Piston Aircraft Overview
Piston aircraft are the most prevalent aircraft in the FAA registry. Ranging from single-engine touring planes to pressurized twins, they serve flight training, personal travel, aerial work, and short regional transport at the lowest per-hour costs in aviation.
The Jet Finder's aircraft directory currently tracks 9 piston aircraft models with a combined 69 registered aircraft in the FAA Aircraft Registry. Cruise speeds across this category range from 160 to 261 knots, with ranges spanning 650 to 1,200 nautical miles.
Typical charter rates for piston aircraft aircraft range from $400–$1,500/hr per flight hour. Flight training, personal weekend travel, aerial photography, pipeline patrol, short regional hops under 500 NM, building flight hours.
Typical Missions
Weekend getaways, flight training, local aerial work, personal transport under 500 miles. Whether you are evaluating a charter flight or considering an acquisition, understanding the performance envelope of the piston aircraft category is essential for matching the right aircraft to your mission profile.
Browse 9 Piston Aircraft Models
Each model page includes detailed specifications, performance data, and a complete fleet registry linking to individual tail number pages with FAA registration data.
Piper Chieftain
Cirrus SR22
Cessna 402
Beech Baron
Cessna 414A
Piper Seneca
Piper Aerostar
Cirrus SR20
Beech Bonanza
How Piston Aircraft Compare
All 9 Models — Specs Comparison
Click any model for full specs, fleet registry, and FAQ.
| Model | Speed | Range | Pax | Registered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piper Chieftain | 210 kts | 860 NM | 10 | 23 |
| Cirrus SR22 | 186 kts | 770 NM | 4 | 21 |
| Cessna 402 | 216 kts | 1,060 NM | 10 | 6 |
| Beech Baron | 202 kts | 930 NM | 5 | 5 |
| Cessna 414A | 230 kts | 1,200 NM | 7 | 4 |
| Piper Seneca | 196 kts | 750 NM | 5 | 3 |
| Piper Aerostar | 261 kts | 1,140 NM | 5 | 3 |
| Cirrus SR20 | 160 kts | 650 NM | 4 | 2 |
| Beech Bonanza | 176 kts | 750 NM | 4 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Piston Aircraft
12 questions answered about piston aircraft aircraft
Piston aircraft are the most prevalent aircraft in the FAA registry. Ranging from single-engine touring planes to pressurized twins, they serve flight training, personal travel, aerial work, and short regional transport at the lowest per-hour costs in aviation.
Most piston aircraft aircraft seat 4–10 passengers, depending on the specific model and cabin configuration.
Range spans 650 to 1,200 nautical miles across the 9 models in this category.
Typical charter rates for piston aircraft aircraft range from $400–$1,500/hr per flight hour.
Contact The Jet Finder for current ownership cost data.
The Piper Aerostar at 261 knots cruise. View specs.
The Cessna 414A at 1,200 nm. View specs.
The Piper Chieftain has the most FAA-registered aircraft in this category with 23 active registrations. View the fleet.
Single-pilot certification varies by model. In this category, several models hold single-pilot type certificates, reducing crew costs for owner-operators.
Most piston aircraft aircraft require 5,000–6,500 feet for takeoff at typical weights.
Lowest acquisition and operating costs. Available at virtually every airport. Avgas widely available. Easiest to own and maintain privately.
Slowest category (130–250 kts). Unpressurized cabins on most models. Weather limitations more restrictive. Limited payload and range Request a charter quote.
Find the Right Piston Aircraft for Your Mission
Whether you are looking to charter, acquire, or sell a piston aircraft — our aviation advisors can match you with the right aircraft. Access to more than 15,000 aircraft worldwide.