Beechcraft King Air E90 vs Piper Cheyenne
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Beechcraft King Air E90 | Piper Cheyenne |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $585,000 – $1,149,000 | $495,000 – $1,514,887 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 8 |
| Cruise Speed | 240 kts (444 km/h) | 240 kts (444 km/h) |
| Range | 1,200 nm (2,222 km) | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 29,800 ft (9,083 m) | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 10,950 lbs (4,967 kg) | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,800 lbs (1,270 kg) | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 384.0 gal (1453 L) | 365.0 gal (1382 L) |
| Fuel Burn | 65.0 GPH (246 L/h) | 55.0 GPH (208 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,600 hrs | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $280,000 | $300,000 |
| Annual Fixed | $140,000 | $100,000 |
| Hourly Variable | $850 | $650 |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateBeechcraft King Air E90
Fuel$358/hr
Variable$850/hr
Annual Fixed$140,000/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 E90 or Piper Cheyenne?
Pick the King Air E90 if…
Pick the Cheyenne if…
- Budget matters — from $495,000 vs $585,000, you save ~$90,000.
- Lower operating cost — ~$650/hr vs $850/hr.
- Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1200 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1972.
- More inventory — 25 listings vs 8.
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 E90 or Piper Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The King Air E90 cruises at 240 kts with 1,200 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?
Beechcraft King Air E90: from $1,149,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Beechcraft King Air E90 and Piper Cheyenne?
Cruise: 240 vs 240 kts.
Range: 1200 vs 1400 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
King Air E90: about $850/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 E90: 8 seats / 2,800 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 E90: 3,600-hour TBO, overhaul ~$280,000.
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