Cessna 310Q

The Cessna 310Q, introduced by Cessna Aircraft Company in 1970, represents the final evolution of the iconic Cessna 310 twin‑engine line that began in 1954. Built at Cessna’s Wichita, Kansas facility, the 310Q featured a refined airframe, upgraded avionics, and a more powerful Lycoming IO-540‑K1A5 engine delivering 300 hp per side, giving it a maximum cruise speed of about 215 knots and a range of roughly 1,000 nautical miles. Its all‑metal construction, retractable landing gear, and roomy cabin accommodating six passengers made it popular among corporate operators, air charter services, and private owners seeking a blend of performance and comfort. The 310Q also incorporated a propeller‑ice detection system and optional turbocharged variants, enhancing reliability in diverse weather conditions. As the last factory‑built 310 model, it marked the end of a 16‑year production run that solidified the 310 series as a workhorse of general aviation, influencing later twin designs and demonstrating the viability of twin‑engine pistons for business travel. Today, the 310Q remains a treasured classic, prized especially for its handling, speed, and historical significance in the evolution of light twins.