The Aircraft Marketplace

From Search to Survey in Three Simple Steps

1. Search the Marketplace

2. Request a Quote

Click on the listing that meets your requirements for an overview of aircraft specifications.

3. Fly Your Mission

Work directly with the platform owner to schedule and coordinate your survey mission.

Featured Survey Aircraft: The Right Platform for Every Project

Choosing the right aircraft is critical for the success of any aerial survey mission. The ideal platform offers a combination of stability, payload capacity, endurance, and the ability to be modified for specialized sensors. The AERIALSURVEY.com Survey Aircraft Leasing Marketplace features a range of aircraft that are proven performers in the demanding world of aerial surveying. From the rugged and reliable Cessna series to the versatile Piper Navajo and the high-performance Beechcraft and Aerocommander models, you can find the right aircraft to meet your project's specific needs. Here are just a few reasons why you might consider each of the aircraft above for your survey projects.

Cessna 206: The Agile Workhorse

The Cessna 206 is a popular choice for a wide variety of aerial survey applications. Its reputation as a "workhorse" is well-deserved. The 206 is known for its stability at low speeds and altitudes, making it an excellent platform for high-resolution aerial photography and lidar missions. Key features that make the Cessna 206 a great choice for a survey aircraft include:

• Exceptional Stability: The high-wing design provides a stable platform, even in challenging terrain.
• Camera Port Modifications: All of the listed Cessna 206s come pre-configured with STC-approved camera ports, some as large as 20 inches, to accommodate a wide range of sensors.
• Cost-Effective Operations: The 206 offers a balance of performance and operating efficiency, making it a budget-friendly option for many projects.

Cessna 208 Caravan / Supervan: The Heavy-Lift Champion

When your project demands high efficiency and longer lifts, the Cessna 208 Caravan is the answer. This single-engine turboprop is a powerhouse, capable of carrying sophisticated sensor packages and operating from a variety of altitudes and airfields. The Caravan's key attributes for aerial survey include:

• Impressive Payload Capacity: With a useful load of over 3,500 pounds, the Caravan can easily accommodate heavy lidar systems, multiple cameras, and other advanced sensors.
• Long-Range Capability: When available with long-range fuel tanks, the Cessna 208 can stay on station for up to 10 hours, maximizing data collection time and reducing ferry flights.
• Spacious and Adaptable Cabin: The large, configurable cabin provides ample room for equipment racks, operator consoles, and crew members.
• Single or dual camera hatches: Having dual ports means being able to conduct different types of collections on the same flight or consecutive flights without having to swap our sensors.
• Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Capability: The Caravan's ability to operate from shorter runways opens up access to remote and undeveloped project areas.

Piper Navajo: The Versatile Twin

The Piper Navajo is a versatile twin-engine aircraft that has been a mainstay of the aerial survey industry for decades. Its combination of speed, range, and payload has made it a popular choice for a variety of missions, from aerial photography to lidar collections. The Navajo's strengths as a survey platform include:

• Twin-Engine Redundancy: The two engines provide an extra layer of safety and reliability, which is especially important when operating over remote or inhospitable terrain.
• Excellent Stability and Performance: The Navajo is known for its smooth ride and stable flight characteristics, which are essential for acquiring high-quality data.

Beechcraft B200 King Air: The High-Altitude Performer

For high-altitude missions, the Beechcraft B200 King Air is a top performer. This pressurized twin-turboprop is a great choice for scientific research and surveillance missions that require a stable, high-flying platform. The King Air B200 offers:

• Pressurized Cabin: The ability to fly at altitudes up to 35,000 feet allows the King Air to operate "above the weather" and provides a comfortable working environment for the crew on long missions.
• Superior Performance: With a cruise speed of nearly 300 knots, the King Air can get to the project area quickly and cover vast distances efficiently.
• Proven Reliability: The King Air has a long and distinguished history of service in both civilian and military roles, a testament to its robust design and reliability.

Aerocommander: The Stable and Adaptable Platform

The Aerocommander family of twin-engine aircraft has earned a reputation for being exceptionally stable and adaptable platforms for aerial survey work. Their high-wing design and robust construction make them ideal for a variety of missions, from aerial photography to specialized remote sensing. Key features of the Aerocommander series include:

• Outstanding Stability: The high-wing configuration provides excellent in-flight stability, a crucial factor for acquiring clean and accurate sensor data.
• Multiple Sensor Ports: Many Aerocommanders have been modified with multiple camera ports of varying sizes, allowing for the simultaneous operation of different sensors.
• Excellent Visibility: The high-wing design offers unobstructed views for the pilots and sensor operators, enhancing situational awareness and data acquisition.