Cessna 401A

The Cessna 401A, introduced in 1975 by the American manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company, marked the beginning of the Model 400 series of twin‑engine business aircraft. Developed as a more powerful and comfortable alternative to the aging Cessna 310, the 401A featured a low‑wing aluminum airframe, tricycle landing gear, and two Lycoming IO-540‑K1A5 engines delivering 300 horsepower each. Its spacious cabin, capable of seating six to eight passengers, combined with a useful load of roughly 2,600 pounds, made it attractive to corporate operators and air‑taxi services. The aircraft’s pressurization system, integrated navigation equipment, and optional de‑icing boots allowed reliable operation in a variety of weather conditions and at altitudes up to 20,000 feet. Although production ended in 1982 after 227 units, the 401A helped solidify Cessna’s reputation for delivering rugged, economical twin‑engine platforms. Its legacy persists in the later Model 402 and 441 variants, which refined the design and remain popular in commuter and cargo roles worldwide, underscoring the 401A’s lasting influence on general aviation. With a cruise speed near 230 knots and a 1,200‑nautical‑mile range, the 401A balanced performance and economy, also serving as a popular multi‑engine trainer.

Cessna

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