Cessna 310 Cost of Ownership

The Cessna 310: The Workhorse Twin for Family and Business

The Cessna 310 represents one of the most successful twin-engine aircraft designs in aviation history, produced continuously from 1958 to 1981 with over 3,000 aircraft built. The 310 was designed as a six-seat family and business aircraft combining twin-engine redundancy with practical utility and comfortable cabin accommodations. With Continental engines ranging from 240 HP (early models) to 285 HP (late models) and cabin pressurization options on some variants, the Cessna 310 delivers genuine family transportation capability.

The extensive production run created a mature used market with good parts availability and service support. The 310's reputation for reliability when properly maintained, combined with strong performance (195+ knots cruise) and practical cargo capacity, makes it attractive to owner-pilots seeking serious twin-engine transportation. However, potential owners must understand the single-engine handling challenges and maintenance-intensive systems that characterize the type.

Why Pilots Choose the Cessna 310

The six-seat capacity and larger cabin appeal to family and business operators seeking genuine multi-passenger capability. Twin-engine redundancy and strong performance (1,200+ nautical mile range) deliver cross-country reliability. Continental engines (naturally-aspirated IO-520 in later models) are known for longevity when properly maintained. Large parts availability and active owner organization support provides maintenance resources. Trade-offs include high fuel consumption (25-26 GPH), notoriously demanding single-engine handling, maintenance-intensive systems (landing gear, exhaust), and 40+ year old airframes requiring committed owners.

Purchase Price: What You'll Pay

Used Aircraft Pricing by Era

• Early Production (1958-1965): $95,000-$130,000 - Original 240 HP Continental O-470 models, basic avionics, higher total airframe hours, lower purchase price
• Mid Production (1965-1975): $140,000-$185,000 - 310C/D/E/F/G models with 260-HP IO-470 fuel injection, improved systems, moderate total airframe hours
• Late Production (1975-1981): $180,000-$240,000 - 310R/R II models with 285-HP Continental IO-520 engines, modern avionics options, lower total airframe hours
• Premium Examples with Modern Avionics: $200,000-$295,000 - Late-model 310R II with Garmin G1000 glass cockpit retrofit, exceptional condition, comprehensive maintenance records

Key Price Factors

• Total Airframe Hours: Each 1,000 hours beyond 8,000 hours reduces value by $4,000-$6,000; low-hour aircraft (under 4,000 total) command 10-15% premiums
• Engine Reserves (Time Until Major Overhaul): Engines approaching TBO (1,400-1,700 hours depending on variant) significantly reduce value; recent major overhauls add 10-15% to value
• Avionics Package: Modern glass cockpit retrofit (Garmin G1000 NXi) adds $30,000-$50,000; basic steam gauges reduce value by $20,000-$30,000
• Turbocharging: Turbocharged TSIO-520 variants command 15-20% premiums over naturally-aspirated IO-520 models due to high-altitude capability
• Maintenance History & Airframe Condition: Complete logbooks command 5-10% premiums; corrosion damage or deferred maintenance can reduce value 15-25%

Financing a Cessna 310

Down Payment Requirements

Most aircraft lenders require 20-30% down payment for Cessna 310 aircraft. For a $190,000 purchase price:

• 20% Down: $38,000 down, $152,000 financed (typical for excellent credit and significant multi-engine experience)
• 25% Down: $47,500 down, $142,500 financed (most common scenario for qualified applicants)
• 30% Down: $57,000 down, $133,000 financed (for marginal credit or limited multi-engine experience)

Loan Terms and Rates

Aircraft loan terms for Cessna 310 typically range from 10-15 years at 6-8% interest rates:

• 10-Year Term at 6.5%: $1,580/month on $142,500 financed ($18,960/year)
• 12-Year Term at 7%: $1,401/month on $142,500 financed ($16,812/year)
• 15-Year Term at 7.5%: $1,208/month on $142,500 financed ($14,496/year)

Insurance Costs

Liability and Hull Coverage

Insurance for the Cessna 310 varies significantly based on pilot qualifications. Qualified pilots (1,500+ total hours, 500 multi-engine hours, 50 hours in type) pay substantially less than less-experienced twin pilots:

• Liability Only ($1M coverage) - Qualified Pilot: $295-$350 annually
• Liability Only ($1M coverage) - Less Qualified Pilot: $375-$590 annually
• Liability + Hull ($1M/$100K) - Qualified Pilot: $3,456-$5,270 annually
• Liability + Hull ($1M/$100K) - Less Qualified Pilot: $4,980-$7,400 annually
• Full Coverage (estimated $190K aircraft value) - Qualified Pilot: $3,500-$5,500 annually

The Cessna 310 presents insurance challenges due to its single-engine handling characteristics and demanding multi-engine performance requirements. Comprehensive pilot qualifications and clean flying records are essential to obtain favorable rates.

Fuel and Operating Costs

Fuel Consumption

The Cessna 310 with twin Continental engines burns approximately 25-26 gallons per hour at cruise settings. Turbocharged variants consume 30-32 GPH. At current fuel prices:

• At $6.00/gallon (naturally-aspirated): $150-$156 per hour in fuel costs
• At $6.50/gallon (naturally-aspirated): $162.50-$169 per hour in fuel costs
• At $7.00/gallon (naturally-aspirated): $175-$182 per hour in fuel costs
• Turbocharged variants at 75% power: $180-$224 per hour in fuel costs at current prices

Fuel consumption represents a significant operating cost for the 310. Careful cruise power selection and altitude management can help optimize fuel economy compared to high-power cruise operations.

Maintenance and Reserves

• Hourly Maintenance: $33.15 per flight hour (comprehensive shop labor and parts for twin systems)
• Engine Reserve (Major Overhaul): $30.25 per flight hour for two engines with 1,400-1,700 hour TBO depending on variant
• Oil and Consumables: $5.30 per flight hour
• Annual Inspection: $3,600 (mandatory; can exceed $6,000-$10,000 if deferred maintenance discovered)
• Propeller Reserves: $3-$6 per flight hour (depending on propeller type and overhaul interval)

Hourly Variable Costs

• Fuel: $150-$182 per hour
• Hourly Maintenance: $33.15 per hour
• Engine Reserve: $30.25 per hour
• Oil and Consumables: $5.30 per hour
• Total Variable Costs: $219-$251 per hour

Fixed Annual Ownership Costs

• Hangar or Tie-down: $1,500-$3,500 per year (larger hangar required for 36-foot wingspan twin)
• Insurance (average): $3,500-$5,500 per year (liability and hull for qualified pilot)
• Annual Inspection: $3,600 per year (mandatory; critical for 40+ year old airframe)
• Aircraft Registration: $19 per year (FAA renewal)
• Accessories/Misc: $500-$800 per year (lights, batteries, oxygen, deicing fluid if equipped)

Total Fixed Annual Costs: Approximately $9,200-$11,500 per year

Comprehensive Annual Ownership Examples

Scenario 1: 100 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $1,401/month ($16,812/year) - 12-year term at 7%
• Fixed costs: $10,400
• Fuel (100 hours × $168/hr): $16,800
• Maintenance (100 hours × $33.15): $3,315
• Engine reserve (100 hours × $30.25): $3,025
• Oil/consumables (100 hours × $5.30): $530
• Annual inspection: $3,600
• Total Annual Cost: $54,482
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $545

Scenario 2: 150 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $1,401/month ($16,812/year) - 12-year term at 7%
• Fixed costs: $10,400
• Fuel (150 hours × $168/hr): $25,200
• Maintenance (150 hours × $33.15): $4,973
• Engine reserve (150 hours × $30.25): $4,538
• Oil/consumables (150 hours × $5.30): $795
• Annual inspection: $3,600
• Total Annual Cost: $65,918
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $439

Scenario 3: 200 Flight Hours/Year

• Loan payment: $1,401/month ($16,812/year) - 12-year term at 7%
• Fixed costs: $10,400
• Fuel (200 hours × $168/hr): $33,600
• Maintenance (200 hours × $33.15): $6,630
• Engine reserve (200 hours × $30.25): $6,050
• Oil/consumables (200 hours × $5.30): $1,060
• Annual inspection: $3,600
• Total Annual Cost: $78,152
• Cost Per Flight Hour: $391

Cessna 310 vs. Comparable Aircraft

Cessna 310 vs. Piper Twin Comanche

The Cessna 310 costs significantly more ($190,000 vs. $165,000 Twin Comanche) but offers six-seat capacity, superior performance (195 knots vs. 165 knots), and longer range (1,200+ nm vs. 950 nm). Both burn similar fuel (25-26 vs. 16-17 GPH), but the 310 offers more powerful engines (285 HP vs. 160 HP per side) and larger payload. Operating costs are comparable ($280/hour vs. $280/hour for Twin Comanche at moderate utilization). 310 buyers seek family capability; Twin Comanche buyers prioritize economy.

Cessna 310 vs. Beechcraft Baron 55

The Beechcraft Baron ($250,000 average) costs more than the 310 ($190,000) but offers better performance, more modern systems on available examples, and stronger resale market. Both carry six-seat capacity with similar fuel burn (25-27 GPH). The Baron offers superior handling characteristics and typically lower maintenance costs due to simpler systems. 310 buyers accept vintage technology for lower purchase price; Baron buyers invest in modern capability and performance.

Cessna 310 vs. Piper Seneca V

The Piper Seneca V ($500,000) is significantly more expensive but offers pressurization, modern avionics, and superior high-altitude capability. Both aircraft carry six-seat capacity, but the Seneca features turbocharged engines, glass cockpit, and current production advantages. The 310 costs 60% less to purchase but operates at similar hourly costs ($280-300/hour). 310 buyers choose affordability; Seneca buyers invest in modern capability and pressurization.

Is Cessna 310 Ownership Worth It?

Cessna 310 ownership makes sense for experienced multi-engine pilots seeking genuine six-seat family transportation at moderate cost. The $190,000 purchase price and $391-439/hour operating costs (at 150-200 hours annually) provide legitimate family flying capability compared to single-engine alternatives. The extensive parts availability, active owner community, and proven engine designs support long-term ownership.

Critical considerations: The 310's single-engine handling reputation demands exceptional multi-engine proficiency and current skills. Maintenance of aging systems (landing gear, exhaust, fuel management) requires committed owners. Competitive quotes from specialized twin owners and mechanics are essential before purchase. The 310 is best for experienced operators willing to manage 40+ year old airframe systems for multi-seat family transportation capability.

Next Steps to Cessna 310 Ownership

1. Obtain Multi-Engine Rating: If not current, earn your multi-engine rating with a CFI-MEL instructor experienced in twin aircraft operations
2. Build Multi-Engine Experience: Accumulate 100+ hours in twin-engine aircraft before committing to 310 purchase; the 310's single-engine handling demands proficiency
3. Find Your Aircraft: Search trade-a-plane.com, controller.com, and Cessna owner organizations for available 310 examples
4. Pre-Purchase Inspection: Hire a Cessna 310-experienced A&P mechanic for comprehensive inspection; budget $3,000-$5,000 for professional evaluation
5. Arrange Financing: Contact aircraft lenders 60-90 days before purchase; prepare multi-engine qualifications documentation
6. Secure Insurance Quotes: Obtain quotes from aviation insurers (BWI, AOPA Insurance, Falcon Insurance) verifying your qualifications align with quoted rates
7. Arrange Hangar Space: Secure permanent hangar before taking delivery; large hangar required for 36-foot wingspan aircraft
8. Complete Transition Training: Invest in 20-30 hours of Cessna 310-specific transition training with experienced instructor focusing on single-engine procedures

Sources and Citations

1. PlanePhD (2025). "CESSNA 310R II - Specifications, Performance, Operating cost, Valuation" - Comprehensive aircraft valuation and operating cost data for 1975-1981 Cessna 310R II models. Retrieved from https://planephd.com/wizard/details/285/CESSNA-310R-II-specifications-performance-operating-cost-valuation
2. BWI Aviation Insurance (2025). "Cessna 310 Insurance Cost" - Current insurance premium data by pilot qualifications for liability and hull coverage. Retrieved from https://bwifly.com/cessna-310-insurance-cost/
3. AVweb (2024). "Cessna 310" - Aircraft systems, performance characteristics, and operational experience from experienced aviation journalists. Retrieved from https://avweb.com/features/cessna-310/
4. Aviation Consumer (2025). "Cessna 310 - Used Aircraft Guide" - Detailed maintenance, reliability, and ownership cost analysis for used Cessna 310 aircraft. Retrieved from https://aviationconsumer.com/used-aircraft-guide/cessna-310-2/
5. AOPA (2025). "Cessna 310 Fact Sheet" - Official aircraft specifications, performance data, and industry recommendations from Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Retrieved from https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/aircraft-fact-sheets/cessna-310

Disclaimer: This article reflects market conditions as of October 2025. Aircraft prices, insurance costs, and fuel prices fluctuate based on market conditions, location, and individual circumstances. Consult with aviation lenders, insurance brokers, and aircraft mechanics for personalized quotes. The information provided is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct thorough due diligence and professional inspections before purchasing any aircraft.