Piper PA-31-325 Navajo C/R

Introduced in 1975, the Piper PA‑31‑325 Navajo C/R (Compressed‑Air Refuelable) was Piper Aircraft’s answer to operators demanding higher performance and short‑field capability from a twin‑engine commuter. Built on the proven PA‑31 Navajo airframe, the C/R version incorporated a turbo‑charged Lycoming TIO‑540‑J3D engine on each wing, delivering a 325 hp and enabling a maximum cruise of 250 kt and a service ceiling above 24 000 ft. A distinctive feature was its on‑board air‑conditioned, pressurized cabin‑pressurization system that used a compact compressor to maintain a low‑altitude cabin environment, a rarity in light twins of the era. The aircraft’s spacious 12‑seat cabin, large cargo door, and robust landing gear made it popular with regional airlines, air‑taxi services, and corporate users throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Its reliability and relatively low operating costs helped bridge the gap between piston‑powered utility planes and larger turboprop transports, influencing the design of later commuter models such as the Beechcraft 1900 and the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner. Today, the Navajo C/R remains a valued platform in private fleets and historic aviation collections, celebrated for its blend of speed, comfort, and versatility. Its continued airworthiness and straightforward maintenance keep it in demand for training and charter missions worldwide.