The Cessna 340 is the pressurized piston twin of the Los Angeles light fleet, and pressurization is exactly why clients pick it. It can climb above the weather and the terrain on a run to Palm Springs or Mammoth rather than picking its way around them.
Cessna built the 340 as a pressurized six-seat twin with two turbocharged Continental engines and airstair entry. Cruise is around 243 knots and range is 1,406 nautical miles. It is the fastest aircraft in this category and the only one here with a pressurized cabin. Every Cessna 340 we arrange flies with an operator certificated under FAR Part 135, the FAA rules for on-demand, for-hire charter.
Performance and Cabin
- Category: Piston
- Manufacturer: Cessna (Textron Aviation)
- Year introduced: 1972
- Seating: 5
- Crew: 1
- Range: 1,406 nautical miles
- Cruise speed: 243 knots
- Service ceiling: 29,800 feet
- Length: 34.3 feet
- Wingspan: 38.1 feet
- Height: 12.6 feet
- Baggage volume: 32 cubic feet
- Lavatory: Belted
Why the Cessna 340 Fits Los Angeles
Terrain is the argument. Leaving the Los Angeles basin in almost any direction except west means crossing high ground, and a pressurized aircraft can cruise above it in comfort where an unpressurized twin works around it at lower altitude. On the run to the Sierra or across to Las Vegas, NV that shows up as a smoother, quicker trip.
The airstair door and the pressurized cabin make the 340 the piston aircraft we suggest for older passengers or anyone who has found a light aircraft uncomfortable before. It is a meaningfully different experience from a Baron or an Aztec on the same route.
For Catalina the same rules apply as to everything else in this category. The island’s airport is limited to 12,500 pounds, takes no jets and operates in daylight only, and the operator confirms the specific aircraft is approved for the runway before we sell the trip.
Gallery
Vetting Behind Every Trip
Every operator, aircraft, and crew goes through our internal due diligence before we present any options. Our internal standards meet or exceed what the FAA requires:
- FAR Part 135 charter operators for traditional private aircraft, or FAR Part 121 for airliner-size and group trips (or the foreign equivalent on international legs)
- Operator subscription to Wyvern and ARGUS reviewed where the operator participates; reports may be provided on request.
- Pilot experience and operator incident history reviewed before we recommend an aircraft.
- Fewer than 60 brokers worldwide hold Premium Wyvern Broker Member status, and Air Charter Advisors is one of them.
Charter Pricing Reference
Industry hourly rates for the Cessna 340 run $1,000 to $1,500 per hour as of 7/2026. Actual quotes vary by operator, routing, positioning, and date.
The Cessna 340 quotes with the other piston twins, and the pressurization is effectively free on any Los Angeles route that crosses high terrain.
Other Pistons Available
- Beech Baron 58
- Beechcraft Baron G58
- Cirrus SR-22
- Piper Aerostar 600
- Piper Cherokee Six PA-32
- Piper Navajo / Cheyenne / Chieftain
The full pistons category page lists every piston we arrange for Los Angeles departures.
Contact
For a quote on a Cessna 340 charter in or out of Los Angeles, call +1 (888) 987-5387 or head to our contact page. For the vetting work behind every trip, see our safety page. To browse cross-category options for the same trip, visit the aircraft directory.
The hourly rates provided are estimates based on 2026 market data and are for informational purposes only. These figures are subject to change and do not constitute a final offer. Final pricing is dynamic and depends on real-time factors including, but not limited to, specific itinerary requirements, aircraft positioning (“ferry” fees), fuel price volatility, and current market availability. These estimates exclude all applicable taxes, de-icing, landing and handling fees, special event fees, international surcharges, overnight crew expenses, and premium catering. Please contact Air Charter Advisors directly for a firm, all-inclusive quote tailored to your specific travel needs.