Beechcraft King Air C90B: A Comprehensive Guide for Prospective Buyers

The Beech King Air C90B is a versatile and reliable turboprop aircraft that has been a popular choice for business and private aviation for decades. This article will explore the key features, pros and cons, and how it stacks up against its competitors, providing valuable insights for those considering a Beechcraft King Air C90B for sale.

Key Features of the Beechcraft King Air C90B

The King Air C90B, introduced in 1992, is an upgraded version of the C90A model. It features several improvements aimed at enhancing passenger comfort and reducing cabin noise. Some notable features include:

  • Four-blade, 90-inch-diameter McCauley propellers
  • Improved low-friction hubs for better prop synchronization
  • Dynamically balanced propeller blades for reduced vibration
  • Enhanced cabin insulation and noise reduction technologies
  • Upgraded interior styling and comfort features

Pros and Cons of the Beechcraft King Air C90B

Pros:

  • Excellent short-field performance
  • Spacious cabin with comfortable seating for up to 7 passengers
  • Reliable Pratt & Whitney PT6A-21 engines
  • Good range and payload capacity
  • Lower operating costs compared to larger King Air models
  • Proven track record and strong resale value

Cons:

  • Slower cruise speed compared to some competitors
  • Lower pressurization compared to newer models
  • Older avionics in earlier C90B models (pre-1993)
  • Limited baggage space when equipped with remote-mounted avionics

Beechcraft King Air C90B vs Competitors

To better understand how the King Air C90B compares to its competitors, let's look at a comparison chart:

Aircraft Max Speed (knots) Range (nm) Operating Cost ($/hr)
Beechcraft King Air C90B 184 790 700
Pilatus PC-12 180 1200 500
Piper M600 185 1300 600

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS ON THE BEECH C90B KING AIR!

 

As we can see, the King Air C90B offers competitive speed but falls short in range compared to single-engine turboprops like the Pilatus PC-12 and Piper M600. However, it's important to note that the C90B provides the safety and redundancy of twin engines, which may be a crucial factor for many buyers.

Performance and Efficiency

The Beechcraft King Air C90B is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6A-21 engines, each producing 550 shaft horsepower. This configuration provides:

  • Cruise speed of approximately 235 KTAS at FL230
  • Fuel burn of around 440 pounds per hour
  • Excellent short-field performance for accessing smaller airports

While not the fastest in its class, the C90B offers a balance of performance and efficiency that many operators find appealing.

Comfort and Amenities

One of the key selling points of the King Air C90B is its comfortable cabin. The aircraft features:

  • Seating for up to 7 passengers
  • A private lavatory
  • Refreshment center
  • Noise reduction technologies for a quieter cabin experience

These amenities make the C90B an excellent choice for both business and leisure travel.

Beechcraft King Air C90B for Sale: Market Considerations

When looking for a Beechcraft King Air C90B for sale, prospective buyers should consider:

  1. Aircraft age and total time
  2. Maintenance history and upcoming inspections
  3. Avionics upgrades (especially for pre-1993 models)
  4. Interior condition and potential refurbishment costs
  5. Engine time and overhaul status

The King Air C90B market offers a range of options, from older models at more affordable prices to newer, well-equipped aircraft commanding premium prices.

Conclusion

The Beechcraft King Air C90B remains a popular choice in the turboprop market, offering a blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. While it may not boast the range or speed of some newer competitors, its twin-engine configuration, spacious cabin, and lower operating costs make it an attractive option for many operators.

For those considering a Beechcraft King Air C90B for sale, it's essential to carefully evaluate your specific needs and budget against the aircraft's capabilities and market conditions. With proper research and due diligence, the C90B can be an excellent investment for business and private aviation needs.

 

Search for Beech King Air C90B for sale now!

This article uses material from this Wikipedia article, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
Get FREE Aircraft Market Alerts

Get FREE Aircraft Market Alerts

Join our mailing list to receive the latest Exclusive Aircraft Market Alerts from our team.

IMPORTANT: You must check your email and confirm after you subscribe to receive alerts from our system!

I want to receive...

Success! Now, please check your email to confirm!