Beechcraft King Air 90 vs Piper Navajo
The Piper Navajo (PA-31, six-to-nine-seat piston twin, ~220 kt) and King Air 90 (six-to-eight- seat turboprop twin, ~250 kt) are different propulsion classes — piston vs turboprop.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air 90 | Piper Navajo |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $229,000 – $3,699,000 | $75,718 – $654,785 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 215 kts (398 km/h) | 206 kts (382 km/h) |
| Range | 1,060 nm (1,963 km) | 1,065 nm (1,972 km) |
| Service Ceiling | — | 24,000 ft (7,315 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 6,500 lbs (2,948 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | — | 182.0 gal (689 L) |
| Fuel Burn | — | 32.0 GPH (121 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 1,800 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $42,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $30,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $350 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Piston |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air 90
Piper Navajo
Fuel$176/hr
Variable$350/hr
Annual Fixed$30,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$100,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air 90 or Piper Navajo?
Bottom line: Choose the Navajo for the lowest acquisition cost cabin-class twin — piston twin operating cost. Step up to the King Air 90 for turboprop reliability, higher cruise, pressurisation and the much stronger support network.
Pick the King Air 90 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- Faster cruise — 215 kts vs 206 kts.
- More inventory — 122 listings vs 41.
Pick the Navajo if…
- Budget matters — from $75,718 vs $229,000, you save ~$153,282.
- Longer range — 1065 nm vs 1060 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1967 vs 1966.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Beechcraft King Air 90 or Piper Navajo?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air 90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 nm range.
The Navajo cruises at 206 kts with 1,065 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air 90 and Piper Navajo?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6.
Seats: 10 vs 8.
Cruise: 215 vs 206 kts.
Range: 1060 vs 1065 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Navajo: about $350/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
King Air 90: 10 seats / 2,700 lb useful load.
Navajo: 8 seats / 2,800 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Navajo: 1,800-hour TBO, overhaul ~$42,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data