Cessna Caravan vs Cessna Skycourier vs Pc12 vs Viking Dhc 6 Twin Otter
The Cessna Caravan is a single‑engine turboprop utility aircraft typically used for short‑to‑medium regional missions. In category terms it sits as a rugged, lower‑complexity workhorse for cargo, skydiving, and remote passenger service. Its range is generally in the medium bracket for this group, and passenger capacity is usually in the single‑digits to low‑teens depending on interior and regulatory fit. The Cessna SkyCourier is a larger, twin‑engine turboprop aimed at higher‑volume regional logistics and commuter flying. Compared with the Caravan it carries more passengers and/or more cargo, with a similar short‑to‑medium route focus but greater redundancy and payload flexibility, especially in cargo configurations. The Viking DHC‑6 Twin Otter is a twin‑engine STOL specialist designed for very short, rough, and remote strips. It is often configured around the mid‑teens for passengers, with range that is typically comparable to the Caravan/SkyCourier class but optimized more for access and field performance than for longer legs.
| Spec | Cessna Caravan | Cessna SkyCourier | Viking DHC-6 Twin Otter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summary | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| DOC / nm | $ 3.07 | — | $ 5.96 |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 21 |
| Flight Rules | VFR | IFR | IFR |
| Manufacturer | Cessna | Cessna | Viking |
| Aircraft Name | Caravan | SkyCourier | DHC-6 Twin Otter |
| Certification | FAA / EASA | In Development | FAA / EASA |
| Max Range (nm) | 1070 | 900 | 775 |
| DOC / nm / Seat | $ 0.38 | — | $ 0.31 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 19 |
| OEM Verification | VERIFIED | Un-Verified | VERIFIED |
| Useful Load (lbs) | 3305 | — | 4425 |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 19 |
| Direct Operating Cost | $ 571 | — | $ 1,084 |
| Flight Deck (Base Spec) | Garmin G1000 NXi | Gyro / Analog | Honeywell Primus Apex |
| Max Cruise Speed (ktas) | 186 | 200 | 182 |
| Base Aircraft Price (USD) | $2,355,000 | $7,375,000 | $7,150,000 |
| Cabin | |||
| Cockpit | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Lavatory | No | No | No |
| Min Crew | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Cargo Door | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Total Seats | 10 | 21 | 21 |
| Max Cabin Seats | 9 | 19 | 19 |
| Cabin Pressure (psi) | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized | Un-Pressurized |
| Galley / Refreshment | No | No | No |
| Standard Cabin Seats | 8 | 19 | 19 |
| Engine | |||
| FADEC | Yes | Yes | No |
| Model | PT6A-114A | PT6A-65SC | PT6A-34 |
| TBO (hrs) | 3600 | 6000 | 4000 |
| Horsepower | 675 | 1100 | 620 |
| Flat Rating | ISA + 31 | — | ISA + 27 |
| No. of Engines | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Fuel Capacity (gal) | — | — | 378 |
| Dimensions | |||
| Length (ft) | 37.6 | 54.9 | 51.8 |
| Wingspan (ft) | 52.1 | 72 | 65 |
| Cabin Width (ft) | 5.4 | — | 5.4 |
| Cabin Height (ft) | 4.5 | — | 5 |
| Cabin Length (ft) | 12.8 | — | 18.5 |
| Overall Height (ft) | 15 | 19.8 | 19.5 |
| Baggage Volume Int. (cu. ft) | 32 | — | 88 |
| Cabin Volume (cu. ft) | — | — | 384 |
| Cabin Width - Floor (ft) | — | — | 4.4 |
| Baggage Volume Ext. (cu. ft) | — | — | 35 |