Amphib caravan
All-surface adventure machine
On amphibious floats, the Caravan is a towering presence. Getting in is like climbing a jungle gym, and the tip of the vertical tail is almost 18 feet tall. Inside, the cabin is exceptionally roomy, and a wraparound windshield provides astounding visibility.
More than 3,100 Caravans have been delivered since Cessna originally certified the “Cargomaster” with launch customer FedEx in 1984. The airplane’s dimensions were set to accommodate two standard FedEx cargo cans, and the door was made large enough to load them with a forklift.
Flying an amphibious Caravan on and off the water is exhilarating. The smooth Pratt & Whitney PT6A engine provides rapid acceleration, the deep V-shape Wipaire floats cut through choppy water, and responsive and well-harmonized controls allow for precision.
Floats reduce a Caravan’s top speed by about 27 knots (to 159 knots from 186), and they add about 757 pounds of weight. But they also allow the Caravan to become an all-surface adventure machine capable of operating off the water, turf, or pavement.
Quick Look
A Spotter's Guide
Natural habitat: Remote lakes, rugged coastlines, and seaplane bases. Commonly spotted shuttling anglers to fly-in camps and hauling guests to island resorts.
Typical behavior: Carries big loads into small spaces with ease. Perfect for sightseeing and charter ops, humanitarian missions, and adventure/backcountry flying.
Distinguishing traits: V-shape Wipaire floats and a fondness for both water and pavement.
How much: Up to $2.9 million new and fully equipped; $1 million for a high-time, 25-year-old model.
Did you know? An airplane single-engine sea (ASES) rating can be accomplished in as little as a weekend.
Related Articles
