The True Operating Cost of King Air C90
The Beechcraft King Air C90 is the world's most successful twin-engine turboprop offering nine-seat capacity, exceptional payload, and unmatched capability. Plan for $235,000–$295,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $2,350–$2,950 per hour. The King Air C90 dominates utility and corporate markets with proven performance.
Quick Specs: King Air C90
| Specification | C90 |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 (550 shp each) |
| Fuel Burn | 180–210 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 250–300 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 35,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 4,100–4,800 lbs |
| Seats | 9 |
| Range | 1,800–2,200 nm |
TL;DR: King Air C90 Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $65,000–$85,000/year (insurance $18,000–$25,000, hangar $28,000–$36,000, annuals $14,000–$18,000, crew)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $170,000–$210,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $235,000–$295,000/year (~$2,350–$2,950/hour)
- Finance a $3,200,000 C90: Add $47,000/month ($564,000/year) at 6.5% over 12 years
- At 50 hours: ~$157,500–$202,500/year (~$3,150–$4,050/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$340,000–$420,000/year (~$1,700–$2,100/hour)
Twin Turboprop Utility Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $18,000–$25,000/year for $3,500,000–$4,500,000 hull
- Hangar: $28,000–$36,000/year (twin turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $14,000–$18,000 labor (twin-engine complexity)
- Crew training/proficiency: $4,000–$6,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 195 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$1,072/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $15–$22/hour
- Engine reserves: $32–$40/hour ($62.5K per engine ÷ 3,500 TBO × 2)
- Twin-engine maintenance: $50–$75/hour
- Avionics/systems: $85–$125/hour
- Landing fees: $150–$400/landing
Jet Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 9,750 | $53,625 | $1,072 |
| 100 | 19,500 | $107,250 | $1,072 |
| 150 | 29,250 | $160,875 | $1,072 |
| 200 | 39,000 | $214,500 | $1,072 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-20 Engines
- PT6A-20: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $62,000–$78,000 per engine
- Combined reserve: $140,000 ÷ 3,500 = $40/hour
- Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent support
Twin Turboprop Maintenance
- Engine system checks: $4,000–$6,000/year
- Hydraulic system: $3,000–$4,500/year
- Pressurization systems: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Environmental systems: $2,000–$3,000/year
- Budget: $190–$260/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Twin Turboprop Insurance
- $3,500,000 hull: $18,000–$22,000/year
- $4,500,000 hull: $24,000–$30,000/year
- Utility operations: +30–50% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Twin Turboprop Hangar | $2,300–$3,000 | $27,600–$36,000 |
| Tie-Down | $600–$1,000 | $7,200–$12,000 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $75,000 | $92,000 | $167,000 | $3,340 |
| 100 | $75,000 | $184,000 | $259,000 | $2,590 |
| 200 | $75,000 | $368,000 | $443,000 | $2,215 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $3,200,000 King Air C90, 6.5% APR, 12 years = $564,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $259,000 | $564,000 | $823,000 | $8,230 |
| 200 | $443,000 | $564,000 | $1,007,000 | $5,035 |
Financing the King Air C90
- Purchase price: $2,500,000–$4,200,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $2,100,000–$3,600,000
- Term: 12–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $38,000–$72,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, twin turboprop experience, $500,000+ annual revenue, business plan, hull insurance $3.5M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support utility aircraft financing.
King Air C90 vs. Competitors
- vs. PC-12: C90 twin-engine; PC-12 single-engine. C90 larger
- vs. Cessna 414: C90 turboprop; 414 piston. C90 more efficient
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Sources: Beechcraft Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS