Caravan: Cessna's Swiss Army Knife with Wings Overview:

Known for being one of the most versatile and robust aircraft ever produced, the Cessna Caravan has become the DC-3 workhorse of our current times – as Cessna nicknames it, a "Swiss Army Knife with wings"! This pilot favorite does it all, on land or sea: bush flying, geophysical exploration and mapping, patrol, air ambulance, military, sightseeing, corporate, commuter airline, skydiving, cargo, missionary and humanitarian flying, and much more. The Caravan’s almost legendary reputation of safety and reliability remains a comforting constant for those whom affectionately refer to the aircraft as a "flying SUV," "Suburban with a turbine," and "aerial truck."

From its coverage of the Caravan’s colorful history to its innovative-yet-conventional aircraft systems, to interesting pilot stories, tips, and beautiful photography throughout, Lewis and Cook's book is both entertaining and enlightening--Caravan edutainment at its best! The chapters parallel flight phases on a typical mission, and are chock-full of experience, insights and trivia from preflight to postflight – a truly amazing story for all pilots interested in this legendary powerhouse.

Two sections of color photography are included, and multiple appendices with further information on specifications and industry contacts for Caravan owners, as well as extensive footnotes and bibliography.

Authors:  J.D. Lewis and LeRoy Cook
Foreword by Steve Stafford, softcover, 7-1/4" x 9", 304 pages.
Published:  November 2008
ISBN 978-1-56027-682-1

What people are saying:

Got Caravan? If not, you probably will want one--or at least want to fly one--after reading Lewis & Cook’s new book, "Caravan: Cessna's Swiss Army Knife With Wings." Lewis & Cook have written the definitive text on Cessna's sky-workhorse and winged-playhouse, the Caravan. Dig into these chapters and you'll learn more about this wonderful airplane than you ever thought possible. Lewis & Cook do an excellent job of explaining not only the mechanics of the machine but also how to fly it, and fly it right! With an engaging style of writing, you'll enjoy their practical insights born from many hours piloting the Caravan and those always-interesting anecdotes that make books like this one a must-read for anyone interested in this popular airplane.
--Rod Machado, Author/Flight Instructor/Speaker

Of the hundreds of airplanes I’ve flown over the decades, few have been as memorable as the mighty Cessna Caravan--especially the amphibious variant. Whether settling into remote Gardiners Bay in Long Island Sound or plunking down on the East River in the shadow of Manhattan skyscrapers, the airplane seems at home anywhere. In this new book, Lewis and Cook give we Caravan enthusiasts all the info we’ve been longing for. Learn why you think "de Havilland" when you see the big turboprop and how FedEx moved the airplane from a curiosity to a mainstay in just a few years. We’ve all known LeRoy Cook and his prolific writing for years. Now he partners with Caravan expert J.D. Lewis to present a thorough yet highly readable tale of this influential airplane. Lewis may be new to you, but I’ve been fortunate enough to know him for years when he first approached me about aviation writing. This comprehensive book showcases his writing talent.
--Tom Haines, Editor in Chief, AOPA PILOT

The Cessna 208 has been a unique and valuable component of the FedEx Express system for many years. No other aircraft could have done the job as well.
--Fred Smith, FedEx Founder/President/CEO

A fantastic book about a fantastic aeroplane!
--Dick Smith, Australian Entrepreneur/Aviator/Film-maker/Explorer

As a movie stunt pilot who had to takeoff and land a 208 on just 400 feet of dirt up in the mountains north of L.A. for a new Will Ferrell movie, I first read CARAVAN cover to cover...and then read it again. Thanks, Lewis & Cook!
--Steve Stafford, Studio Wings, Inc.

The best investment any Caravan enthusiast can make!
--Michael Goulian, US National Aerobatic Champion

As a Caravan pilot myself, I would highly recommend this book as a "must read" for all current and future Caravan pilots. It is a valuable resource of knowledge on what can be considered one of the most rugged, reliable and versatile aircraft to ever be produced.
--Joe Manchin III, Governor of West Virginia