Airvan Testimonials The GA 8 Airvan - A users perspective  I have been using aircraft to assist in control of wildfire and to manage prescribed burning for 21 years in South-eastern Australia I first experienced the Airvan in Feb 2004 when I trialed it for use as an aerial platform for fire detection, observation, mapping and air attack platform.   Geoff PIKE, Air Operations Manager, Gippsland Region, Department of Sustainability and Environment. More

"The GA8 Airvan is ideal for our tour operations. Our object is to show people the beauty of the region from the air and the great visibility through the larger than usual windows of the GA-8 Airvan is a major advantage. It is also able to circle at a low speed, which for a tour operation is another great feature." "We can take more passengers in the GA8 Airvan than in our other planes and this certainly helps our profit margins." Craig Muir, Original founder of Alligator Airways, Landplane and Floatplane Charter and Scenic Tours, Western Australia www.alligatorairways.com.au

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"It’s a solid practical workhorse with no clutter or useless paraphernalia. This is the only machine that fills the void between a Cessna 206 and the Cessna Caravan. The GA8 has exceeded our expectations from the moment we put it to work on the beach at Fraser Island. A great feat for Australian Aviation, and we’re proud to be flying Australian Made." Gerry Geltch, Owner/Operator Air Fraser Island, Charter Operator Queensland Australia www.airfraserisland.com.au/

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"We have had the GA8 in active service for some two months and have completed 150 hours of scenic work. We have been delighted with the aircraft which, to date, has met or exceeded our expectations in all areas. Congratulations on the product you have produced." Richard Rayward, Managing Director, Air Safaris and Services New Zealand www.airsafaris.co.nz

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"Air Ngukurr has a number of Cessna 210 aircraft operating, but we find the GA8 much more practical for us. Both aircraft have the same size engine, but we are able carry two more passengers in the GA8 and an extra 270 kilos of freight." Honie Edwards, Chief Pilot Air Ngukurr, Darwin Australia www.airngukurr.citysearch.com.au

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"The cabin capacity of the GA8 was an unexpected surprise.  The seating comfort exceeds any aircraft in this class, and in some cases is better than larger more expensive aircraft.  Passenger visibility is the best of any aircraft in our fleet including our Cessna Caravans and noise levels in the cabin are close to our Caravans.  The acceptance of this 'small' aircraft by our customers has been outstanding with requests for charter worthy of note," he said.  "The aircraft in a very short period of time has proven to be an invaluable part of our operations.  When the aircraft is in for inspection, customers who would normally fly the GA8 and are placed in the Cessna 172 or 207 ask for the Airvan.  Compared to the Cessna 208B we operate, as cost comparison of available seat mile is very reasonable."     David Huber, Maya Island Air, Scheduled and Charter Airline, Belize Central America davidhuber@btl.net

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"It’s rugged country in central Australia and we need an aircraft that can handle rough terrain. We often stop at small outback towns where there is no real airstrip at all, so we need an aircraft that land and take off on a short airstrip. The GA8 suits our requirements down to the ground." Trevor Wright, Wrightsair, Scenic Flights and Charter Operators, Central Australia www.wrightsair.com.au

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“The trend in aircraft manufacturing has been to make the aircraft smaller and subsequently capable of carrying less payload - the serious aircraft operator is really looking at seat miles per gallon with a modicum of comfort and this is where the Airvan has the advantage.” “Another trend these days is to make aircraft more complex. In a continent like Africa where the runways are often suspect and expert maintenance is not always available, the Airvan is right at home as it’s been designed to take off and land on very short airstrips as well as to be easily maintained.” Patrick Hanly, Airvan Africa, South African GA8 Distributor, Port Alfred South Africa airvan@border.co.za

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