PA-42 Cheyenne

The Piper PA‑42 Cheyenne is a twin‑engine, pressurised business aircraft that entered service in the early 1980s, marking Piper’s first foray into the high‑performance market. Developed from the earlier PA‑31 Navajo series, the Cheyenne was conceived to combine the rugged reliability of Piper’s proven airframes with the speed and altitude capabilities demanded by corporate operators. The prototype first flew on 30 March 1980 and certification followed in 1984, after which several variants – the original Cheyenne I, the upgraded Cheyenne I‑S, the long‑range Cheyenne II, and the stretched Cheyenne III – were produced until production ceased in 2005.

Key features include twin Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑41/42 turboprop engines delivering 620 hp each, a fully pressurised cabin capable of cruising at 30 000 ft, and a modern avionics suite that evolved from analog gauges to glass‑cockpit displays. The aircraft’s sleek, low‑drag wing and retractable landing gear provide cruise speeds near 300 kt and a range exceeding 1 500 nm with a full passenger load.

The Cheyenne’s significance lies in demonstrating that a conventional‑type turboprop could rival light jets on speed, comfort and operating economics, influencing later designs such as the King Air series and reinforcing Piper’s reputation in the executive‑transport segment.

Piper Aircraft

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