Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne III
Turboprop • twin engine • Low Wing • Retractable gear
Range Visualization
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Default: 30 lbs
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Fuel on board
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Mission Profile
290
KTAS
Cruise Speed
9
Occupants
1550
nm
Max Range
490
lbs
Wet Payload
About the Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne III
The Piper PA-42-720 Cheyenne III represents a complete redesign of the Cheyenne lineage, developed specifically to challenge the dominance of the Beechcraft King Air 200. Longer, wider, and significantly more powerful than the Cheyenne II, it is easily identified by its distinctive T-tail and extended nose profile.
Key Features for GA Buyers
- T-Tail Stability: The shift to a T-tail configuration removed the horizontal stabilizer from the propwash and wing wake, effectively solving the stability and pitch authority issues that plagued the PA-31T Cheyenne II. This eliminates the need for the complex Stability Augmentation System (SAS).
- Cabin Class Leader: The Cheyenne III features a 6.3 psi pressurization differential—higher than the King Air 200—allowing it to maintain a sea-level cabin altitude up to 14,600 ft. Passengers also benefit from a quieter environment as the propellers are positioned further outboard from the fuselage.
- Speed Advantage: Powered by 720 shp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-41 engines, the Cheyenne III is generally faster than a King Air 200 of the same vintage, capable of cruise speeds approaching 290+ KTAS.
Trade-offs
- Runway Requirements: With a Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) of 11,200 lbs and higher wing loading, the Cheyenne III is less of a “short-field” performer than the lighter Cheyenne II or the King Air, requiring over 3,000 ft to clear an obstacle comfortably at gross weight.
- System Complexity: Early Cheyenne IIIs faced criticism for their complex electrical systems and overhead switch panels, which some pilots found less ergonomic than competitors. Many of these issues were addressed in the later Cheyenne IIIA.
- Support: While parts are generally available, the network of shops with deep expertise in the PA-42 airframe is smaller than the ubiquitous support network for Beechcraft King Airs.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions
- Wingspan
- 47.67 ft
- Length
- 43.39 ft
- Height
- 14.75 ft
Weights
- Max Takeoff Weight
- 11,200 lbs
- Max Landing Weight
- 10,330 lbs
- Useful Load
- 4,363 lbs
- Fuel Capacity
- 578 gal
Performance
- Cruise Speed
- 290 KTAS
- Range
- 1550 NM
- Service Ceiling
- 33,000 ft
- Rate of Climb
- 2236 fpm
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