Piper PA-31 Navajo / Chieftain / Mojave for Sale

Aircraft overview

The Piper PA-31 Navajo / Chieftain / Mojave is a family of cabin class, twin engine piston aircraft built by Piper Aircraft for business, charter, commuter and owner flown transport. The original PA-31 Navajo first flew in 1964, with production beginning in the late 1960s and continuing into the 1980s. The longer PA-31-350 Chieftain became the high capacity version, while the PA-31P-350 Mojave combined the PA-31 line with pressurization and 350 hp engines. The type matters because it offers substantial cabin volume and payload in a piston twin, often at acquisition costs well below turbine aircraft.

Performance & specifications

Typical cruise speeds are about 170 to 200 knots depending on variant, engine condition, altitude, loading and power setting. Practical range is commonly in the 700 to 1,000 nautical mile class, again strongly dependent on fuel, reserves and payload. Useful load is a key attraction, with many Navajo and Chieftain examples offering roughly 2,000 lb or more. Service ceilings are typically in the low to mid 20,000 ft range. Power comes from turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540 series engines, with the Chieftain using 350 hp engines and many versions using counter rotating propellers to improve handling.

Cabin & avionics

The PA-31 cabin is wider and more substantial than many light twins, with club or commuter style layouts depending on the aircraft history. Navajo models are commonly configured for six to eight occupants, while Chieftain layouts may seat more in commuter or charter interiors. The Mojave adds pressurization, making it more suitable for higher altitude operations. Factory avionics are from the analog era, so buyers should expect large variation. Common upgrades include Garmin GNS or GTN navigators, Garmin G500 or G600 TXi displays, Aspen electronic flight instruments, modern audio panels, transponders with ADS-B and upgraded autopilots from King, Century or later retrofit suppliers. Garmin G1000 and Garmin Perspective were not standard factory suites for this model family.

Buying & value

Condition and operating history matter more than model year. Buyers should review engine times, turbocharger condition, exhaust system health, propeller status, pressurization components on Mojave aircraft, corrosion checks, fuel system condition and compliance with applicable service bulletins and airworthiness directives. Former air taxi aircraft can be excellent working airplanes, but logs, cycles and interior wear need close inspection. Current PlaneFox listing data shows an average asking price around EUR 156,000, with observed asking prices from about EUR 26,000 to EUR 471,000. Navajos usually sit as capable lower cost cabin twins, Chieftains appeal to payload focused operators and Mojaves attract buyers wanting piston twin pressurization.