Written by The Twin Cessna Flyer 6:32 pm Engine Model Info

310 Prospective Owners

The Cessna 310 first flew in January 1953. Sleek, fast and efficient it was the world’s first modern light twin. In it’s 27 year production run, more than 5,400 310s were built. 310s are renowned for their performance. They are fast, carry large loads and have excellent range. Due to the variations in engines, airframe and other modifications, the potential buyer has a wide range of choices. Early 310s are vintage aircraft that will attract a crowd on the ramp or at an airshow, yet still provide fast, reliable transportation. At the other end of the spectrum, a late model T310R, will fly 6 people at 20,000 feet at 220 kts. Long range fuel tanks can be added to certain models, giving the airplane a 7+ plus hour range. The 310 is truly one of the greatest airplanes ever produced and, today, they are more affordable than ever.

One Owner’s Testimonial:
“I have owned N3838X Cessna 310K Serial 0238 since 1978 which was purchased new in late 1966 for my family business. This airplane has served me well in that it is fast and has a payload capacity to carry a family of 6 or for a trip involving baggage such as bicycles, fishing gear, windsurfing gear, etc. with full fuel and two people. It has taken me to Alaska, Bahamas, Mexico, and Canada. I can not imagine another aircraft that has this performance for the cost. New singles these days are several hundred thousand dollars and can not compete with this type of performance. This airplane has a totally updated avionics suite and has factory new engines (with some hours on them) for an investment of less than $125,000 for these enhancements. The maintenance costs are higher, of course, but over all you cannot get this cost/performance ratio from any other airplane, particularly the expensive new singles.”


– Mel Holzman

 

What Does it Cost to Own a 310 in 2020

Twin Cessna 310

310

Years Built: 1954 to 1957

Engines:Cont. 0-470-B 240 HP

Cruise Speed: 174 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1750 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $30,000

Notes: The original 310. 102 gallons of fuel in “tuna” style tip tanks only.

310B/C

Years Built: 1957 to 1958

Engines: Cont. O-470M 240 HP for B’s and IO-470-D for ’59 C’s

Cruise Speed: 191 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1850 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $33,000

Notes: 31 gal. aux tanks optional. Retractable step added. Some ’59 models are D’s.

310D

Years Built: 1957 to 1959

Engines: Cont. IO-470-D 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 191 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1751 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $35,000

Notes: Engines changed. Swept vertical tail added.

310E (Military Version)

Years Built: 1960

Engines: Cont. IO-470-D 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 191 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1900 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $40,000

Notes: Spartan Military version designated U-3B

310F

Years Built: 1961

Engines: Cont. IO-470-D 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 191 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1751 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $42,000

Notes: Third side window added.

310G

Years Built: 1961

Engines: Cont. IO-470-D 260HP

Cruise Speed: 191 kts

Approx Useful Load: 1551 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $45,000

Notes: Tuna tanks replaced with canted tip tanks

310H/I/J

Years Built: 1962

Engines: Cont. IO-470-D/U 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2037 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $45,000

Notes: Exhaust moved to under wing. Wing lockers added.

310K

Years Built: 1963 to 1965

Engines: Cont. IO-470-V 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2037 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $50,000

Notes: Engines changed. One piece aft side windows.

310L

Years Built: 1966

Engines: Cont. IO-470-V 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2037 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $51,000

Notes: One piece windshield. Wing locker fuel tanks optional.

310N

Years Built: 1967

Engines: Cont. IO-470-VO 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2037 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $55,000

Notes: Engines changed. Instrument panel redesigned.

T310P

Years Built: 1968

Engines: Cont. IO-470-VO 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2030 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $56,000

Notes: First turbo version available with TSIO-520B engines

310Q

Years Built: 1969

Engines: Cont. IO-470-VO 260 HP

Cruise Speed: 195 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2086 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $65,000

Notes: Shoulder harnesses added. Copilots instruments available.

T310Q

Years Built: 1970 to 1974

Engines: Cont. TSIO-520-B 285 HP

Cruise Speed: 226 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2086 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $74,000

Notes: Rear roof window added. Windshield enlarged. Fuel capacity increased.

T310R

Years Built: 1970 to 1974

Engines: Cont. IO 520-M 285 HP

Cruise Speed: 207 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2047 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $120,000

Notes: Nose baggage area extended by 32 in. Engine changed. Gross weight increased.

T310R

Years Built: 1975 to 1981

Engines: Cont. TSIO-520-B 285 HP

Cruise Speed: 226 kts

Approx Useful Load: 2047 lbs

Approx 2020 Price: $135,000

Notes: Top-of-the-line 310. Known ice certification added in 1977

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Last modified: February 25, 2022