The True Operating Cost of Cessna Caravan Amphibious

The Cessna Caravan Amphibious is the ultimate multi-mission turboprop offering full water landing capability, exceptional payload, and proven reliability. Plan for $115,000–$145,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $1,150–$1,450 per hour. The Caravan Amphibious dominates remote operations with unmatched versatility and amphibious performance.

Quick Specs: Cessna Caravan Amphibious

Specification Caravan Amphibious
Engine 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A (867 shp turboprop)
Fuel Burn 55–70 gal/hr cruise
Cruise Speed 130–160 mph
Service Ceiling 25,000 ft
Useful Load 3,800–4,200 lbs
Seats 14
Range 1,100–1,350 nm

TL;DR: Cessna Caravan Amphibious Annual Operating Cost Summary

  • Fixed costs: $32,000–$48,000/year (insurance $6,500–$10,000, hangar $8,000–$12,000, annuals $3,000–$5,000, maintenance training)
  • Variable costs at 100 hours: $83,000–$97,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
  • Total at 100 hours: $115,000–$145,000/year (~$1,150–$1,450/hour)
  • Finance a $1,400,000 Caravan Amphibious: Add $20,600/month ($247,200/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
  • At 50 hours: ~$75,000–$97,000/year (~$1,500–$1,940/hour)
  • At 200 hours: ~$182,000–$226,000/year (~$910–$1,130/hour)

Amphibious Turboprop Operating Costs

Fixed Costs

Variable Costs (per flight hour)

Jet-A Fuel & Operating Economics

Fuel Cost by Hours

Annual Hours Gallons Jet-A Cost @ $5.50/gal $/Hour
50 3,125 $17,187 $343
100 6,250 $34,375 $343
150 9,375 $51,562 $343
200 12,500 $68,750 $343

Maintenance & Engine Reserves

Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A Engine

Amphibious Turboprop Maintenance

Insurance & Storage

Amphibious Aircraft Insurance

Storage Costs

Option Monthly Annual
Amphibious Hangar $700–$1,000 $8,400–$12,000
Water Base Mooring $300–$600 $3,600–$7,200

Annual Ownership Scenarios

Operating Cost (Not Financed)

Hours/Year Fixed Variable Total $/Hour
50 $40,000 $42,000 $82,000 $1,640
100 $40,000 $84,000 $124,000 $1,240
200 $40,000 $168,000 $208,000 $1,040

Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)

Assume $1,400,000 Cessna Caravan Amphibious, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $247,200/year debt service.

Hours/Year Operating Finance Total $/Hour
100 $124,000 $247,200 $371,200 $3,712
200 $208,000 $247,200 $455,200 $2,276

Financing the Cessna Caravan Amphibious

Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, amphibious operations experience, $200,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $1.2M+. Lenders like JakenAviation support amphibious aircraft financing for remote operations and specialized missions.

Cessna Caravan Amphibious vs. Competitors

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Sources: Textron Aviation Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS