The story
Before regional jets, the Piper Navajo connected small towns to the rest of the world. Tough, reliable, and big enough to actually carry people and cargo. Commuter airlines and charter operators flew thousands of these on short hops between small airports.
The Navajo was so successful it spawned an entire family — Chieftain, Cheyenne, Mojave — all built on the same basic airframe.
Quick answers
How do you identify a PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain?
Low-wing piston twin with a long pointed nose and a row of square cabin windows. The stretched Chieftain has counter-rotating props.
What does a PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain sound like?
Twin Lycoming six-cylinders — a powerful twin-piston rumble.
How fast is the PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain?
Top speed is 227 kts (Navajo).
How many passengers does the PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain carry?
Up to 9. A typical layout is up to 10 seats (Chieftain).
How far can the PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain fly?
Range is about 1,012 nmi (Navajo).
How big is the PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain?
It is 32 ft 7.5 in (Chieftain: 34 ft 7.5 in) long and 40 ft 8 in across the wings.
When did the PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain first fly?
Its first flight was in 1964.
How many PA-31 Navajo/Chieftains have been built?
3,942 built.
How rare is a PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain in Bogey?
COMMON. Everyday traffic. You will catch plenty of these, and every first catch still counts. Your first PA-31 Navajo/Chieftain catch is worth 25 points.
