Where it fits well
- 186 kt cruise supports credible cross-country touring.
- 611 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 409 nm with 4 occupants.
- 810 kg realistic payload proxy and 10 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: Calistemon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 10 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 810 kg |
| Advertised range | 611 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 409 nm |
| Cruise speed | 186 kt |
| Runway need | ~700 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €87k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1110 |
The ownership trade-off
The Caravan XP42 Blackhawk combines 10-seat turboprop capability with about 611 NM reported range and about 186 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €131k per year ( €3285 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €176k per year ( €2198 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €220k per year ( €1835 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €287k per year ( €1593 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €198k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The Caravan XP42 Blackhawk combines 10-seat turboprop capability with about 611 NM reported range and about 186 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €87k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 700 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.