Beechcraft King Air C90A vs Piper Cheyenne
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air C90A | Piper Cheyenne |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $789,000 – $2,500,000 | $495,000 – $1,514,887 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 8 |
| Horsepower | 550 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 234 kts (433 km/h) | 240 kts (444 km/h) |
| Range | 1,207 nm (2,235 km) | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 30,000 ft (9,144 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,100 lbs (4,581 kg) | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) |
| Useful Load | — | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 384.0 gal (1453 L) | 365.0 gal (1382 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 68.0 GPH (257 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $650 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air C90A
Fuel$374/hr
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 C90A or Piper Cheyenne?
Pick the King Air C90A if…
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- Newer design — production from 1984 vs 1974.
Pick the Cheyenne if…
- Budget matters — from $495,000 vs $789,000, you save ~$294,000.
- Faster cruise — 240 kts vs 234 kts.
- Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1207 nm.
- More inventory — 24 listings vs 19.
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 C90A or Piper Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air C90A cruises at 234 kts with 1,207 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 C90A and Piper Cheyenne?
Seats: 10 vs 8.
Cruise: 234 vs 240 kts.
Range: 1207 vs 1400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
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 C90A: 10 seats.
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?
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