Cessna 402: Cape Air’s Iconic Regional Aircraft

The Cessna 402 has long been celebrated as a versatile workhorse of regional aviation. At MotoArt, we’re thrilled to give a new life to one of these legendary aircraft, N1361G, formerly operated by Cape Air, through our exclusive PlaneTags collection. These tags allow aviation enthusiasts and collectors to hold a tangible piece of history from a plane that served faithfully for decades. 

What is Cape Air and why was it founded?

Cape Air at Logan flickr photo by airbus777 shared under a Creative Commons (BY 2.0) license

Founded in 1989, Cape Air began with a mission to fill a unique need in regional air travel across New England. Smaller communities often lacked reliable air service, and Cape Air stepped in to provide convenient, frequent, and dependable flights, connecting towns that were previously isolated by geography or limited transportation options.

Over the years, Cape Air expanded across the Northeast U.S., the Caribbean, and even Eastern Montana, gradually growing its fleet and workforce to meet increasing demand. Today, the airline operates more than 95 aircraft and employs over 650 people, continuing to focus on exceptional customer service and reliable schedules for communities that depend on regional air travel.

What types of planes were and are in Cape Air’s fleet?

Cape Air Cessna 402C; N2651S@BOS;04.02.2008/497ac flickr photo by Aero Icarus shared under a Creative Commons (BY-SA 2.0) license

Cape Air’s fleet has evolved over time, featuring aircraft suited for short regional routes:

• Cessna 402 – the original workhorse, including models like N1361G

• Cessna 208 Caravan – a versatile, high-wing single-engine aircraft ideal for short hops and remote destinations

• Tecnam P2012 Traveller – a modern addition to the fleet, supporting regional connectivity

• Cessna 414 Chancellor – used historically for commuter and charter flights

This fleet evolution showcases Cape Air’s commitment to matching aircraft capabilities to the unique demands of regional air travel, paving the way for the enduring legacy of the Cessna 402. Read about another Cessna 402 we tagged - General
Aviation Icons: Beechcraft G35 Bonanza & Cessna 402C Businessliner

What makes the Cessna 402 a workhorse of regional aviation?

Designed in the mid-1960s, the Cessna 402 was intended to fill a gap in the market for light, twin-piston aircraft capable of carrying both passengers and cargo efficiently, especially on short regional routes. It replaced older, less reliable commuter aircraft and addressed the growing demand for affordable, dependable air service in underserved areas.

Cessna 402C SJU-STT - inflight 10 flickr photo by Just having some fun shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND 2.0) license

The Cessna 402C Utiliner, like N1361G, offered improved engines, increased payload capacity, and a more comfortable cabin compared to earlier variants. These enhancements made it an ideal choice for airlines like Cape Air, which needed a plane that could reliably serve frequent, short-haul flights in diverse conditions.

Though no longer in mass production, the Cessna 402 remains highly respected, with hundreds still flying worldwide today. Its closest modern counterpart would be aircraft like the Tecnam P2012 Traveller, which serves similar commuter roles with updated technology.

Cessna 402 C Utiliner At A Glance

Cessna 402C Utiliner Specifications: 

• Manufacturer: Cessna

• Model: 402C Utiliner

• Tail #: N1361G

• Crew: 1

• Passengers: 9

• Wingspan: 44 ft 1 in 

• Length: 36 ft 4 in 

• Height: 11 ft 5 in

Cessna 402C Utiliner Performance:

• Range: 1,274 mi

• Cruise Speed: 244 mph

• Ceiling: 26,900 ft

• Empty Weight: 4,102 lb

• Max Takeoff Weight: 6,850 lb

• Rate of Climb: 1,450 ft/min

• Engine: 2 × Continental TSIO-520-VB (325 hp each)

What is the story behind N1361G?

N1361G isn’t just any Cessna 402. It's a true regional aviation legend. Delivered in 1980 to Aero Coach as a 402C Utiliner, it joined Hyannis Air Service (Cape Air) in April 1996, where it served faithfully for more than two decades.

Primarily flown during summer months in the Northeast and throughout the Caribbean, N1361G’s career as a non-deice aircraft suited these warmer, less icy routes perfectly. By the time it retired in 2019, it had logged an impressive 34,576.5 flight hours, a testament to the durability and reliability of the Cessna 402.

After being used for parts in 2020, N1361G was acquired by MotoArt in 2025, beginning its next chapter as collectible PlaneTags.

How did MotoArt find a Cape Air Cessna 402?

When the opportunity arose in 2025 to acquire N1361G, the MotoArt team traveled to Hyannis, Massachusetts, the heart of Cape Air operations. There, the team carefully removed sections of the fuselage and other materials, ensuring that each PlaneTag would reflect the aircraft’s authentic design and markings.

Dave Hall, owner of MotoArt PlaneTags, shared:

“Finding N1361G and seeing firsthand the aircraft that had served Cape Air so faithfully for decades was incredible. It’s rare to come across a plane with such a rich operational history, and we’re thrilled to give it a new life as PlaneTags that collectors can enjoy for years to come.”

N1361G: Cape Air Cessna 402 C PlaneTags

PlaneTags from N1361G are crafted from authentic fuselage material, preserving the aircraft’s original markings, textures, and legacy. The MotoArt team carefully shapes and finishes each tag to highlight the durability, design, and service history of this iconic Cessna 402.

These tags are perfect for display, framing, or adding to a growing collection, making them a unique gift for aviation enthusiasts, collectors, and Cape Air fans. Limited materials from this retired aircraft mean that each PlaneTag is exclusive and rare, a tangible way to own a piece of regional aviation history.

What other Cessna and General Aviation PlaneTags can I collect?

N1361G is part of MotoArt’s General Aviation PlaneTags collection, which celebrates a wide variety of Cessnas, Beechcraft, and other iconic light aircraft. Collectors can explore:

• Cessna 402C Businessliner - N526FA flew for Yellow Air Taxi in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

• Cessna 172 Skyhawk – the classic private aircraft, so popular we sold out of two different Skyhawk tags!

• Beechcraft Bonanza G35 & Bonanza A36 - mainstays of private and corporate aviation

• Piper PA-28 Cherokee – versatile, reliable, and iconic in flight training

…and many more. Each PlaneTag is authentic, handcrafted, and steeped in aviation history, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Explore the full General Aviation PlaneTags collection to start building your collection and own your piece of aviation history today.