Cessna 402C

The Cessna 402C is a twin‑engine, piston‑powered commuter aircraft that emerged from Cessna’s long‑standing Model 402 line, first introduced in 1970 to meet the growing demand for reliable short‑haul transport. The “C” variant, rolled out in 1978, incorporated a number of refinements over earlier versions, most notably upgraded Lycoming TIO‑540‑AU1A engines delivering 300 horsepower each, a redesigned nose with an improved windshield, and a higher maximum take‑off weight of 6,750 lb. These changes boosted payload capacity, allowing up to nine passengers or a mix of cargo and crew while maintaining a short runway capability that made the aircraft popular with regional airlines, air‑taxi operators, and corporate users. Its all‑metal airframe, fixed tricycle landing gear, and straightforward systems contributed to low operating costs and ease of maintenance, factors that cemented the 402C’s reputation for dependability. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the model filled a niche between smaller single‑engine utilities and larger turboprops, influencing the design of later commuter twins. Today, the Cessna 402C remains a workhorse in many charter fleets, exemplifying Cessna’s legacy of versatile, accessible aviation solutions.