Piper Chieftain aircraft for sale 1970s · 10-seat · $90K – $548K · updated 2 hours ago
About the Piper Chieftain
The Piper Chieftain (PA-31-350) is the stretched Navajo — a 10-seat commuter and cargo workhorse with twin 350 hp Lycoming TIO-540-J2 engines. Used heavily by regional airlines, freight operators and corporate shuttles, the Chieftain is the largest piston twin Piper built. Production ran 1972-1983 plus later T-1040 conversions.
Piper Chieftain Specifications
Model specThe Piper Chieftain is a 10-seat multi engine piston with a cruise speed of 205 kt (380 km/h), a range of 950 nm (1,759 km).
14 Piper Chieftain For Sale
Browse all 14 listings →There are currently 14 used Piper Chieftain for sale, ranging from $90,000 to $548,100, with a median asking price of $211,350.
Compare Piper Chieftain
Detailed comparisons for the Piper Chieftain are being prepared.
Browse all Piper models →Piper Chieftain Price & Cost
How much does a Piper Chieftain cost? Used Chieftain prices: $90K – $548K, average $235K (median $211K), across 10 priced of 14 active listings.
Based on 9 priced listings.
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.
Buying a Used Piper Chieftain
When buying a Piper Chieftain, the biggest value drivers are engine time since overhaul, maintenance-record completeness, damage history and avionics.
What to check before buying
- Engine time to overhaul — hours and years remaining drive price more than total airframe time.
- Logbook completeness — continuous, gap-free maintenance records protect value.
- Damage history — any prior accident or incident; cross-check the registration against accident databases.
- Avionics — a modern glass panel vs legacy steam gauges materially changes price.
- Pre-buy inspection — always commission an independent inspection by a type-experienced mechanic before money changes hands.
Frequently Asked Questions — Piper Chieftain
How much does a used Piper Chieftain cost?
How many seats does a Chieftain have?
How is the Chieftain different from the Navajo?
Does the Chieftain have counter-rotating engines?
Piper Chieftain Inventory by Country
| United States | 23 |
| Canada | 7 |
| Australia | 3 |
| Jamaica | 1 |
Piper Chieftain by Price
| Under $200k | 6 |
| Under $300k | 11 |
| Under $500k | 15 |
Piper Chieftain Safety Record
No NTSB events on record for the Piper Chieftain. Individual aircraft safety records may be available on detail pages.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database