About the PIPER PA-31T1
The Piper PA-31T1, also known as the Piper Cheyenne I, is a significant model in the lineage of general aviation aircraft produced by Piper Aircraft. The PA-31T1 is part of the Cheyenne series, which originated from the pressurized Piper Navajo, itself emerging in response to the growing demand for faster and more capable executive transport aircraft in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The Cheyenne series represents Piper's foray into the turboprop market, aiming to compete with the likes of Beechcraft and Cessna in the high-performance, pressurized twin-engine segment.
Introduced in the 1970s, the Cheyenne I was developed to meet the needs of corporate and charter operators seeking a robust and relatively economical turboprop aircraft. The PA-31T1 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-11/21 engines, each producing 500 shaft horsepower. This powerplant choice ensures reliability and performance, with the PT6 being renowned for its durability and ease of maintenance.
Key Features and Capabilities
The aircraft offers seating for six to eight passengers in a cabin that is pressurized and relatively spacious for its class. The PA-31T1 was designed with a focus on providing a balance between cost and performance, offering cruise speeds of around 250 knots and a range of approximately 1,200 nautical miles. These capabilities made it attractive to operators needing to cover substantial distances rapidly while maintaining lower operating costs compared to jet-powered aircraft.
Production of the Piper PA-31T1 Cheyenne I continued until the early 1980s, with numerous units produced and widely adopted by various operators. Its niche covered the gap between piston-engine aircraft and more expensive, higher-maintenance jets. The Cheyenne I's combination of affordability, performance, and reliability ensured it a solid place in the general aviation market. It remains a popular choice for operators who value its blend of operational economy and versatile performance, showcasing Piper's ability to innovate within the evolving landscape of general aviation.