Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Skycourier vs Pc12
Both the Cessna Caravan and the Cessna SkyCourier are high-wing, turboprop utility aircraft aimed at rugged, short-field regional work, but they sit in different size and mission categories. The Caravan is typically treated as a single‑engine utility aircraft, popular for charter, cargo, and remote operations where simplicity and lower operating complexity matter. The SkyCourier is a larger, twin‑engine utility aircraft positioned closer to a small regional freighter/commuter, emphasizing higher payload, redundancy, and more volume. In range terms, the Caravan generally offers longer legs in many typical configurations, often around roughly 1,000 nautical miles depending on load and reserves, whereas the SkyCourier is commonly cited at about 900 nautical miles, also strongly dependent on payload and mission profile. For passenger capacity, the Caravan is usually configured for up to about 9 passengers in commuter seating (with higher-density options varying by operator and rules), while the SkyCourier is designed for more, typically up to 19 passengers. In short, the Caravan favors lean, versatile single‑engine operations and often longer legs, while the SkyCourier favors more seats and cargo volume with twin‑engine capability.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna SkyCourier |
|---|---|---|
| Summary | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | — |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | SkyCourier |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 900 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | — |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | — |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | — |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 200 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $7,375,000 |
| Cabin | ||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 |
| Engine | ||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-65SC |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 6000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 1100 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | — |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 54.9 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 72 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | — |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 19.8 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — |