Piper Navajo vs Cessna 421

[Montereyflyer]

Looking at used "cabin class" pistin engine twins that would work for my family of five plus baggage and two dogs, I am down to the Piper Navajo and the Cessna 421. While the cessna is little bit sleeker and better looking, outside of that the navajo looks more spacious, flies at similar speeds, yet cost wise for a similar year is a lot less expensive. Is there anybody who knows these type aircrafts and can provide me with the upside or drawback between the two? I.e. performance, specs and/or annual operating costs.

[jrbauerjr]

If you are really serious and not just kicking tires, I suggest that you join the Cessna Pilots Association. You will find a number of 421 owners willing to share data with you as well as the quirks of their planes. The information you'll get is well worth the $45 you'll spend......

Jim

http://cessnapilots.org/

[bluesideup]

I've been flying a C-421B for some time now. I know 2 other 421 pilots. We all think very highly of the airplane. My airplane had some maintenance issues early on,largely deferred items. Once the airframe and engines are up and running the 421 is not all that maintenance intensive. I know many owner pilots who go to TBO one the 421. If GAMI injectors are installed you can actuallly get the book fuel burn. If not, then 50/gph is a ggod plannig number at 30"/1800 rpm. 28"/1700 rpm yields about 44 gph. The airspeeds are about 195 and 180 respectively. The caveat is be sure your are buying a 421 that has received superb maintenance. Catching up can be expensive. A new exhaust system is $6,000 per engine installed. Other than that it's a turbo 310/320 that burns 10 gph more gas and carries a big load in grate style and comfort.

[siegelaviation]

Originally Posted by Montereyflyer

Looking at used "cabin class" pistin engine twins that would work for my family of five plus baggage and two dogs, I am down to the Piper Navajo and the Cessna 421. While the cessna is little bit sleeker and better looking, outside of that the navajo looks more spacious, flies at similar speeds, yet cost wise for a similar year is a lot less expensive. Is there anybody who knows these type aircrafts and can provide me with the upside or drawback between the two? I.e. performance, specs and/or annual operating costs.

Go with the Piper Navajo (C/R or Chieftan, even better!). It is a GREAT airplane as long as you don't need pressurization. If you need to go high or don't want to use O2, then go with the 421 or the 414.

Operating costs are higher on the 421/414 than the Navajo-types (except the Mojave; it is about the same as the 4xx series Cessna's.). The Piper's have a wider W/B envelope. Pretty much anything you put in that cabin it will carry. Find one with wing lockers and you can throw golf clubs and kids (so I heard from a Chieftan owner ) out there!

Michael