Beechcraft King Air C90 vs Piper Cheyenne
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air C90 | Piper Cheyenne |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $259,900 – $1,582,867 | $495,000 – $1,514,887 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 215 kts (398 km/h) | 240 kts (444 km/h) |
| Range | 1,060 nm (1,963 km) | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 28,100 ft (8,565 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,100 lbs (4,581 kg) | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 384.0 gal (1453 L) | 365.0 gal (1382 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 60.0 GPH (227 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $350,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $150,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $800 | $650 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air C90
Fuel$330/hr
Variable$800/hr
Annual Fixed$150,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$310,000/yr
Piper Cheyenne
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Beechcraft King Air C90 or Piper Cheyenne?
Pick the King Air C90 if…
- Budget matters — from $259,900 vs $495,000, you save ~$235,100.
- More inventory — 30 listings vs 25.
Pick the Cheyenne if…
- Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $800/hr.
- Faster cruise — 240 kts vs 215 kts.
- Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1060 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1964.
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 C90 or Piper Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air C90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 nm range.
The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 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 C90 and Piper Cheyenne?
Cruise: 215 vs 240 kts.
Range: 1060 vs 1400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air C90: about $800/hr variable cost.
Cheyenne: about $650/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 C90: 8 seats / 2,700 lb useful load.
Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 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?
King Air C90: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$350,000.
Cheyenne: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$300,000.
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