cessna-402c

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Cessna 402C Piston Specifications and Charter Rates

The Cessna 402C is a twin-engine piston aircraft crafted for regional connections, offering flexible cabin configurations for both passengers and cargo. Renowned for its reliability and cost-effective operation, the 402C provides a smooth, comfortable flight experience with a cruise speed of 215 knots and a range of just over 1,000 nautical miles.


Whether you require an efficient charter for small group travel or a versatile solution for business logistics, the 402C delivers outstanding performance and value in the light piston segment. This page details its specifications, cabin features, operational highlights, and the key questions discerning travelers ask when booking this aircraft.

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Cessna 402C Overview

The Cessna 402C stands at the pinnacle of the piston class, striking a perfect blend of flexibility, comfort, and operational efficiency. With seating for up to eight and the ability to adapt for both passenger and cargo missions, the 402C answers the needs of business and leisure travelers alike, especially on short regional hops. Twin Continental TSIO-520-NB engines provide the power for a 1,000-mile range and a cruise above most weather for a stable flight.


Its robust fixed gear and simple systems make it a favorite among operators for reliability and ease of maintenance, ensuring the aircraft is ready when you are. For private flyers, the 402C represents an affordable entry into private aviation, providing direct access to regional airports and point-to-point convenience that commercial flights simply cannot match.


With features like autopilot, advanced avionics, and a spacious, well-lit cabin, the Cessna 402C elevates every journey, making it the go-to choice for efficient, comfortable travel over short to medium distances.

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Cessna 402C 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), 8 maximum

Crew:

1 pilot

Range:

Approximately 1006 nautical miles (around 1158 statute miles)

High-speed cruise:

215 knots (about 247 mph)

Long-range cruise:

Approximately 185 knots

Service ceiling:

26500 fee

Engines:

Two Continental TSIO-520-NB piston engines

Thrust:

Roughly 325 lbf per engine

Takeoff distance:

About 1763 feet

Landing distance:

About 1055 feet

Average fuel burn:

Around 46 gallons per hour

Baggage capacity:

Approximately 37 cubic feet

First delivered:

Late 1970s

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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 402C Range and Performance

With a range of just over 1,000 nautical miles, the Cessna 402C is ideal for short-haul regional routes, easily connecting cities like Boston to Washington, Toronto to Montreal, or Miami to Nassau nonstop. Its efficient twin engines and low operating costs make it a smart choice for frequent charters. | The aircraft’s high cruise speed of 215 knots ensures quick point-to-point travel, while its short takeoff and landing distances allow access to smaller, remote airports that are often off-limits to larger jets. This opens up a world of direct routes and flexible scheduling. | For travelers seeking to avoid the congestion and delays of major airports, the 402C’s ability to utilize secondary airfields means you arrive closer to your true destination, making every journey with Jettly seamless and time-saving.

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Cessna 402C Cabin Experience and Interior

The 402C’s cabin is designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind, featuring plush executive seating and ample headroom for a light aircraft. With a standard layout that accommodates seven or eight passengers, the flexible configuration allows for additional cargo or baggage as needed. | Large windows flood the cabin with natural light, while fold-down tables and personalized climate controls ensure a pleasant in-flight environment. A spacious baggage compartment of 37 cubic feet easily handles golf bags, ski gear, or luggage for your entire group. | Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or enjoying a family getaway, the Cessna 402C transforms regional travel into a refined, enjoyable experience, turning every flight into a private retreat above the clouds.

Cessna 402C Charter Cost and Hourly Rates

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Chartering a Cessna 402C 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 402C 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 402C?

The Cessna 402C 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 402C is not suited for long-haul or transcontinental journeys, it shines on short regional hops, offering unmatched flexibility for small groups, executive shuttle missions, and routes to smaller airfields. Its blend of comfort, performance, and economy makes it a top choice for those seeking private aviation’s advantages without the cost of a larger jet.

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How the Cessna 402C Compares to Other Piston

The Cessna 402C family was first introduced in the late 1960s as a flexible, cost-effective solution for both private and commercial operators, and the 402C model, launched in 1979, quickly set a new benchmark for safety and performance in its class.


With enhancements like a strengthened landing gear, improved avionics, and a more powerful engine package, the 402C outperformed its predecessors and many competing twins in operational versatility.


Today, the 402C continues to be the regional aircraft of choice for operators who demand reliability, value, and adaptability, securing its place as a cornerstone of piston-powered private aviation.

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Cessna 402C History and Background

The Cessna 402 family was introduced in the late 1960s as a versatile solution for commuter airlines and private operators seeking a reliable, economical twin-engine alternative. The upgraded 402C variant, launched in 1979, brought improved performance, larger payload capacity, and enhanced safety features, quickly earning its reputation as a workhorse of regional aviation.


Its robust design, low maintenance requirements, and adaptability for both passenger and cargo configurations made it the aircraft of choice for countless operators across North America and the Caribbean. The 402C’s enduring presence in charter fleets today is a testament to its proven design and the value it continues to deliver for private flyers and regional carriers alike.


With a legacy spanning decades, the Cessna 402C stands as a symbol of dependable, efficient transportation, trusted by discerning travelers and operators who demand performance without compromise.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Passengers Can the Cessna 402C Carry?

The Cessna 402C typically accommodates seven passengers in an executive configuration, with an optional eighth seat or additional cargo space available for added flexibility. This arrangement is ideal for business groups, families, or small travel parties seeking a private flight solution.

What Is the Range of the Cessna 402C?

The Cessna 402C has a range of approximately 1006 nautical miles, or roughly 1158 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 402C Fly?

Its high-speed cruise is 215 knots (about 247 mph), with a long-range cruise near 185 knots. The aircraft's 26500-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 402C?

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 402C Have a Stand-up Cabin?

Yes. The 402C offers a spacious and comfortable cabin for its class, with plush seating and large windows, plus a generous baggage hold of 37 cubic feet, providing ample space for luggage and personal items.

Is the Cessna 402C Good for Transcontinental Flights?

The 402C is perfect for most regional missions across the U.S. and Canada, making nonstop flights between major cities or remote destinations with ease. For flights over 1,000 miles or with very large groups, a larger turboprop or light jet may be preferable.

Jettly gives you access to a global marketplace of more than 23,000 aircraft, including Cessna 402C 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 402C, 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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