Flying the Cessna Caravan?
10-15-2011, 04:49 PM
#1
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Flying the Cessna Caravan?
Can I get some straightforward opinions on what it's like flying the Caravan? As well as any advice on any of the operators? I have seen pilots comment on poor icing characteristics? What, don't the boots work? Anything else? It just seems like a fun airplane to fly.
10-15-2011, 10:24 PM
#3
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It does not Have an ice issue
When flaps retracted at gross weight and an aft cg the stabilator needs to have an upload to stabilize
That is why they tell you to deploy flaps in ice
What other aircraft deploys flaps in ice
Deploying flaps brings a download on the tail
Cessna will not admit this but it is true
Be careful flying this plane in ice but do not trust cesura fly faster than they recommend when you have an aft cg
When flaps retracted at gross weight and an aft cg the stabilator needs to have an upload to stabilize
That is why they tell you to deploy flaps in ice
What other aircraft deploys flaps in ice
Deploying flaps brings a download on the tail
Cessna will not admit this but it is true
Be careful flying this plane in ice but do not trust cesura fly faster than they recommend when you have an aft cg
10-16-2011, 06:32 AM
#4
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Originally Posted by CrimsonEclipse
It's fun to fly and one of my favorite.
Icing:
1. When loaded, underpowered.
2. Slow
3. Small de-ice boots, after about 3 pops with the boots the ice might form behind the boots.
4. Don't delay leaving ice.
Icing:
1. When loaded, underpowered.
2. Slow
3. Small de-ice boots, after about 3 pops with the boots the ice might form behind the boots.
4. Don't delay leaving ice.
Ice can be a problem but as long as you're aware of it and get out there's really no cause for concern hence is why MANY cargo operators use the Turbine Suburban. Just don't forget to push the initial seperator in for takeoff and Flaps 10!
10-16-2011, 11:30 AM
#5
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The Caravan is a wonderful airplane. I loved every minute that I flew it, and in a lot of ways really miss it. It is slow, and underpowered..but is so easy to fly. I found it easier than flying a 207. I have picked up a good deal of ice in it before, and if you stay within the limitations and follow your icing procedures, the airplane behaves itself. It could be a good resume builder too. Don't count out the TPIC just because its single engine, many employers like guys who have done 135 cargo, single pilot IFR, etc... Depending on what other experience you have, the 1000 hours in a Caravan could be what gets you hired over someone else...
10-17-2011, 07:58 PM
#7
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Yes and no.
The feeders (Mountain, Empire, Corporate, etc) sometimes have an area to sleep.
They are usually a run down area that resembles a homeless shelter.
Other times, the sleep area is the airplane.
If you're lucky, it'll be a pilot lounge (rarely)
The feeders (Mountain, Empire, Corporate, etc) sometimes have an area to sleep.
They are usually a run down area that resembles a homeless shelter.
Other times, the sleep area is the airplane.
If you're lucky, it'll be a pilot lounge (rarely)
10-21-2011, 09:23 AM
#9
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Originally Posted by DustyRoads
That's disappointing to hear. It looks like a fun airplane, but who wants to stay up all night sitting in a cold airplane.
10-22-2011, 02:21 AM
#10
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Where I used to fly 135 we flew cancelled checks in C310's. Alot of the plane were up there in age and the powers that be were looking for replacement planes and Caravans were on the list to "try".
I took it up and did an ILS in one and thought it was a little underpowered. Was told they dont like ice. They looked like a bi^@h to fuel! But fun to fly
I took it up and did an ILS in one and thought it was a little underpowered. Was told they dont like ice. They looked like a bi^@h to fuel! But fun to fly
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