Piper Cheyenne vs Beechcraft King Air 90
The King Air 90 and Piper Cheyenne (PA-31T turbocharged turboprop twin from the Navajo line) are direct cabin-class turboprop competitors — both 1970s-90s twin turboprops; the King Air is by far the more established and supported.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | Piper Cheyenne | Beechcraft King Air 90 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $495,000 – $1,514,887 | $229,000 – $3,699,000 |
| Category | Multi Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Cruise Speed | 240 kts (444 km/h) | 215 kts (398 km/h) |
| Range | 1,400 nm (2,593 km) | 1,060 nm (1,963 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 31,000 ft (9,449 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg) | 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 365.0 gal (1382 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 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
EstimatePiper Cheyenne
Fuel$302/hr
Variable$650/hr
Annual Fixed$100,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$230,000/yr
Beechcraft King Air 90
Which Should You Buy: Piper Cheyenne or Beechcraft King Air 90?
Bottom line: Choose the King Air 90 for the dramatically larger active support network, stronger residuals and proven Beechcraft cabin. Choose the Cheyenne for materially lower acquisition cost when thin parts support is acceptable.
Pick the Cheyenne if…
- Faster cruise — 240 kts vs 215 kts.
- Longer range — 1400 nm vs 1060 nm.
- Newer design — production from 1974 vs 1966.
Pick the King Air 90 if…
- Budget matters — from $229,000 vs $495,000, you save ~$266,000.
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- More inventory — 122 listings vs 25.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Piper Cheyenne or Beechcraft King Air 90?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Cheyenne cruises at 240 kts with 1,400 nm range.
The King Air 90 cruises at 215 kts with 1,060 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 Piper Cheyenne and Beechcraft King Air 90?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6.
Seats: 8 vs 10.
Cruise: 240 vs 215 kts.
Range: 1400 vs 1060 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?
Cheyenne: 8 seats / 2,900 lb useful load.
King Air 90: 10 seats / 2,700 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