De Havilland DHC-2 vs Cessna Caravan
Live Market Snapshot
Current asking-price market, aggregated across multiple marketplaces · refreshed daily
De Havilland DHC-2
- For sale now
- 10
- Median asking
- $485,000
- Range
- $349,000–$1,370,000
- Listed on 2+ marketplaces
- 5
- Source marketplaces
- 4
- Model years available
- 1951–1967
Cessna Caravan
No active listings right now.
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) | De Havilland DHC-2 | Cessna Caravan |
|---|---|---|
| All events | 147 | — |
| Serious | 10 | — |
| Fatal | 35 | — |
| Fatalities | 112 | — |
| % Fatal | 24% | — |
Full Specs Comparison
Swipe to see all specs
| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-2 | Cessna Caravan |
|---|---|---|
|
|
|
| Price Range | $349,000 – $1,370,000 | $1,395,000 – $3,700,000 |
| Category | Single Engine Piston | — |
| Model Specifications | ||
| Seats | 6 | 14 |
| Horsepower | 450 HP | — |
| Cruise Speed | 109 kts (202 km/h) | 175 kts (324 km/h) |
| Range | 395 nm (732 km) | 1,070 nm (1,982 km) |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 ft (5,486 m) | — |
| Max Gross Weight | 5,100 lbs (2,313 kg) | — |
| Useful Load | — | 3,585 lbs (1,626 kg) |
| Fuel Capacity | 95.0 gal (360 L) | — |
| Fuel Burn | 25.0 GPH (95 L/h) | — |
| TBO | 1,500 hrs | — |
| Overhaul Cost | $50,000 | — |
| Annual Fixed | $35,000 | — |
| Hourly Variable | $250 | — |
| Engines | 1 x Piston | 1 x |
Cost of Ownership
EstimateDe Havilland DHC-2
Fuel$138/hr
Variable$250/hr
Annual Fixed$35,000/yr
Total (200 hrs/yr)
$85,000/yr
Cessna Caravan
Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-2 or Cessna Caravan?
Pick the DHC-2 if…
- Budget matters — from $349,000 vs $1,395,000, you save ~$1,046,000.
Pick the Caravan if…
- More seats — 14 vs 6.
- Faster cruise — 175 kts vs 109 kts.
- Longer range — 1070 nm vs 395 nm.
- More inventory — 72 listings vs 20.
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-2 or Cessna Caravan?
It depends on your mission and budget.
The DHC-2 cruises at 109 kts with 395 nm range.
The Caravan cruises at 175 kts with 1,070 nm range.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2: from $430,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-2 and Cessna Caravan?
DHC-2 engine: Pratt & Whitney R-985 (450 hp).
Seats: 6 vs 14.
Cruise: 109 vs 175 kts.
Range: 395 vs 1070 nm.
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
DHC-2: about $250/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?
DHC-2: 6 seats.
Caravan: 14 seats / 3,585 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?
DHC-2: 1,500-hour TBO, overhaul ~$50,000.
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