The Piper Navajo family (PA-31 Navajo, PA-31-350 Chieftain, and PA-31T Cheyenne) is a group of twin-engine airframes that Naples operators occasionally book as value-priced options for short in-Florida legs or Bahamas day trips. APF handles all three without issue.
The slug bundles three distinct aircraft: the piston PA-31 Navajo (1967), the stretched piston PA-31-350 Chieftain (1973), and the turboprop PA-31T Cheyenne (1974). Figures shown (211 knots cruise, 883 nautical miles of range, 24,000-foot ceiling, eight to nine seats) reflect the PA-31-350 Chieftain, the most-chartered variant. Note: the Cheyenne is a turboprop, not a piston, despite the shared slug.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Piston
- Manufacturer: Piper Aircraft
- Year introduced: 1973
- Seating: 8 to 9
- Crew: 1 to 2
- Range: 883 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 211 knots
- Service ceiling: 24,000 feet
- Length: 34.6 feet
- Wingspan: 40.7 feet
- Height: 13 feet
- Baggage volume: 38 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Piper Navajo / Cheyenne / Chieftain Fits Naples
The PA-31-350 Chieftain is the workhorse of the three, and it earns short-charter work between APF and Bahamas destinations that can take a piston twin (Nassau MYNN, Freeport MYGF). Eight to nine seats plus 38 cubic feet of baggage is real capacity for a family trip.
883 nautical miles of range keeps the Chieftain regional out of APF: Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Key West, Orlando, Jacksonville, Savannah, Charleston. Anything Northeast or Midwest is a tech-stop trip at best.
If a client specifically asks for a Cheyenne (PA-31T), confirm with the operator whether they are shipping the piston Navajo/Chieftain or the turboprop Cheyenne, since the ride quality, cabin altitude, and pricing all shift accordingly.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Piper Navajo / Cheyenne / Chieftain run $1,200 to $1,800 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
PA-31-350 Chieftain hourly rate is a step up from a Baron and a step down from a King Air 90; the Cheyenne turboprop variant prices materially higher when it is the airframe actually shipped.
Other Pistons Available
- Beech Baron 58
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cessna 340
- Cirrus SR-22
- Piper Aerostar 600
- Piper Cherokee Six PA-32
Contact
For a quote on a Piper Navajo / Cheyenne / Chieftain charter in or out of Naples, head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.