Page 6 - Twin and Turbine December 16

Flying the Gra
More horsepower is the answer to a lot of aviation changes over the years. First, of course, was the
shortcomings. The venerable Cessna Caravan,
after 30-plus years in production, has grown into a dependable workhorse, seen all over the world in utilitarian roles. But there’s always a desire for a little more...payload, climb, takeoff capability...the usual list.
As with any good airplane, there are always going to be aftermarket add-ons to satisfy such desires. And such has been the case for the Caravan. Meanwhile, Textron Aviation’s Cessna division could see the need for a further power upgrade for its stretched Caravan 208B, which had already gone from 600 shp to 675 shp with the PT6A-114 engines. This time, they added nearly 200 more horses, dropping in a PT6A-140 that churns up 867 shp. The result is the Grand Caravan EX.
Now, if you think you know Caravans, the sturdy servants of package hauling, bush flying, tourist trips, skydiving drop zones and seaplane operators, be aware that the old 208 has gone through several generational
4 • TWIN & TURBINE
lengthened fuselage of the windowless Federal Express cargo van, then the boost to 675 shp, initially in the longer Grand Caravan, then in both models. The Wipline amphibious floats transformed the Caravan into a fine waterplane, and the Garmin G1000 instrument panel brought the stodgy steam-gauge front office into the modern age. And Yingling Aviation’s Oasis executive interior has created a posh environment for owners who don’t intend to go roughing it.
At this point, you can have your Caravan just about any way you want it. The short-cabin Caravan 675 remains in the product line, if 340 cubic feet of cabin cargo space isn’t required, but the longer Grand Caravan is popular for its ability to handle a combination of passengers and cargo.
Prior to NBAA BACE 2016, we were given an invitation to come to the Wichita, Kansas factory to sample the Grand Caravan EX, with its latest appointments. After waiting out some late-summer thundershowers, which
DECEMBER 2016
n