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
- Insurance: $6,500–$10,000/year for $1,200,000–$1,600,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
- Hangar: $8,000–$12,000/year (amphibious aircraft facility)
- Annual inspection: $3,000–$5,000 labor (amphibious system complexity)
- Amphibious system checks: $2,000–$3,500/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 62.5 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$343/hour
- Oil and lubricants: $5–$8/hour
- Engine reserve: $16–$20/hour ($60K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Amphibious system maintenance: $12–$16/hour
- Airframe maintenance: $8–$12/hour
- Landing fees: $10–$30/landing
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
- PT6A-114A: 3,500 hours TBO
- Overhaul cost: $65,000–$80,000
- Engine reserve: $72,500 ÷ 3,500 = $20.71/hour
- Reliability: Proven turboprop with excellent amphibious support
Amphibious Turboprop Maintenance
- Amphibious gear inspection: $800–$1,500/year
- Corrosion treatment: $1,200–$2,000/year
- Float/hull inspection: $600–$1,000/year
- Landing gear service: $400–$800/year
- Budget: $25–$40/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Amphibious Aircraft Insurance
- $1,200,000 hull, 500+ hours: $6,500–$8,500/year
- $1,600,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $8,500–$11,000/year
- Water operations: +20–40% premium
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
- Purchase price: $1,100,000–$1,700,000
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $900,000–$1,450,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $14,000–$28,700
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
- vs. Cessna Caravan (land): Amphibious adds water landing; land version lower cost
- vs. Icon A5: Icon lighter and experimental; Caravan more capable and proven
Get prequalified for amphibious aircraft financing »
Sources: Textron Aviation Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS