Piper Chieftain Overview
The Piper Chieftain is a piston aircraft manufactured by Piper Aircraft, produced from 1973-1984. Classified as a light-cabin aircraft, the Piper Chieftain carries up to 10 passengers at a maximum cruise speed of 210 knots with a range of 860 nautical miles — placing it squarely in the charter and corporate flight segment for regional missions.
The Jet Finder's aircraft directory currently tracks 23 active Piper Chieftain registrations in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Each tail number page below provides individual registration data, serial numbers, ownership records, and specification details sourced from official FAA documentation.
Performance & Powerplant
Power comes from 2x Lycoming LTIO-540-J2BD, each producing 350 HP each of thrust. Maximum cruise speed reaches 210 knots (undefined), with a long-range cruise of 190 kts for missions where fuel efficiency matters more than speed. The service ceiling of 24,000 feet puts the Piper Chieftain well above commercial traffic corridors, and a takeoff distance of 2,010 ft keeps smaller airfields accessible.
With 860 nautical miles of range under standard reserves, the Piper Chieftain handles short-haul regional flights connecting major metropolitan areas within a few hundred miles. Typical hourly operating costs range from $500-$800 per flight hour.
Cabin & Interior
The Piper Chieftain cabin measures 12.0 ft long, 4.2 ft wide, and 4.0 ft tall. Standard configurations seat up to 10 passengers, with 42 cu ft of externally accessible baggage capacity. The Garmin/Collins avionics suite provides full IFR certification for all-weather operations.
Market Position
Popular twin piston for charter and cargo operations. The Piper Chieftain continues to serve corporate, charter, and private operators worldwide, supported by a strong aftermarket network and ongoing manufacturer support.
Inquire About a Piper Chieftain
Whether you're evaluating a charter flight or an acquisition, our aviation advisors can connect you with a Piper Chieftain that matches your mission profile. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Manufacturer | Piper Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Model | Piper Chieftain |
| Category | Piston Aircraft |
| Cabin Class | Light |
| Production Years | 1973-1984 |
| Registered Fleet | 23 aircraft (FAA) |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2x Lycoming LTIO-540-J2BD |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 350 HP each |
| Max Cruise Speed | 210 knots |
| Long-Range Cruise | 190 kts |
| Max Range | 860 NM |
| Service Ceiling | 24,000 ft |
| Takeoff Distance | 2,010 ft |
| Passengers | Up to 10 |
| Cabin Dimensions | 12.0 ft × 4.2 ft × 4.0 ft |
| Baggage | 42 cu ft |
| Avionics | Garmin/Collins |
| IFR Certified | Yes |
| Hourly Cost | $500-$800 |
| Typical Acquisition Price | Contact for pricing |
How the Piper Chieftain Compares
With a 860 NM range and 210 kt cruise speed seating up to 10, the Piper Chieftain competes directly with the Beech Baron, Cirrus SR22, and Beech Bonanza in the piston aircraft segment. The table below compares the figures charter clients and buyers weigh most — cruise speed, range, cabin capacity, and hourly operating cost.
| Aircraft | Cruise | Range | Passengers | Hourly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piper Chieftain (this aircraft) | 210 kt | 860 NM | Up to 10 | $500-$800 |
| Beech Baron | 202 kt | 930 NM | Up to 5 | $350-$550 |
| Cirrus SR22 | 186 kt | 770 NM | Up to 4 | $300-$500 |
| Beech Bonanza | 176 kt | 750 NM | Up to 4 | $250-$400 |
Similar aircraft: Beech Baron · Cirrus SR22 · Beech Bonanza · Piper Seneca · Cessna 402 · Cirrus SR20
Piper Chieftain Fleet Registry
Browse 23 registered Piper Chieftain aircraft currently tracked in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Each tail number links to a dedicated page with individual registration data, serial numbers, ownership records, and specifications.
23 Active RegistrationsFrequently Asked Questions About the Piper Chieftain
14 questions answered about the Piper Chieftain
The Piper Chieftain is classified as a Piston Aircraft with a light-cabin configuration, manufactured by Piper Aircraft.
The Piper Chieftain has a maximum cruise speed of 210 knots with a long-range cruise speed of 190 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is undefined.
The Piper Chieftain has a maximum range of 860 nautical miles under standard fuel reserves, connecting major city pairs nonstop.
The Piper Chieftain accommodates up to 10 passengers in a typical executive configuration.
The Piper Chieftain is powered by 2x Lycoming LTIO-540-J2BD, producing 350 HP each of thrust per engine.
The Piper Chieftain cabin measures 12.0 ft long, 4.2 ft wide, and 4.0 ft tall, with 42 cu ft of baggage capacity.
The Piper Chieftain is equipped with Garmin/Collins avionics and is fully certified for IFR operations.
The Piper Chieftain has a maximum certified service ceiling of 24,000 feet, allowing operations above most commercial traffic and weather.
The Piper Chieftain requires approximately 2,010 ft of runway for takeoff at maximum takeoff weight under standard conditions.
The Piper Chieftain was manufactured from 1973-1984. It remains in current production.
Typical hourly operating costs for the Piper Chieftain range from $500-$800 per flight hour, depending on utilization, maintenance program, and operational profile.
The Jet Finder's directory currently lists 23 Piper Chieftain aircraft with active U.S. FAA registrations. Browse the full fleet registry on this page.
Contact The Jet Finder to inquire about Piper Chieftain charter availability. We have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide, including multiple Piper Chieftain aircraft.
Popular twin piston for charter and cargo operations.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a Piper Chieftain — our team is standing by. We operate private aircraft and have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.