Frequently asked questions
Cessna Grand Caravan 208B: what is it and what to check before buying?
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208B is a turboprop by Cessna (the US), in production since 1990. It seats 13, with 1,982 km range, a 344 km/h cruise and a single Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A. When buying, in production; check configuration and hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How much does a Cessna Grand Caravan 208B cost: purchase and upkeep?
For the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B: a typical used price of $1.6M; new — $2.9M. At 300–400 h/year, running cost is about $450K/yr, or $1,125/h. The final figure depends on year, hours and condition. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What is Cessna known for: which lines and for what tasks?
Cessna (Textron Aviation) created the Citation, the best-selling business-jet family in the world: more than 8,000 built. The line is built as a ladder: the very light M2 Gen 2, light CJ3/CJ4 Gen 2, midsize XLS Gen 2, Ascend and Latitude, and super-midsize Longitude. The brand's philosophy is predictable economics, easy handling and the most developed service network in the industry. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How reliable are Citations and what about service?
The Citation holds the record for fleet size, so support is easier than for any rival: Textron alone has over 40 authorised centres, and common parts are stocked in Europe and the Middle East. The Williams FJ44 and P&W 500-series engines run 3,500–5,000 hours between overhauls. CJ-series fleet dispatch reliability is steadily above 99.5%. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How well do Citations hold value on the pre-owned market?
Light CJs are among the most liquid jets: a ten-year-old CJ3+ sells for $6.5–8M against a new CJ3 Gen 2 at about $11.5M — losing well under half its value. Average exposure is 60–90 days. The quickest to sell have engines on the TAP programme and current Garmin G3000 avionics; jets with 'bare' engines are discounted $1–1.5M. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does the Citation differ from the Embraer Phenom?
An eternal light-class rivalry: Citation CJ4 Gen 2 versus Phenom 300E. The Phenom is faster (M0.80 versus M0.77) and more fashionable inside; the CJ4 carries more fuel and works more confidently off short strips. The Citation fleet is far larger — a plus for liquidity and parts availability. Ownership costs are comparable: ~$2.5–3M a year at 400 hours. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What routes and tasks suit turboprops?
Turboprops are the optimum for flights up to 1,500–2,000 km: London–Geneva, Paris–Milan, Vienna–Munich. Their element is short and unpaved strips: a Pilatus PC-12 lands in 600 m, so thousands of airfields are reachable that a jet physically cannot use. An hour costs one and a half to two times less than a jet, and on legs up to 1,000 km the time penalty is only 15–25 minutes. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
What range and how many passengers do turboprops have?
Single-engine aircraft take 4–9 passengers: the TBM 960 seats six over 3,200 km, the Pilatus PC-12 NGX up to nine over 3,400 km. The twin-engine King Air 360ER carries eight almost 5,000 km. Class cruise speed is 500–610 km/h. A rule of thumb: a full cabin cuts maximum range by 20–30%. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How does a turboprop differ from neighbouring classes?
A jet is faster — 750–850 km/h versus 500–610 — and flies higher, above turbulence. The turboprop answers with economics: 220–350 L/hour versus 500–700, a charter hour from $1,800 versus $3,000+, plus access to short unpaved strips. On legs up to 1,000 km the time difference is under half an hour, so short hops make sense by turboprop and long ones by jet. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
Which turboprops are in the fleet and how do they differ?
The fleet has 13 models: the fast Daher TBM 960 and Piper M700 Fury (556–611 km/h, 5–6 seats), the roomy Pilatus PC-12 NG/NGX/PRO with a cargo door and nine seats, the twin King Air 260 and 360ER for long legs up to 5,000 km, the business Piaggio Avanti Evo with jet speed and a stand-up cabin, and the affordable Piper M350/M500/M600SLS. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
How do you choose an aircraft to buy for your needs?
Start from two numbers: the length of your typical route and the number of passengers. Up to 1,000 km and 4 people — a turboprop or light jet; 2,000–4,000 km — a midsize jet; nonstop intercontinental — a long-range jet. Then adjust for short runways, baggage volume and sleeping berths. We'll match a model to your profile and calculate the ownership economics. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
New aircraft or pre-owned — which is the better buy?
A new aircraft means a factory warranty and a 1–3-year queue, but the price is at its peak. A pre-owned aircraft means immediate delivery and a price 30–60% lower, while engine time and history matter. For most buyers a fresh 3–7-year-old aircraft is optimal: the main depreciation has happened and plenty of life remains. We cost both options. Send us a request — we'll prepare options, calculate running costs and analyse the best fit for your task.
