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.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
- 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
- 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
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
| Spec / Model | Piper Cheyenne | Beechcraft King Air 90 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $496,200 – $1,505,955 | $413,000 – $3,117,025 |
| 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 | 3,600 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | $300,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $100,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $650 | — |
| Engines | 2 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimatePiper Cheyenne
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 $413,000 vs $496,200, you save ~$83,200.
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- More inventory — 108 listings vs 24.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.