To expand a little on the comments on the Caravan, as this is an example of a technological advancement creating a complete re-think of the "traditional" operating and regulatory environment. It was ultimately successful in seeing a complete re-write of commercial operation of single engine operating regulations - a pretty significant achievement I think you would agree.
The Caravan is hardly a rare specimen. It has become the backbone of thin commuter services in remote (and some not so remote) areas, due to its excellent safety record, reliability, economics and operability. It is in use Worldwide and has undoubtedly been proven one of the finest commercial aircraft ever manufactured. Perhaps uniquely (?) it has never had a single FAA Airworthiness Directive issued against it, unlike just about everything else that comes from that factory!
Some facts:
CARAVAN TOTAL FLEET HOURS Over 4 Million
CARAVANS DELIVERED Nearly 1,200
DISPATCH RATE RELIABILITY 99.86%
COUNTRIES OPERATING CARAVANS 66+
1,000th CARAVAN DELIVERED November 1998
REPEAT ORDERS FROM OPERATORS 70%+
HIGHEST TIME AIRCRAFT 20,000+ Hours
HIGHEST TIME AMPHIBIAN 20,000+ Landings
HIGHEST UTILISATION 250+ Hours a month
A/C DEDICATED TO FREIGHT USE 450 +
A/C IN SCHEDULED PASSENGER USE 160 +
SCHEDULED PASSENGERS CARRIED IN 1999
4.1 Million
A/C WITH WIPLINE FLOATS 100 +
A/C IN SPECIAL MISSION OPERATIONS 60 +
For example, the
number one regional airline in the world, based in Brazil, currently operates 40 Caravans. In Central America, a large conglomerate of regional airlines started with four Caravans and has just purchased eight more.
There are over 1000 Caravans operating in 66 countries today, and the Cessna Caravans have gained over 50% of the world-wide market share in the utility/small commuter category.
Leading the way in safe, single engine technology - According to the Final report On 135 Single engine IFR Operations in IMC by the U.S. F.A.A The C208 Caravan is the only single-engine airplane that has achieved a substantial and extensively documented operating history providing the information necessary to make detailed safety and reliability assessments. This is primarily the result of a computer-based maintenance program developed by the manufacturer and used by most operators. The experience of this airplane serves as a model for others seeking to expand the operating privileges of their aircraft, and its accident record can provide a first approximation of the level of safety that is attainable with current technology single-engine airplanes operating in IMC."*
This is not to say that this machine is perfect for every application or type of operation, simply that in the choice of equipment an unfettered view will let you understand why your competitor is operating a Caravan and why technological advancement needs to be a continually reappraised.