Cessna 408 SkyCourier

Turboprop twin engine • High Wing • Fixed gear

Range Map

Origin:

• nm at current load

• two fingers to move map

Payload vs. Range

Configure weights

Default: 190 lbs

Default: 30 lbs

Occupants
lbs lbs / pax

gal

Fuel on board

lbs

Extra weight

nm

Range

Available Range / nm
Mission capable. Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required. You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight. Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.
Extra weight is the additional payload available with your selected passengers.

Mission Profile

Endorsements & ratings:
  • High-Performance
  • Multi-Engine
210
KTAS
Cruise Speed
940
nm
Max Range
25000
ft
Service Ceiling
19
Occupants
1521
lbs
Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the Cessna 408 SkyCourier

Overview

The Cessna 408 SkyCourier is a twin-engine, high-wing utility turboprop designed for heavy-duty freight and regional passenger missions. It was built to bridge the gap between the single-engine Caravan and larger regional transports, offering twice the payload of the Grand Caravan EX.

Key Features for GA Buyers

  • Massive Volume: The freighter variant can accommodate three LD3 unit load devices, making it a powerful tool for logistics and cargo operators.
  • Single-Pilot Capable: Despite its size and 19,000 lb MTOW, it is designed for simplified single-pilot operations with the Garmin G1000 NXi suite.
  • Gravel Kit: An optional gravel kit (certified in 2023) allows the SkyCourier to operate from unimproved strips, competing directly with the Twin Otter.
  • Turnaround Efficiency: Features single-point pressure refueling and a ground service bus to minimize time on the ramp.

Trade-offs

  • Unpressurized: Like the Twin Otter and Bandeirante, it is limited to lower altitudes for passenger comfort, though it has a 25,000 ft ceiling.
  • Speed vs. Complexity: The fixed gear is robust for off-airport work but limits cruise speed to 210 knots, making it slower than pressurized competitors like the Beech 1900.

See Also

Technical Specifications

Dimensions & Weights

Wingspan 72.3 ft
Height
20.7 ft
Length
55.1 ft
Parking area (ft2)
4946.23 ft2
Max Takeoff Weight
19,000 lbs
Max Landing Weight
18,600 lbs
Useful Load
6,345 lbs
Fuel Capacity
720 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed
210 KTAS
Never-Exceed (VNE)
210 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (VNO)
210 KIAS
Approach Speed
92 KIAS
Stall, Clean (VS1)
74 KIAS
Range
940 NM
Service Ceiling
25,000 ft
Rate of Climb
1200 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
3,660 ft
Landing ground roll
2,540 ft

Engines

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Similar to the Cessna 408 SkyCourier

Similar Turboprops

BAe Jetstream super 31

Cruise
230 kts (higher than this aircraft)
Range
680 nm (lower than this aircraft)
Seats
19
2 × Turboprop Low Wing
View details

Beech 1900/C-12J

Cruise
280 kts (higher than this aircraft)
Range
1245 nm (higher than this aircraft)
Seats
19
2 × Turboprop Low Wing
View details

DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter

Cruise
170 kts (lower than this aircraft)
Range
775 nm (lower than this aircraft)
Seats
19
2 × Turboprop High Wing
View details

See how the Cessna 408 SkyCourier stacks up against similar aircraft

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