Cessna 310L

The Cessna Model 310L, introduced in 1963, represents the pinnacle of the four‑generation 310 series that began in 1954. Designed as a fast, twin‑engine, six‑seat business aircraft, the 310L incorporated a revised nose profile, a larger 300‑hp Continental IO‑470‑C engine on each side, and a redesigned wing with increased fuel capacity and a higher flap setting. These improvements raised the cruise speed to roughly 210 kt (242 mph) and extended the range to over 1 000 nm, making it a favored choice for corporate travelers and air‑taxi operators worldwide. The aircraft’s all‑metal construction, retractable gear, and streamlined forward fuselage gave it a modern appearance and superior performance compared to earlier models. Its cockpit featured a conventional layout with dual control columns and a modest avionics suite that could be upgraded to include more sophisticated navigation and communication equipment. The 310L’s reliability, economical operation, and ability to operate from short runways solidified its role as a workhorse of general aviation, influencing the design of later twin‑engine pistons and underscoring Cessna’s reputation for versatile, high‑performance aircraft.