Aerocomp Comp Air 8 vs Cessna 208
The Comp Air 8 and Cessna 208 Caravan are utility turboprops — the Comp Air an experimental turbine kit at far lower cost, the Caravan the certified utility benchmark.
Safety Record
Absolute counts scale with fleet size — the most-produced types log more events without being less safe. Compare the % fatal.
| NTSB (1982–now) | Aerocomp Comp Air 8 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|
| All events | — | 332 |
| Serious | — | 28 |
| Fatal | — | 115 |
| Fatalities | — | 392 |
| % Fatal | — | 35% |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Aerocomp Comp Air 8 | Cessna 208 |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| Price Range | — | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 8 | 10 |
| Horsepower | 750 HP | 675 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 220 kts (407 km/h) | 170 kts (315 km/h) |
| Range | 900 nm (1,667 km) | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | — | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) |
| Useful Load | 2,500 lbs (1,134 kg) | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) |
| Fuel Burn | 45.0 GPH (170 L/h) | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) |
| TBO | — | 3,500 hrs |
| Overhaul Cost | — | $400,000 |
| Annual Fixed | — | $120,000 |
| Hourly Variable | — | $700 |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 1 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateAerocomp Comp Air 8
Fuel$248/hr
Cessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Which Should You Buy: Aerocomp Comp Air 8 or Cessna 208?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for a certified airframe, support and resale; choose the Comp Air 8 for comparable turbine-utility capability at a fraction of the cost (experimental, build-quality dependent). Caravan = certified/support; Comp Air = value/experimental.
Pick the Comp Air 8 if…
- Faster cruise — 220 kts vs 170 kts.
Pick the 208 if…
- More seats — 10 vs 8.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 900 nm.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Aerocomp Comp Air 8 or Cessna 208?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The Comp Air 8 cruises at 220 kts with 900 nm range.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between Aerocomp Comp Air 8 and Cessna 208?
208 engine: Pratt & Whitney Canada PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 8 vs 10.
Cruise: 220 vs 170 kts.
Range: 900 vs 1070 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
208: about $700/hr variable cost.
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Comp Air 8: 8 seats / 2,500 lb useful load.
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
208: 3,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$400,000.
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data