Cessna 340A

Overview

The Cessna 340A is a pressurized, six-seat business twin that bridges the gap between light twins and turboprops. Introduced in 1976 as an upgrade to the original 340, it features 310 hp Continental TSIO-520-NB engines and remains one of the most popular pressurized piston twins ever built.

Key Features for GA Buyers

• Pressurized Comfort: The 4.2 psi differential allows for a 10,000-foot cabin altitude at 20,000 feet, significantly reducing pilot and passenger fatigue on long trips.
• Cabin Class Amenities: The airstair door, center aisle, and club seating provide a “mini-airliner” experience for business and family travel.
• Performance: With turbocharging and intercooling, the 340A can maintain high cruise speeds (up to 229 knots) well into the flight levels.

Trade-offs

• Complexity: Pressurization systems, turbochargers, and complex fuel systems (including tip tanks) require specialized maintenance and higher reserves.
• Payload with Full Fuel: While it has 163-203 gallons of fuel capacity, filling the tanks significantly limits the available payload, often making it a 4-person aircraft for long missions.
• Tail Wag: Like many Cessna twins of this era, the 340A can be prone to yaw oscillations in turbulence; most owners consider a yaw damper a mandatory piece of equipment.

See Also

• Cessna 414 Chancellor
• Beechcraft Duke
• Piper Malibu
• Beechcraft Baron 58P
• Cessna 310R