CESSNA
208B GRAND CARAVAN - The
"bigbird" of the African bush,
the Caravan is a highly versatile and reliable
single engine turboprop aircraft. Seating
configured to either 9 or 12 passengers.
Used primarily by Sefofane in Botswana for
charters between Maun and Kasane into the
African safari bush camps of the Okavango,
Moremi, Linyanti and Chobe wildlife regions.
Also used on charters from Lanseria airport
in Johannesburg to Wilderness Safaris lodges
in South Africa. Also operates out of Windhoek
in Namibia to Namib and Skeleton Coast,
and services camps in Zimbabwe |
|
GRAND CARAVAN
- DETAILED INFO AND SPECS:
Description:
Manufactured by the Cessna Aircraft Company, USA, the
Caravan was designed at the outset to be simple, rugged
and reliable. Production started in 1985, with the principle
user being Federal Express, who utilise the aircraft for
overnight parcel delivery, usually at night and often
in poor weather. Its incredible 99.8% dispatch rate is
a testament to the success of the design.
For Sefofane, the
Caravan is the best passenger carrying bush aircraft in
their fleet for sectors of between 20 to 300 km, although
it can be used on routes up to 1000km. The aircraft is
capable of taking off from nearly all bush airstrips,
made possible by the large wheels, very efficient wing
and powerful engine. Its wide spacious air conditioned
cabin, large windows and unrestricted view make the Caravan
very popular with passengers. The 4-door cargo pod located
under the fuselage also gives the aircraft a very generous
luggage carrying capacity.
Type: Single-turboprop utility/business
transport.
Powerplant: One Pratt and Whitney PT6A-114A
turboprop flat rated to 675hp. This engine has achieved
an incredible safety record since it was first developed
in 1963 and is considered to be one of the most reliable
engines ever built.
Production: Over 1200 Caravans were delivered
by late 2000. The list price of a new standard configuration
aircraft is US$ 1,600,000-00
Accomodation: Although the Caravan is
approved for single pilot operation, it has a two-seat
flight deck with dual controls and second flight instrument
panel. There is a limit of twelve passengers in the cabin.
Access into and out of the aircraft is via a downward
opening air stair on the right hand side at the rear of
the aircraft. The Caravan also features a large cargo
door at the rear on the left side, making it suitable
for carrying freight or oversize luggage. Sefofane is
regularly tasked with carrying supplies to all the camps
it services, so the ability to easily load and unload
freight is important.
Baggage: Is mainly carried in the four
cargo pods under the fuselage. It is also possible to
fit a fairly large amount of hand luggage at the rear
of the cabin. Passengers have a 20kg baggage allowance
on these aircraft. No hard suitcases are permitted.
Performance: The Caravan is NOT pressurised,
so operates at a maximum altitude of 12,000ft when carrying
passengers. Typically on a 30 minute sector the plane
will be flown at 6,500ft. These parameters can vary depending
on the winds on the day and also the sector length.
Additional Statistics: Max cruising speed
at 10 000ft is 184knots (341km/h).
Typical cruising speed at 10,000ft is 165 knots (265 km/h)
Service ceiling of 27,600ft
Stalling speed with flaps and gear down: 60 knots
Take off run at sea level to clear a 15m (50ft) obstacle
is 507m (1,665ft). This can vary according to the take
off load and the runway condition!
Maximum take off weight: 8750lbs
Maximum fuel capacity 1268 litres (335 US Gallons) Jet
A1 fuel
