Cessna 310

Twin Piston· 1,664 globally registered

The Cessna 310 was the first twin-engine aircraft Cessna put into production after World War II, entering service in 1954 and remaining in continuous manufacture for over three decades until 1980. With its distinctive tip tanks and sleek lines, the 310 became the benchmark light twin for business aviation and air taxi operators throughout the jet age, offering cabin-class comfort and genuine single-engine safety margins that earlier light twins could not match. More than 5,400 were built across numerous variants, from the original straight-tail 310 through the turbocharged 310R, making it one of the most successful piston twins ever produced. The type found roles far beyond corporate transport: it served as a trainer and light transport for air forces worldwide, flew pipeline patrol and aerial survey missions across remote terrain, and became a workhorse for small cargo operators and air ambulance services. Its combination of 200-knot cruise speed, 1,000-nautical-mile range, and relatively benign handling made it accessible to owner-pilots stepping up from singles while remaining economical enough for commercial operators on thin routes. The 310's rugged construction and parts availability have kept hundreds flying decades after production ended, a testament to its practical design. SkyMeter has tracked 860 flights across 307 airframes and 275 operators, with PRO AIRE CARGO & CONSULTING INC the largest observed operator.