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Cessna 402B Piston Specifications and Charter Rates

The Cessna 402B is a versatile, twin-engine piston aircraft designed for short-haul private travel, offering seating for up to nine passengers and a practical cruise speed of 209 knots over a range of approximately 1,350 nautical miles. Introduced in the late 1960s, the 402B quickly became a mainstay for regional operators, praised for its robust airframe, accessible operating costs, and flexibility for both passenger and cargo missions.


For those seeking a dependable and economical way to reach remote destinations or connect smaller cities, the 402B delivers the convenience and comfort that discerning private flyers demand. On this page, you'll find full aircraft specifications, cabin details, real-world range information, typical charter pricing, and answers to the most common questions about flying privately on the Cessna 402B.

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Cessna 402B Overview

The Cessna 402B stands as a leader in the piston-powered light aircraft category, valued for its ability to combine efficient operation with impressive short-field performance. With seating designed to accommodate up to nine passengers and a spacious baggage compartment, the 402B is ideal for point-to-point travel—whether that means business meetings in neighboring cities or family getaways to hard-to-reach vacation spots. Dual Continental TSIO-520-VB engines give the aircraft reliable power and redundancy, supporting a service ceiling that lets it soar above most weather for a smoother, faster ride.


Its lightweight design and retractable landing gear make the Cessna 402B exceptionally nimble at regional airports, providing access to runways that larger jets simply can't use. The aircraft’s cost profile, combined with its sturdy build, keeps it a staple for private flyers who demand value and flexibility in equal measure.


Operators appreciate the 402B for its straightforward maintenance, high dispatch reliability, and a track record of safe, efficient service across decades. For charter clients, this means a proven platform that delivers both comfort and cost-effectiveness for short- to medium-range missions.

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Cessna 402B Specifications

The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

Aircraft class:

Piston

Passenger capacity:

Up to 7 (typical), 9 maximum

Crew:

1-2 pilots

Range:

Approximately 1357 nautical miles (around 1562 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

209 knots (about 241 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 185 knots

Service ceiling:

26400 fee

Engines:

Two Continental TSIO-520-VB piston engines

Thrust:

Roughly lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1695 feet

Landing distance:

About 777 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 34 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 56 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1960s

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The figures below summarize the performance and dimensions that matter most when you are matching an aircraft to a trip. They reflect typical configurations; exact numbers vary with weight, weather, and how a given aircraft is equipped.

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Cessna 402B Range and Performance

With a range of about 1,350 nautical miles, the Cessna 402B is perfectly suited for regional flights and short hauls, connecting city pairs such as Boston to Washington DC, Miami to Nassau, or Los Angeles to San Francisco without a refueling stop. The aircraft’s efficient engines and 209-knot cruise speed ensure quick, direct travel to smaller airports that are often inaccessible to larger jets. | For most practical itineraries, the 402B can comfortably link several major cities or remote islands in a single hop, offering a flexibility that commercial airlines simply can’t match. Its short-field capability means you’ll often land closer to your final destination, minimizing ground transfers and maximizing your overall travel efficiency. | The 402B’s reliable performance, steady climb, and responsive handling make it a favorite among pilots and passengers alike, delivering a smooth, enjoyable journey on every leg.

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Cessna 402B Cabin Experience and Interior

Step inside the Cessna 402B’s cabin and you’ll discover a surprisingly roomy environment for this class of aircraft, with seating for up to nine and generous headroom that allows passengers to move about comfortably during flight. The flexible club and bench seating arrangements make it easy for groups to collaborate, relax, or enjoy the trip together. | The interior is designed for comfort on journeys of two to three hours, featuring plush seating, large windows for natural light, and practical amenities such as fold-out trays and in-flight storage. Many 402Bs have been updated over the years with refreshed interiors and upgraded cabin features, ensuring a premium experience for discerning private flyers. | With up to 56 cubic feet of baggage capacity, there’s ample space for luggage, golf clubs, or even light cargo. The quiet, well-insulated cabin lets business travelers stay productive en route, while families and leisure guests can settle in and enjoy the journey.

Cessna 402B Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Cessna 402B typically runs in the range of $1200 to $1800 per flight hour, though the figure you are quoted depends on several factors. Rates move with the route, the season, repositioning (or ferry) time, airport fees, crew costs, and how a specific aircraft is equipped. Peak travel periods and one-way trips that leave an aircraft far from its base tend to sit at the higher end, while round trips and flights that align with an operator's existing schedule can come in lower.

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It also helps to understand how charter pricing is structured. Most quotes are built around occupied flight hours plus those repositioning costs, landing and handling fees, taxes, and crew expenses. Because Jettly is a charter marketplace rather than an aircraft operator, you can compare live quotes from multiple FAA Part 135 and book the option that fits your route and budget.

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Empty-leg flights, the discounted repositioning trips that operators are keen to fill, can also bring the cost of a Cessna 402B down significantly when the timing works in your favor. For an exact, current price on your specific trip, request a quote, and you will see real availability rather than an estimate.

Who Should Charter the Cessna 402B?

The Cessna 402B fits a wide set of missions, which is part of why it stays busy. It is a strong match for:

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Small executive teams traveling together to a meeting, site visit, or conference

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Regional and many transcontinental business trips that need to be completed in a single day

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Families or groups of up to eight heading to a vacation or event

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Travelers carrying bulkier baggage, such as golf clubs or ski gear

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Anyone who values flexible airport access and a stand-up cabin over the lowest possible price

While the 402B isn’t built for transcontinental or long-range international flights, it excels for trips under three hours where speed, efficiency, and access to smaller airports are top priorities. For business travelers, family groups, or those seeking direct access to regional destinations, the Cessna 402B offers unmatched value and convenience in the piston class.

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How the Cessna 402B Compares to Other Piston

The Cessna 402B stands out among piston-engine twins for its combination of reliability, short-field capability, and versatile cabin design. Compared to similar aircraft like the Piper Navajo or Beechcraft Baron, the 402B offers a larger baggage compartment and a more flexible seating arrangement, making it a favorite for charter operations and regional air taxi services.


Its robust construction and simple systems translate to lower operating costs and easier maintenance, providing an advantage for operators and private owners alike. The aircraft’s proven safety record and enduring popularity ensure it remains a top choice for regional private aviation.


Today, the Cessna 402B continues to deliver practical performance and convenience for a wide range of missions, from executive travel to family adventures and specialized cargo runs, maintaining its reputation as a dependable workhorse in the piston class.

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Cessna 402B History and Background

The Cessna 402 series was introduced in the late 1960s as a versatile solution for regional air travel, quickly gaining favor for its robust design and flexible cabin that could be reconfigured for passengers or cargo. The 402B, launched as an improved variant, added a strengthened airframe, enhanced avionics, and increased payload, making it especially attractive for commercial operators and private owners alike.


Key advancements in the 402B included improved systems for reliability, a larger baggage compartment, and refined aerodynamics that enhanced both performance and fuel economy. Throughout its production, the 402B became a staple for air taxi and charter services across North America and the Caribbean, prized for its ruggedness and adaptability.


Today, the Cessna 402B continues to serve in private and commercial roles worldwide, supported by a strong maintenance network and a legacy of dependable service. Its enduring popularity is a testament to Cessna’s focus on safety, quality, and real-world utility.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Cessna 402B Carry?

The Cessna 402B typically seats between seven and nine passengers, depending on the chosen cabin configuration. Most layouts feature a combination of club and bench seating, making it ideal for both business and leisure groups.

What Is the Range of the Cessna 402B?

The Cessna 402B has a range of approximately 1357 nautical miles, or roughly 1562 statute miles. That is enough to fly most regional routes and many transcontinental trips nonstop, with the longest coast-to-coast legs occasionally needing a brief fuel stop depending on winds and load.

How Fast Does the Cessna 402B Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 209 knots (about 241 mph), with a long-range cruise near 185 knots. The aircraft's 26400-foot service ceiling lets it fly above most weather and traffic for a smoother, more direct trip.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter a Cessna 402B?

Charter rates generally fall between roughly $1200 and $1800 per flight hour, depending on the route, season, repositioning, and fees. Because Jettly is a marketplace, you can compare live quotes from multiple Part 135 operators and book the best option for your trip; empty-leg flights can lower the cost further.

Does the Hawker Cessna 402B Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes, the 402B features a spacious, light-filled cabin that allows passengers to move about with ease. The layout ensures comfort throughout the flight, with ample baggage space for personal belongings or business equipment.

Is the Cessna 402B Good for Transcontinental Flights?

For most regional routes within the United States and nearby international destinations, the 402B’s range is more than sufficient. It’s designed for short- to medium-haul flights, connecting major cities and remote airfields efficiently and comfortably.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Cessna 402B jets operated by vetted FAA Part 135 Part 135 carriers. Compare live quotes, check real availability, and book with full concierge support, whether you are planning a single regional hop or a recurring travel schedule.

Enter your route and dates to get instant pricing on the Cessna 402B, or speak with our team about empty-leg deals and membership options that can bring your cost per trip down even further.

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