Finance Your Cessna 310

The Cessna 310 is a versatile light twin that combines performance, capability, and value. Whether you're upgrading your aircraft or making your first purchase, we provide specialized Cessna 310 financing solutions with competitive rates and flexible terms tailored to your needs.

Cessna 310 Specifications & Performance

SpecificationDetails
CategoryPiston Twin-Engine
Price Range$85,000 - $350,000
Typical Used Price$175,000
EngineTwin Continental IO-520 (285 hp each)
Cruise Speed192 knots
Range1,020 nm
Seats4-6
Useful Load1,800 lbs
Service Ceiling19,750 ft

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Why Finance a Cessna 310?

  • Twin-Engine Reliability - Proven Continental IO-520 engines with excellent service history
  • Strong Performance - 192-knot cruise with 1,000+ nm range
  • Flexible Configuration - 4-6 seats depending on model
  • De-Icing Available - Many equipped for flight into known icing conditions
  • Affordable Twin - Lower acquisition cost than many cabin-class twins

Cessna 310 Financing Options

Competitive Interest Rates

  • New Cessna 310: Starting at 6.5% APR
  • Late-model used (2010+): Rates from 6.75% APR
  • Older models: Rates from 7.5% APR
  • Terms up to 20 years available for qualified buyers

Flexible Down Payment Options

  • As low as 15-20% down for qualified buyers
  • Higher down payments may qualify for better rates
  • Trade-in equity can be applied to down payment
  • Refinance options available for existing owners

Ownership Economics: Understanding Cessna 310 Operating Costs

The Cessna 310 offers twin-engine reliability and performance, but operating costs reflect dual-engine complexity. Understanding true ownership economics is essential for pilots evaluating twin-engine investment.

Direct Operating Costs (DOC) Breakdown

Based on 150 flight hours annually (typical twin owner use):

  • Fuel Consumption: 25-30 GPH combined cruise (192 knots), approximately $2,025-2,430/year at $4.50/gallon
  • Oil & Additives: $1,200-1,800/year for twin Continental IO-520 engines
  • Engine Reserve: $13,500-18,000/year (reserve for dual $60,000-72,000 overhauls over 2,000 TBO)
  • Landing Gear & Hydraulics: $1,500-2,400/year (retractable gear adds complexity)
  • Avionics Maintenance: $600-900/year for systems certification

Total Direct Operating Cost: Approximately $18,825-25,530 annually, or $125-170 per flight hour.

Fixed Annual Costs

  • Hangar/Tie-Down: $3,600-5,400/year for twin-engine aircraft
  • Insurance: $6,000-9,000/year (twin-engine rates significantly exceed single-engine)
  • Annual Inspection: $1,500-2,200/year for dual-engine assessment
  • Registration & Taxes: $400-600/year

Total Annual Ownership Cost Example

For a $175,000 Cessna 310 with 150 flight hours/year and 20% down ($35,000):

  • Direct Operating Costs: $22,178
  • Hangar/Storage: $4,500
  • Insurance: $7,500
  • Annual Inspection: $1,850
  • Registration/Licensing: $500
  • Total Fixed + Variable: $36,528/year (~$244/hour)

Add loan payments (~$850-950/month with 20% down) and total ownership reaches approximately $46,528-47,928 annually—or roughly $310-320 per flight hour, positioning the 310 as an economical entry into twin-engine flying.

Maintenance Timeline & Service Intervals

Twin-engine maintenance is more complex than singles due to dual powerplants and systems redundancy. Understanding intervals prevents costly surprises.

100-Hour & Annual Inspection Cycles

100-Hour Inspection: Required for training aircraft, optional for private owners. Costs $1,200-1,800 covering twin-specific systems.

Annual Inspection: Mandatory dual-engine assessment, $1,500-2,200 including both powerplants.

500-Hour Service Interval

At 500 flight hours (3.3 years of 150-hour/year use):

  • Dual spark plug replacement: $800-1,200
  • Engine borescope (both engines): $1,500-2,200
  • Propeller inspections (dual): $1,500-2,500
  • Retractable gear and hydraulic inspection: $1,200-1,800
  • Total 500-hour service: $5,000-7,700

Engine Overhaul Costs (TBO at 2,000 Hours)

  • Dual Engine Factory Overhaul: $120,000-144,000 (two engines)
  • Core Exchange Option: $96,000-120,000 (more economical)
  • Reserve Strategy: Budget $40-50/hour of operation ($6,000-7,500/year for 150-hour users)

Cessna 310 Financing Rates & Market Conditions

Rate Ranges by Aircraft Age

  • Late-Model Used (2000+): 6.75%-7.75% APR
  • Mid-Range (1990-2000): 7.5%-8.5% APR
  • Older Models (pre-1990): 8.0%-9.5% APR; dual engine age impacts rates

Factors Affecting 310 Interest Rates

  • Twin-Engine Premium: Base rates higher than comparable singles due to complexity
  • Engine Time: Aircraft with 1,500+ hours toward TBO per engine add +0.75%-1.5%
  • Retractable Gear History: Any landing gear issues add +0.5%-1%
  • Training Use: Training-operated twins add +0.5%-1.5% to rates

Sample Financing Scenarios

Scenario 1 - Well-Maintained: $175,000 aircraft, 20% down ($35,000), 15-year term, 7.5% APR = $858/month

Scenario 2 - Older Twin (higher hours): $120,000 aircraft, 25% down ($30,000), 12-year term, 8.5% APR = $604/month

Red Flags & Lender Concerns for 310 Financing

Aircraft-Specific Red Flags

  • Engine Time Disparity: Significant differences between left and right engine time raise questions
  • Landing Gear Issues: Any hard landings or gear-up incidents require detailed inspection reports
  • Dual Engine Status: One engine substantially closer to TBO adds +1%-2% to rates; both engines near TBO may disqualify financing
  • Training Damage History: Training aircraft may have damage history requiring detailed documentation

Borrower-Specific Concerns

  • Multi-Engine Rating: Commercial multi-engine rating required; lenders prefer 500+ dual-engine hours
  • Training Use: Training operator intent significantly impacts rates and underwriting

Frequently Asked Questions - Cessna 310 Financing

What credit score do I need to finance a Cessna 310?

Lenders typically require a minimum credit score of 680-700 for Cessna 310 financing. Borrowers with scores above 720 receive the best rates. The Cessna 310's strong market demand helps secure favorable financing terms for qualified borrowers.

How much down payment is required for a Cessna 310?

Down payments typically range from 15-20% depending on aircraft age, condition, and buyer qualifications. Well-maintained aircraft with modern avionics may qualify for lower down payments. Your credit profile and experience also influence requirements.

What loan terms are available for Cessna 310 financing?

Typical loan terms range from 15-20 years for newer models and 12-15 years for older aircraft. Amortization can extend to 20 years with flexible balloon payment structures. Your final term depends on aircraft age, value, and your financial profile.

What insurance is required for a financed Cessna 310?

Lenders require liability coverage (minimum $2M) and hull insurance covering the full loan amount. Annual premiums range from $5,000-15,000 depending on pilot experience, hull value, and aircraft type. Multi-engine and pressurized aircraft require higher minimum pilot qualifications.

How quickly can I get approved for Cessna 310 financing?

Pre-qualification typically takes 24-48 hours with basic information. Full underwriting requires 7-14 business days with complete documentation including tax returns, financial statements, and aircraft details. Closing can occur within 3-4 weeks of application, sometimes faster for experienced borrowers with clean credit.

What pilot qualifications do lenders require for Cessna 310 financing?

Lenders typically require a multi-engine rating and prefer pilots with at least 500 hours total time, including 50-100 hours multi-engine experience. Insurance companies may have stricter requirements than lenders, particularly for high-performance twins.

Can I include avionics upgrades in my Cessna 310 financing?

Yes, avionics upgrades like Garmin G500/G600/G3X installations can often be rolled into your purchase loan or accomplished through a refinance. Modern glass cockpits typically add value exceeding their cost, making them attractive to both lenders and buyers. Lenders prefer certified installations with proper documentation.

What happens if I want to upgrade to a different aircraft later?

You can sell your Cessna 310 at any time and use equity toward your next aircraft. Well-maintained aircraft typically build equity over time, especially if you maintain it well and make strategic improvements. Some lenders offer streamlined refinancing or trade-up programs.

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