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Cessna 208b Grand Caravan Ex vs Md Helicopters (mcdonnell Douglas) 902 Explorer vs Piper M600 Sls vs Robinson R66

The Cessna 208B Grand Caravan EX is a fixed‑wing, single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft built for short‑haul regional transport; it typically carries 9–14 people depending on configuration and offers roughly 900–1,200 nm of range. The Piper M600 SLS is a higher‑performance, pressurized single‑engine turboprop aimed at owner‑pilots and business travel; it generally seats about 4–6 passengers (plus pilot) and can reach around 1,200–1,500 nm. The MD Helicopters 902 Explorer is a twin‑engine light helicopter focused on law enforcement, EMS, and corporate shuttle roles; it commonly carries 5–7 occupants and has a typical range around 300–400 nm. The Robinson R66 is a single‑engine light helicopter used for private, utility, and training missions; it usually carries 4–5 occupants and offers about 300–350 nm of range. Overall, the fixed‑wing turboprops deliver much longer range and higher passenger capacity, while the helicopters trade that for vertical lift, point‑to‑point access, and low‑infrastructure operations.

SpecPiper M600 SLS
Summary
Cockpit2
DOC / nm$ 2.19
Min Crew1
Total Seats6
Flight RulesIFR
ManufacturerPiper
Aircraft NameM600
CertificationFAA / EASA
Max Range (nm)1406
DOC / nm / Seat$ 0.55
OEM VerificationVERIFIED
Useful Load (lbs)2200
Standard Cabin Seats4
Direct Operating Cost$ 603
Flight Deck (Base Spec)Garmin G3000
Max Cruise Speed (ktas)274
Base Aircraft Price (USD)$3,081,400
Cabin
Cockpit2
LavatoryNo
Min Crew1
Total Seats5
Galley LocationMID
Cabin Pressure (psi)5.6
Galley / RefreshmentRefreshment Centre
Standard Cabin Seats4
SL Cabin Altitude (ft)12600
Max Cabin Altitude (ft)8644
Engine
FADECNo
ModelPT6A-42A
TBO (hrs)3600
Horsepower600
Flat RatingISA + 55
No. of Engines1
Fuel Capacity (gal)260
Dimensions
Length (ft)29.7
Wingspan (ft)43.2
Cabin Width (ft)4.1
Cabin Height (ft)4
Cabin Length (ft)12.3
Overall Height (ft)11.3
Cabin Volume (cu. ft)165
Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft)20