DA62 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain leads, topping 4 of 7 compared metrics.
Put the Diamond Aircraft DA62 (introduced 2015) beside the Piper Aircraft PA-31 Navajo Chieftain (introduced 1973) and the trade-offs sharpen fast. Both are piston twins, which makes them natural cross-shopping rivals. The clearest separation between them is cabin capacity, where the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers. undefined
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DA62 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: the key differences
- The DA62 delivers 7% more range (DA62: 1,078 nm; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 1,011 nm).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 1% more cruise speed (DA62: 192 kt; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 193 kt).
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain delivers 43% more passenger capacity (DA62: 7 seats; PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: 10 seats).
- The DA62 is the newer design (introduced 2015 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain), a gap of 42 years that usually shows up in avionics, cabin systems and fuel burn.
- The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft by maximum takeoff weight (7,000 lbs versus 5,071 lbs), which typically buys more cabin and payload at the cost of higher trip economics.
Which mission suits which aircraft
Both aircraft are built for regional and short-to-medium legs, so outright range rarely separates them — the call leans on cabin (the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seats more), trip economics and what is actually available on the market. Match the airframe to how you fly most weeks, not to the headline range figure.
Which should you choose?
Choose the DA62 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
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DA62 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain: FAQs
Which has the longer range, the DA62 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The DA62 has the longer published range — 1,078 nm versus 1,011 nm for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Does the DA62 or PA-31 Navajo Chieftain seat more passengers?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain carries more passengers at maximum configuration — up to 10 seats, compared with 7 on the DA62.
Which is faster, the DA62 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The PA-31 Navajo Chieftain cruises faster, at 193 kt versus 192 kt for the DA62.
Which is newer, the DA62 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
The DA62 is the newer design, introduced in 2015 versus 1973 for the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain.
Is the DA62 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain the larger aircraft?
By maximum takeoff weight the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain is the larger aircraft — 7,000 lbs versus 5,071 lbs for the DA62.
Should I buy the DA62 or the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Choose the DA62 when nonstop range is the deciding factor, and the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain when cabin capacity and payload matter more; the PA-31 Navajo Chieftain holds the cruise-speed edge. The right answer ultimately depends on acquisition cost, maintenance-program status, and what is actually available on the market — talk to our acquisition advisory team to pressure-test the choice against your missions and budget.
Still weighing up the DA62 vs PA-31 Navajo Chieftain?
Specs only take you so far. Our advisors give an independent recommendation based on your mission, budget and how you actually fly — and represent your side through to purchase.