Beechcraft King Air 90 vs Piper Cheyenne

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.

Live Market Snapshot

Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily

Beechcraft King Air 90
For sale now
116
Median asking
$1,172,500
Range
$413,000–$3,117,025
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
50
Source marketplaces
15
Model years available
1965–2014
Piper Cheyenne
For sale now
27
Median asking
$995,000
Range
$496,200–$1,505,955
Listed on 2+ marketplaces
14
Source marketplaces
9
Model years available
1978–1987

Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.

Full Specs Comparison

Swipe to see all specs
Spec / Model Beechcraft King Air 90 Piper Cheyenne
Beechcraft King Air 90
View 108 listings →
Median $1,172,500
 Piper Cheyenne
View 24 listings →
Median $995,000
Price Range $413,000 – $3,117,025 $496,200 – $1,505,955
Category Multi Engine Turboprop Multi Engine Turboprop
Model Specifications
Seats 10 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 — 31,000 ft (9,449 m)
Max Gross Weight — 9,050 lbs (4,105 kg)
Useful Load 2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) 2,900 lbs (1,315 kg)
Fuel Capacity — 365.0 gal (1382 L)
Fuel Burn — 55.0 GPH (208 L/h)
TBO 3,600 hrs 3,500 hrs
Overhaul Cost — $300,000
Annual Fixed — $100,000
Hourly Variable — $650
Engines 2 x Turboprop 2 x Turboprop

Cost of Ownership

Estimate

Beechcraft King Air 90

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 90 or Piper Cheyenne?

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 King Air 90 if…

  • Budget matters — from $413,000 vs $496,200, you save ~$83,200.
  • More seats — 10 vs 8.
  • More inventory — 108 listings vs 24.

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.

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 Cheyenne?
It depends on your mission and budget. The King Air 90 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?
Beechcraft King Air 90: from $459,000. Piper Cheyenne: from $1,514,887. 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 Cheyenne?
King Air 90 engine: Pratt & Whitney PT6A-6. Seats: 10 vs 8. Cruise: 215 vs 240 kts. Range: 1060 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 90: 10 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 90: 3,600-hour TBO. 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