Cost of Operation and Training

[spiderweb]

Cabin class twin Cessna vs. C208?

I am helping a charitable with a possible purchase, and requirements are more loading than speed. They want to be able to take 5-6 passengers and I'd estimate 100 lbs or so baggage on hops around 300 nm (which is why incredible speed isn't an issue).

 

[Zeldman]

What is the budget?

 

[spiderweb]

What is the budget?

Right--should have mentioned that. I told them that they need to think $500k-$750k.

Though the C208 has more capacity, a big cabin class twin seems cheaper at least for initial purchase.

 

[Zeldman]

A well equipped C-414 with mid time engines can be found for under $400k while a decent used C-208 can be found for around $700k.

 

[labbadabba]

I was looking at about $800 an hour for operating expenses when doing a similar mission comparison. It was between a cabin-class twin and a SE turbine like a Meridian or TBM.

 

[mondtster]

Right--should have mentioned that. I told them that they need to think $500k-$750k.

Though the C208 has more capacity, a big cabin class twin seems cheaper at least for initial purchase.

You might as well rule out a Caravan with that budget.

If load hauling on short hops is the goal I'd look at a Cessna 402 or a Navajo. Pressurization doesn't seem to be a concern if you're proposing the idea of a Caravan...

 

[spiderweb]

You might as well rule out a Caravan with that budget.

If load hauling on short hops is the goal I'd look at a Cessna 402 or a Navajo. Pressurization doesn't seem to be a concern if you're proposing the idea of a Caravan...

It would be nice, but not necessary.

But how about upkeep and training?

For example, what is a rough per-hour operating cost on a single 650 SHP turbine engine as opposed to two 325 HP pistons?

 

[spiderweb]

In other words, I'm wondering if the C208 starts out more expensive but is less expensive over time.

 

[mondtster]

It would be nice, but necessary.

But how about upkeep and training?

For example, what is a rough per-hour operating cost on a single 650 SHP turbine engine as opposed to two 325 HP pistons?

That might be hard to nail down an answer to. I assume this is a part 91 operation? How much annual use?

I personally believe that the piston twin will be cheaper for you to operate, maintain, and insure, especially if it will be in a relatively low use environment. I also believe it is going to be hard to find a decent Caravan for less than $1m which eliminates it from the running based on your budget.

 

[spiderweb]

Thanks everyone. It is looking like a Navajo or similar would be a good choice!