Shorts Skyvan:

Sustut Air is proud to be the only BC based company to operate the Skyvan.  The Skyvan fills a unique niche in northern aviation through its ability to carry large, heavy, and over sized loads into short and unimproved airstrips.  This rear-loading, turbine powered STOL workhorse features an unusually large, box shaped cabin that can transport vehicles, lumber, and diamond drills without the need for tedious dissasembly, nor the pain of hand loading.  It was purpose built to carry freight, and it does this better than any aircraft in its class. 

The Skyvan operates more efficiently than any comparable aircraft, offering a short haul cargo payload of 4500 lbs.  Our Skyvan is powered by Honeywell TPE 331 Super Two turbine engines, which operate at lower fuel burns than comparable Pratt and Whitney powered aircraft, and offer a longer overhaul life.  Lower cost of operation translates into savings for our customers.  When combined with high payload and a 178 mph cruise speed, the result is an unbeatable price per pound / liter for our customers.  The Skyvan is equipped to operate Day/Night, IFR/VFR.  There is seating for nine passengers and freight.  The Skyvan is usually operated with two pilots. 

Ease of Loading:

A system of ramps, rollers, and winch can be used to load and unload the Shorts when machinery is unavailable.  The aircraft can be backed up to its load to allow it to be pulled up into the cargo bay.  Palletized freight can be slid in without the need for disassembly.  Barrels can be rolled in and out in very little time.  The Skyvan can be safely flown with the rear door open or removed, allowing it to carry long pieces up to 25 feet.  A bulk fuel system is also available for the Skyvan.  The Skyvan takes the back work out of loading aircraft, ensuring minimum ground turn times and maximum productivity.

Cargo Dimensions:

Width:         6 foot 6 inches, narrowing to

                    6 foot 2 inches at the center cabin spar box.

Height:        6 foot 6 inches

Length:       18 foot 7 inches with door closed

                   Up to 25 feet with rear door open or removed.

 

Cargo Volume:  781 cubic feet.

 

Accepts the following loads:

 

4 pallets / 40 empty barrels / 1000 Gal Envirotanks / Up to 5 ATV's / Mid Sized Vehicles

Lifts of Lumber or Plywood / Culverts / Poles           

 

Combination Passenger/Freight Loads

 

Bulk Fuel Hauling System offers 9 cent per liter transport cost saving compared to barrels.

 

Seating for up to 9 passengers with plenty of room and payload left for freight.

 

Cabin Dimensions:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A video of the Skyvan in action:

 

 

 

Five full sized ATV's loaded in Skyvan with rear door removed: