Piper Cheyenne I
Turboprop • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
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Mission Profile
About the Piper Cheyenne I
The Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne I (and its refined successor, the Cheyenne IA) is the entry-level model of Piper’s successful turboprop family. Introduced to compete with the Beechcraft King Air C90, it offers a lower acquisition cost and excellent performance for its class. Unlike the more powerful Cheyenne II, the Cheyenne I is powered by 500 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-11 engines, which provide sufficient power without the stability issues that plagued the early high-powered PA-31T models.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Turbine Reliability: The PT6A-11 engines are legendary for their durability. Moving from a piston twin to a Cheyenne I dramatically increases dispatch reliability and time between overhauls (3,600+ hours TBO).
- Single-Pilot Ease: The Cheyenne I is widely considered one of the easiest turboprops to fly. It does not require the Stability Augmentation System (SAS) mandatory on the Cheyenne II, making it a simpler and more honest airplane to handle.
- Cabin Environment: It features a pressurized cabin (5.5 psi differential) capable of maintaining sea-level pressure up to 12,000 ft, significantly reducing fatigue compared to unpressurized piston twins.
Trade-offs
- Fuel Capacity: The standard Cheyenne I carries 308 gallons, which limits range compared to the “IA” model or Cheyenne II (which often have tip tanks bringing capacity to 380+ gallons). Buyers should verify if a specific airframe has the optional tip tanks.
- Speed vs. Fuel: While faster than piston twins (approx. 249 kts cruise), it is slower than the Cheyenne II or 400LS. Fuel burn is efficient for a turbine (~60-70 gph) but significantly higher than any piston alternative.
- Payload: With full fuel, the payload can be limited. The useful load is generally around 3,800 lbs, but the weight of turbine fuel eats into this quickly.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 40.67 ft
- Length
- 34.67 ft
- Height
- 12.75 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 8,700 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 8,700 lbs
- Useful Load
- 3,800 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 308 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 249 KTAS
- Range
- 861 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 29,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1750 fpm
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