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- January 29, 2023
Cessna Caravan Series for Sale — Buy or Sell a Grand Caravan or Caravan 208 Worldwide
The Cessna Caravan is the world's most successful single-engine turboprop utility aircraft, combining exceptional payload capacity, outstanding reliability, and outstanding short-field performance in a rugged high-wing design that has proven itself in the harshest operating environments on earth. From FedEx feeder freight routes and remote medical evacuation missions to luxury private transport and float-equipped bush flying in Alaska and Canada, the Cessna 208 Caravan and its stretched sibling the 208B Grand Caravan are the definitive utility turboprops of the modern era. Cessna Caravan aircraft for sale are consistently among the most sought-after listings on the turboprop market, and Airplane Trade is the leading global marketplace for buyers and sellers of the complete Caravan family.
History and Development of the Cessna Caravan
Cessna began developing the Model 208 Caravan in the late 1970s in response to market demand for a rugged, cost-effective turboprop that could serve remote communities, carry freight in standard cargo pods, and operate from unimproved surfaces. The prototype first flew in December 1982, and the type received FAA certification in October 1984. FedEx — then known as Federal Express — was the launch customer, ordering a large fleet for its regional feeder network, and the Caravan's commercial success was assured almost from day one. Cessna stretched the fuselage to create the 208B Grand Caravan in 1986, adding passenger and cargo capacity while retaining the same Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114 turboprop engine and basic systems. Today, more than 2,500 Caravans have been delivered to operators in over 100 countries, and production continues at Cessna's Wichita facility. The Caravan's durability is legendary — many early production aircraft remain in frontline service after more than 30 years and tens of thousands of flight hours.
Cessna Caravan Variants
- Cessna 208 Caravan I — Original variant; PT6A-114 engine, 675 shp; fixed tricycle undercarriage or amphibious floats; up to 9 passenger seats or full cargo configuration; belly cargo pod standard.
- Cessna 208A Super Cargomaster — Dedicated freighter; no cabin windows; reinforced floor; maximum cargo flexibility; popular with express freight and courier operators.
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan — Stretched fuselage; PT6A-114A engine, 675 shp; up to 14 passenger seats; increased cargo volume; the most common variant on the used market.
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX — Current production variant; Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-140 engine, 867 shp; 18% more power than predecessor; significantly improved climb rate and hot-and-high performance; Garmin G1000 NXi avionics suite standard.
- Cessna 208 Amphibian — Amphibious float variant; Wipline or Edo floats; retractable water rudders; ideal for remote lake and coastal operations; commands a significant premium.
- Blackhawk XP Power Upgrade — Many older Caravans have been modified with the Blackhawk PT6A-140 engine upgrade under STC, providing Grand Caravan EX-equivalent performance in legacy airframes.
Performance — Cessna 208B Grand Caravan
- Engine — Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A, 675 shp
- Maximum Speed — 214 mph (186 knots / 344 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 186 mph (162 knots / 300 km/h) at 10,000 ft
- Range — 1,070 miles (1,720 km) with standard fuel
- Service Ceiling — 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
- Rate of Climb — 975 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
- MTOW — 8,750 lb (3,969 kg)
- Useful Load — Up to 3,580 lb (1,624 kg)
- Fuel Type — Jet-A
- Seating — Up to 14 passengers (208B Grand Caravan)
Why the Cessna Caravan Dominates the Utility Turboprop Market
The Caravan's extraordinary success is the result of a virtuous combination of design choices that collectively make it the most cost-effective turboprop utility aircraft ever built. The single PT6A engine — universally praised for its reliability and longevity — keeps maintenance costs dramatically lower than twin-engine alternatives while providing the performance and fuel efficiency demanded by commercial operators. The high-wing configuration keeps propeller clearance excellent on rough strips and makes loading cargo through the large forward-hinged cargo door simple and safe. The standard belly cargo pod doubles the aircraft's freight capacity without impacting the cabin, making the Caravan equally effective as a passenger aircraft or a dedicated freighter depending on operational requirements. Jet-A fuel is available virtually worldwide, and the PT6A engine's remarkable resistance to damage from fuel contamination or hot-and-high operations makes the Caravan genuinely global in its operational reach.
Buying a Cessna Caravan — Key Considerations
- Engine Hours (TTSN / SMOH) — The PT6A-114 and -114A have a published TBO of 3,600 hours; engines approaching or past TBO will require overhaul budgeted at $200,000–$350,000 depending on condition.
- Airframe Hours and Cycles — Commercial Caravans accumulate high cycles quickly; request complete logbooks and verify all structural inspections are current.
- Corrosion History — Float-equipped and tropical-operation Caravans require careful corrosion inspection; check the bilge, float attachment fittings, and spar carry-through.
- Interior and Configuration — Assess the current interior layout against your intended use; reconfiguring from freight to passenger or vice versa requires time and investment.
- Avionics Fit — Older Caravans may need ADS-B out upgrades and modern GPS navigation equipment; evaluate avionics against intended operational requirements.
- Prop and Hot Section — Inspect the propeller for damage and review hot section inspection records; PT6A hot section inspections are typically required at 3,600 hours or on-condition.
Find Your Cessna Caravan on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for Cessna Caravan aircraft, including the 208 Caravan I, 208A Cargomaster, 208B Grand Caravan, Grand Caravan EX, and Amphibian variants. Browse verified listings from cargo carriers, charter operators, missionary aviation organisations, and private owners across every continent. Each listing features complete engine status, airframe hours, avionics details, and direct seller contact. Whether you are expanding a commercial fleet or acquiring a capable personal turboprop, Airplane Trade makes finding your next Cessna Caravan simple and worldwide.