Cessna 208 vs Short SC-7 SKYVAN
The Short Skyvan (twin) and Cessna 208 Caravan (single) are skydive/utility favourites — the Skyvan a big twin-turboprop jump platform, the Caravan the ubiquitous single.
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · re-checked on a rolling daily cycle
Cessna 208
No active listings right now.
Short SC-7 SKYVAN
- For sale now
- 1
- Model years available
- 1968–1968
Live data from AeroGurus, aggregated daily across the used-aircraft market. Figures are current asking prices, not appraisals — confirm with a pre-buy inspection.
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) | Cessna 208 | Short SC-7 SKYVAN |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 332 | — |
| Serious | 28 | — |
| Fatal | 115 | — |
| Fatalities | 392 | — |
| % Fatal | 35% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | Cessna 208 | Short SC-7 SKYVAN |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $1,395,000 – $3,300,000 | — |
| Category | Single Engine Turboprop | Multi Engine Turboprop |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 10 | 19 |
| Horsepower | 675 HP | 715 HP |
| Cruise Speed | 170 kts (315 km/h) | 150 kts (278 km/h) |
| Range | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) | 602 nm (1,115 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 25,000 ft (7,620 m) | 20,000 ft (6,096 m) |
| Max Gross Weight | 8,000 lbs (3,629 kg) | 12,500 lbs (5,670 kg) |
| Useful Load | 3,300 lbs (1,497 kg) | 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 335.0 gal (1268 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 50.0 GPH (189 L/h) | 100.0 GPH (378 L/h) |
| TBO | 3,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $400,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $120,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $700 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Turboprop | 2 x Turboprop |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateCessna 208
Fuel$275/hr
Variable$700/hr
Annual Fixed$120,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$260,000/yr
Short SC-7 SKYVAN
Fuel$550/hr
Which Should You Buy: Cessna 208 or Short SC-7 SKYVAN?
Bottom line: Choose the Caravan for lower cost, single-engine economy and the largest support network; choose the Skyvan for twin-engine capacity and the cavernous boxy cabin (big jump loads). Caravan = economy/support; Skyvan = capacity/twin.
Pick the 208 if…
- Faster cruise — 170 kts vs 150 kts.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 602 nm.
- More inventory — 26 listings vs 1.
Pick the SC-7 SKYVAN if…
- More seats — 19 vs 10.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key difference between the Short SC-7 Skyvan and Cessna 208 Caravan?
Box-fuselage cargo/paratrooper specialist vs utility turboprop standard. The Short SC-7 Skyvan (Garrett TPE331 turboprops, twin turboprop, ~180 kt, 19 seats or freight, STOL, twin-fin tail with a rear cargo ramp) is a UK-designed box-body cargo and paratrooper aircraft. The Cessna 208 Caravan (PT6A-114A, single turboprop, ~185 kt, 14 seats, float-capable) is the global utility standard.
Short Skyvan or Cessna 208 — which utility aircraft?
The Skyvan is a twin-turboprop with a large rear-loading cargo ramp — designed for paratrooper operations, bulky cargo, and airdrop. The Caravan is a single turboprop for utility, passenger, and float operations. Buy the Caravan for standard utility; consider the Skyvan only for rear-ramp airdrop or oversized cargo missions.
What is the Skyvan's unique design?
The Short Skyvan's rectangular fuselage cross-section gives it high cargo volume despite compact external dimensions. Its twin-fin tail and rear ramp enable airdrop and vehicle loading. The design is distinctive and found in military and government operations globally.
How do specs compare?
Short SC-7 Skyvan: 2× TPE331 (~715 shp each), ~19 seats or freight, twin turboprop, twin-fin tail, ~180 kt, STOL. Cessna 208B Caravan: PT6A-114A (~675 shp), 14 seats, single turboprop, ~185 kt.
Which is cheaper to operate?
The Caravan's single turboprop is less expensive to operate than the Skyvan's two TPE331 engines. For standard utility operations, the Caravan's economics are significantly better. The Skyvan's twin-engine redundancy and cargo ramp justify its higher operating cost only for its specific mission.
Which should I buy?
Cessna 208 Caravan for standard utility, passenger, and float operations — globally supported and economical. Short SC-7 Skyvan for rear-ramp cargo, paratrooper, and airdrop missions — a specialist aircraft for a specialist mission.
Which is better, Cessna 208 or Short SC-7 SKYVAN?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The 208 cruises at 170 kts with 1,070 nm range.
The SC-7 SKYVAN cruises at 150 kts with 602 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 Cessna 208 and Short SC-7 SKYVAN?
208 engine: PRATT & WHITNEY PT-6A-114 (675 hp).
Seats: 10 vs 19.
Cruise: 170 vs 150 kts.
Range: 1070 vs 602 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?
208: 10 seats / 3,300 lb useful load.
SC-7 SKYVAN: 19 seats / 6,000 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 re-checked on a rolling cycle — most within a few days · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data