Cessna 402A

Cessna · United States · first flew 1967 · light aircraft

The Cessna 402A is the first production variant of the Cessna 402, a light twin-engine aircraft designed for the commuter airline and business market with a stretched fuselage compared to the 401. It offered improved passenger capacity and cargo flexibility.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsLow-mounted, tapered
E — Engines2 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage11.09 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Very similar to the 401 but with a slightly longer fuselage and larger cabin windows; the twin Continental engines and retractable gear are the primary identification features for the 400-series family.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Cessna introduced the 402 alongside the 401 in 1967, and the 402A followed in 1968 with refinements. The 402 series proved commercially successful, evolving through the 402B and 402C variants and becoming a staple of regional and island-hopper commuter operations worldwide.

Variants

The 402A was followed by the 402B with further improvements and the 402C with tip tanks and other refinements; the 402 family also spawned the Businessliner interior package.

Where you'll see it

Widely used by commuter airlines, air taxi operators, and private owners across the Americas, Caribbean, Pacific islands, and elsewhere; many remain in active service.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.