IATA PA2ICAO PA31

Piper PA-31 Navajo

Piper

TravelerPulse profile

Versatile twin-piston light transport serving commuter and charter markets.

First flight

1964

Category

Light twin-piston

Seating

6–8

Range

1,932 km

Engines

Two Lycoming TIO-540 flat-six piston engines

Status

In service

The Piper PA-31 Navajo is an American twin-engine piston aircraft developed by Piper Aircraft and first flown in 1964, entering service in 1967. Designed as a light corporate and commuter transport, it seats up to eight passengers and was targeted at business aviation, charter operators, and small regional airlines. The Navajo family spawned several variants, including the turbocharged PA-31T Cheyenne, which introduced turboprop engines. The airframe proved highly adaptable, serving in air taxi, cargo, medevac, and pilot-training roles worldwide. Production continued for several decades, and thousands of examples remain active today in general aviation.

Notable operators

Widely used by small regional and commuter carriers such as Air Taxi operators, as well as general aviation charter and air ambulance services globally.

Notable facts

›First flew in September 1964, with FAA certification granted in 1966.
›The PA-31T Cheyenne variant introduced Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop engines.
›Over 3,900 Navajo family aircraft were produced across all variants.
›Commonly used in Australia and Pacific Island nations for remote area charter services.
›The Navajo served as the basis for the stretched PA-31-350 Chieftain, which added two more seats.