Piper PA-31T3-500 T-1040
Turboprop • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
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About the Piper PA-31T3-500 T-1040
The Piper PA-31T3 T-1040 is a rare, specialized commuter airliner developed in the early 1980s. It effectively combines the stretched, unpressurized fuselage of the Piper Chieftain with the wings, tail, and engines of the PA-31T Cheyenne I. Designed specifically for the short-haul feeder market, it offers turbine reliability without the weight and maintenance complexity of a pressurized cabin.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- Payload Utility: Lacking pressurization equipment, the T-1040 boasts a massive useful load (often exceeding 3,600 lbs), making it an excellent hauler for cargo or skydive operations.
- Turbine Power: Equipped with dependable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-11 engines , it offers superior reliability and time-between-overhauls compared to piston equivalents like the Chieftain.
- Cabin Volume: The “stretched” fuselage accommodates up to 9-11 passengers in a high-density configuration, or significant cargo volume with seats removed.
Trade-offs
- Unpressurized: Unlike the visually similar Cheyenne, the T-1040 cannot fly comfortably above weather with passengers, limiting its role to lower-altitude regional hops.
- Rarity: With only approximately 24 units built before production ceased, finding parts specific to the T-1040 airframe (unique hybrid components) can be challenging compared to standard Cheyennes or Chieftains.
- Fuel Burn: While faster than a piston twin, the turbine engines consume significantly more fuel, which may not be economical for private owners flying low-occupancy missions.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 41.1 ft
- Length
- 36.67 ft
- Height
- 12.75 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 9,000 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 9,000 lbs
- Useful Load
- 3,800 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 260 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 236 KTAS
- Range
- 950 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 24,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 1600 fpm
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