Airliners in Nepal: Makalu Air (मकालु एयर) will take you to far west
January 2, 2017-KATHMANDU
With only single engine aircraft in its fleet, Makalu Air has come far since its establishment. Taking cargos in the most remote and dangerous areas of the country, Makalu Air has come far with its operation including two of its regional aircraft, Cessna Grand Caravan in the far western part of the country.
History and Introduction
Makalu Air Pvt. Ltd. is an airplane charter company effective within Nepal, with its base in Nepalgunj, Nepal. The company was formed in the year 2009 under the Air Operators Certificate issued by the government of Nepal. Since its commencement, the company has been vigorously involved in operation in far west region transporting merchandises and passenger to the remote far west region of Nepal.
Presently Makalu Air is concentrating its operations on charter passenger facilities and charter cargo services entirely. With the first aircraft grounded in Nepalgunj with its service area fixated in the western region, the air service has been operating continuously with its single engine fleet that consists of two of the Cessna Grand Caravan 208B Grand Caravan.
Fleet Introduction:
- Cessna Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna 208 Caravan is a sole turboprop engine, fixed-gear short-haul local airliner and function aircraft fabricated in the USA by Cessna. The airplane classically seats nine passengers, with a single person crew, though with a FAR Part 23 sacrifice, it can seat up to fourteen passengers. The aircraft is also used for cargo transportation operations.
General characteristics
Crew: One or two
Capacity: Nine passengers or 13 with FAR Part 23 waiver
Length: 37 ft 7 in (11.46 m)
Wingspan: 52 ft 1 in (15.88 m)
Height: 14 ft 11 in (4.55 m)
Wing area: 279 sq ft (25.9 m2)
Aspect ratio: 9.702
Airfoil: Wing root: NACA 23017.424, Wing tip: NACA 23012[50]
Empty weight: 4,730 lb (2,145 kg)
Gross weight: 8,000 lb (3,629 kg)
Maximum landing weight: 7,800 lb (3,538 kg)
Fuel capacity: 2,224 lb (1,009 kg)/332 gal (1,257 l)
Cabin Height: 54 in (1.37 m)
Cabin Width: 64 in (1.63 m)
Power plant: 1 × Pratt & Whitney PT6A-114A turboprop, 675 shp (503 kW)
Propellers: 3-bladed McCauley Constant speed, full feathering, reversible pitch
Cruising speed: 214 mph; 186 kn (344 km/h) true air speed
Stall speed: 70 mph; 61 kn (113 km/h) calibrated air speed
Range: 1,232 mi; 1,070 nmi (1,982 km)
Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,620 m)
Rate of climb: 1,234 ft/min (6.27 m/s)
Wing loading: 28.674 lb/sq ft (140.00 kg/m2)
Some Accidents and Incidents:
- On 21 Nov 2011, a Makalu Air Cessna 208B Grand Caravan took off from Surkhet Airport, en route to Talcha Airport. Upon touchdown at Talcha, the aircraft skidded off the runway and hit a rock, damaging the front of the aircraft—four of the 11 occupants were injured.
- On August 4th, 2016, Cessna 208B 9N-AKC dumped in the Karnali River following a loss of engine power.
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