In the world of general aviation, few aircraft evoke as much discussion and respect as the Piper Cheyenne II. Born from a desire to compete with the legendary Beechcraft King Air, the Cheyenne II carved out a unique niche for itself as a fast, efficient, and relatively affordable entry-level turboprop. For pilots looking to step up from high-performance pistons or for business owners needing a reliable cross-country machine, the Cheyenne II remains a compelling choice even decades after it first rolled off the assembly line.

A Legacy Rooted in the Navajo

The story of the Cheyenne II begins with the Piper Navajo, one of the most successful piston twins ever built. Piper recognized that the Navajo’s robust airframe was the perfect candidate for a turboprop conversion. By reinforcing the structure and swapping the piston engines for Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprops, Piper created the PA-31T Cheyenne. The Cheyenne II, specifically the PA-31T-620, was the refined version that truly hit the sweet spot for many operators between 1974 and 1983.

Performance That Still Impresses

When you talk about the Cheyenne II, you have to talk about speed. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-28 engines, each producing 620 shaft horsepower, this aircraft was designed to get you where you’re going quickly. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of approximately 283 knots, which comfortably outpaces many of its contemporaries in the light turboprop category.

Beyond raw speed, the Cheyenne II offers a respectable range of over 1,400 nautical miles under optimal conditions. With a maximum takeoff weight of 9,000 pounds, it provides enough payload flexibility to carry a small team and their gear without sacrificing too much fuel. It is an airplane that rewards careful flight planning and rewards the pilot with performance that feels modern even by today's standards.

The Stability Augmentation System (SAS)

No discussion of the Cheyenne II is complete without mentioning the Stability Augmentation System, or SAS. Because the aircraft was "short-coupled"—meaning the distance between the wing and the tail was relatively short—it exhibited some unique handling characteristics at high power settings and low speeds. To ensure the aircraft met certification standards for longitudinal stability, Piper installed the SAS.

Among pilots, the SAS has a bit of a reputation, but much of it is misunderstood. When properly maintained, the system is unobtrusive and does exactly what it was designed to do: provide a subtle nudge to the flight controls to keep the nose where it belongs during critical phases of flight. Modern owners who keep their systems in top shape find that the Cheyenne II is a stable and predictable platform to fly.

Inside the Cabin: Comfort and Utility

The Cheyenne II features a pressurized cabin that allows for comfortable flight at altitudes up to 29,000 feet, well above most weather. The interior typically accommodates six to eight people in a club-seating arrangement. While it may not have the "square-oval" cross-section of a King Air, the cabin is surprisingly spacious and offers a quiet environment thanks to the turboprop engines being mounted further out on the wings.

Maintenance and Operating Costs

Owning a turboprop is a significant step up in cost from a piston twin, and the Cheyenne II is no exception. Prospective owners should budget for variable operating costs that can range between $2,000 and $2,500 per hour, depending on fuel prices and maintenance reserves. While Piper no longer provides the same level of factory support as Beechcraft does for the King Air, a robust network of independent shops and a healthy secondary market for parts keep these birds in the air.

Popular Upgrades: Breathing New Life into a Classic

One of the reasons the Cheyenne II remains so popular is the availability of high-quality upgrades. The Blackhawk XP135A engine conversion is perhaps the most sought-after modification, replacing the original engines with more powerful PT6A-135A units. This upgrade significantly improves climb performance and increases cruise speeds even further.

Additionally, many owners have opted for "glass cockpit" retrofits. Replacing aging analog gauges with modern Garmin G600 or G700 suites transforms the Cheyenne II into a technologically advanced aircraft that rivals new production models in terms of situational awareness and safety.

Piper Cheyenne II vs. Beechcraft King Air 90

The rivalry between the Cheyenne II and the King Air 90 is one for the history books. Generally speaking, the Cheyenne II is faster and often more affordable to purchase on the pre-owned market. The King Air 90, on the other hand, offers a slightly larger cabin and better long-term factory support. For the pilot-owner who prioritizes speed and "bang for the buck," the Cheyenne II often comes out on top.

Conclusion: Is the Cheyenne II Right for You?

The Piper Cheyenne II is a pilot's airplane. It offers a blend of speed, utility, and classic ramp presence that is hard to beat. While it requires a disciplined approach to maintenance and a solid understanding of its unique systems, the rewards are significant. It remains a testament to Piper's engineering prowess and a beloved icon of the turboprop era.

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