The True Operating Cost of Cessna Grand Caravan
The Cessna Grand Caravan is the industry-standard single-engine turboprop offering 14-seat capacity, exceptional payload, and legendary reliability. Plan for $75,000–$95,000 annually in operating costs at 100 flight hours, or $750–$950 per hour. The Grand Caravan dominates commercial operations with unmatched versatility for cargo, pax-freight, and remote operations worldwide.
Quick Specs: Cessna Grand Caravan EX
| Specification | Grand Caravan EX |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114 (867 shp turboprop) |
| Fuel Burn | 50–65 gal/hr cruise |
| Cruise Speed | 150–170 mph |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft |
| Useful Load | 3,400–3,800 lbs |
| Seats | 14 (pax) or cargo |
| Range | 1,500–1,900 nm |
TL;DR: Cessna Grand Caravan Annual Operating Cost Summary
- Fixed costs: $32,000–$42,000/year (insurance $5,500–$8,500, hangar $9,000–$11,000, annuals $4,500–$6,500, turboprop systems)
- Variable costs at 100 hours: $43,000–$53,000/year (Jet-A fuel, oils, engine reserves)
- Total at 100 hours: $75,000–$95,000/year (~$750–$950/hour)
- Finance a $850,000 Caravan: Add $12,500/month ($150,000/year) at 6.5% over 10 years
- At 50 hours: ~$61,500–$75,500/year (~$1,230–$1,510/hour)
- At 200 hours: ~$118,000–$148,000/year (~$590–$740/hour)
Commercial Turboprop Operating Costs
Fixed Costs
- Insurance: $5,500–$8,500/year for $1,000,000–$1,200,000 hull with 500+ pilot hours
- Hangar: $9,000–$11,000/year (commercial turboprop facility)
- Annual inspection: $4,500–$6,500 labor (turboprop complexity)
- Turboprop maintenance: $2,000–$3,000/year
Variable Costs (per flight hour)
- Jet-A fuel: 57 gal/hr × $5.50/gal = ~$314/hour
- Oil and hydraulic fluid: $8–$12/hour
- Engine reserve: $15–$20/hour ($62K ÷ 3,500 TBO)
- Prop maintenance: $12–$18/hour
- Maintenance: $50–$65/hour (turboprop systems)
- Landing fees: $25–$75/landing
Jet-A Fuel & Operating Economics
Fuel Cost by Hours
| Annual Hours | Gallons Jet-A | Cost @ $5.50/gal | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 2,850 | $15,675 | $313 |
| 100 | 5,700 | $31,350 | $313 |
| 150 | 8,550 | $47,025 | $313 |
| 200 | 11,400 | $62,700 | $313 |
Maintenance & Engine Reserves
Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114
- PT6A-114: 3,500 hours TBO (industry standard)
- Overhaul cost: $60,000–$75,000
- Engine reserve: $17–$21/hour ($62K ÷ 3,500)
- Reliability: Proven workhorse in commercial operations
Turboprop-Specific Maintenance
- Propeller overhaul: $8,000–$12,000 per 3,500 hrs
- Fuel heater maintenance: $800–$1,200/year
- Gearbox inspections: $1,200–$1,800/year
- Condition monitoring: $2,500–$3,500/year
- Budget: $55–$75/hour for all maintenance
Insurance & Storage
Commercial Turboprop Insurance
- $1,000,000 hull, 500+ hours, commercial: $6,000–$7,500/year
- $1,200,000 hull, 100–250 hours: $8,000–$10,000/year
- Cargo operation: +25–40% premium
Storage Costs
| Option | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Hangar | $750–$920 | $9,000–$11,000 |
| Tie-Down | $250–$400 | $3,000–$4,800 |
Annual Ownership Scenarios
Operating Cost (Not Financed)
| Hours/Year | Fixed | Variable | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $37,000 | $24,500 | $61,500 | $1,230 |
| 100 | $37,000 | $49,000 | $86,000 | $860 |
| 200 | $37,000 | $98,000 | $135,000 | $675 |
Total Cost of Ownership (With Financing)
Assume $850,000 Cessna Grand Caravan, 6.5% APR, 10 years = $150,000/year debt service.
| Hours/Year | Operating | Finance | Total | $/Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 | $86,000 | $150,000 | $236,000 | $2,360 |
| 200 | $135,000 | $150,000 | $285,000 | $1,425 |
Financing the Cessna Grand Caravan
- Purchase price: $700,000–$1,200,000 (depends on year, avionics, hours)
- Down payment: 15–20%
- Loan amount: $650,000–$1,000,000
- Term: 10–15 years
- APR: 5.75–7.0% (2025)
- Monthly payment: $9,500–$16,000
Lender Requirements: 650+ credit, commercial/ATP rated, $400,000+ annual income, business plan, hull insurance $1M+. Lenders like JakenAviation specialize in commercial turboprop financing for charter and cargo operators.
Cessna Grand Caravan vs. Competitors
- vs. King Air 90: Caravan single turboprop; King Air 90 twin turboprop. King Air multi-engine safety; Caravan more economical
- vs. Daher TBM 900: TBM faster and pressurized; Caravan larger payload and commercial workhorse
- vs. Pilatus PC-12: PC-12 pressurized and faster; Caravan proven commercial platform
Get prequalified for commercial turboprop aircraft financing »
Sources: Cessna Aircraft Specs | AOPA Owner Reports | FAA TCDS