Piper PA-31 Navajo
Piper Aircraft · United States · first flew 1964 · light aircraft
The Piper PA-31 Navajo is an American twin-engine low-wing piston aircraft widely used for business travel, regional charter, and air taxi operations. Together with its turbocharged and turboprop derivatives it became one of the most popular light-twin families ever produced.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | Squared-off fuselage cross-section with large rectangular windows |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-piston low-wing cabin monoplane seating 6-8 passengers
- Squared-off fuselage cross-section with large rectangular windows
- Retractable tricycle gear with engine nacelle-mounted main wheels
The low-set tapered wing, squared fuselage with large cabin windows, and twin piston engines on nacelle-mounted undercarriage legs give the Navajo a blocky, purposeful appearance compared to sleeker twins like the Piper Seneca.
Specifications
- The Piper PA-31 Navajo has a length of 9.94 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.4 m (41 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 394 km/h (245 mph).
- Typical crew: 1-2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
First flown in September 1964 and certificated in 1966, the Navajo entered service as a spacious light twin targeting the business and charter market. Piper developed numerous variants over the following decade, including the turboprop-powered Cheyenne series.
Variants
The PA-31-350 Navajo Chieftain has a stretched fuselage; the PA-31T Cheyenne is a turboprop derivative; the PA-31P Pressurised Navajo adds a pressurised cabin. The Cheyenne series evolved into the PIAGGIO-Aero P.180 Avanti's conceptual predecessor.
Where you'll see it
Operated worldwide by charter, regional, and corporate operators; thousands remain in service and the type is common at small airports globally.
Related aircraft
- Piper PA-31-300 Navajo
- Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche
- Piper Aerostar 600
- Piper PA-28R Arrow
- Aerosport Woody Pusher
- American Champion Citabria
- Beechcraft Queen Air A65
- Bölkow Phoebus
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.