Where it fits well
- 133 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 536 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 359 nm with 4 occupants.
- 720 kg realistic payload proxy and 9 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domainKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 9 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 720 kg |
| Advertised range | 536 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 359 nm |
| Cruise speed | 133 kt |
| Runway need | ~700 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €70k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €990 |
The ownership trade-off
The Turbine Beaver combines 9-seat turboprop capability with about 536 NM reported range and about 133 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 €110k per year ( €2740 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €149k per year ( €1865 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €189k per year ( €1573 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €248k per year ( €1379 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €172k 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 Turbine Beaver combines 9-seat turboprop capability with about 536 NM reported range and about 133 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €70k 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.