Amphibious flying is the best flying in the world....absolutely!Bryan Pill, MAF pilot
Operating in Bangladesh where one third of the total area is water, and seasonal flooding cuts off many communities from receiving much needed help, the C208 amphibious Cessna Caravan is ideal as it carries up to 9 passengers or 700kg of supplies, and cruises at a speed of 160mph.
A single turbo-prop (turbine PT6A-114) engine aircraft which is reliable and easy to maintain, the amphibious Caravan operates from both land and water, and is often referred to as the ultimate amphibian.
Landing at over 200 sites, the amphibious Caravan can reach more people, with more help than ever before.
A large cargo door makes freight easier to load and the spacious air-conditioned cabin makes the journey more comfortable for passengers.
There are often requests for medical emergency flights in Bangladesh. The large cargo gives more space for loading stretcher patients, and once inside there is greater room for the patient and the medical team.
Fully equipped for instrument flying, with Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and weather avoidance equipment (weather radar and storm scope), the Caravan is reliable and can still operate safely even in poor visibility. This is vital in a country where fog, monsoon rains and cyclones are common, and enables flights to continue helping people who need it most.
The amphibious Caravan is especially beneficial for teams of surgeons who need to reach floating hospitals - towed to different locations every few months. With so much water, floating hospitals are the ideal way to serve the medical needs of some of the poorest people of Bangladesh who would otherwise be unable to see a doctor. The Jibon Tari, operated by Impact Foundation, and the Friendship floating hospital reach people who live in isolated communities. Landing alongside the hospitals, the plane enables surgeons to arrive quickly and refreshed, maximising the time they spend in the operating theatre.