# Single-pilot aircraft that can transport a vehicle? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 1, 2006, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924 "2006-08-01T19:36:40Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/1 "2006-08-01T19:36:40Z")
Is there any aircraft, certified for single-pilot operation, that is capable of carrying a small-to-midsize automobile, like a BMW 3-series for example? It doesn’t matter if you need a forklift or something to get the car inside, although a ramp would be nice. ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/2 "2006-08-01T19:43:43Z")
Hit submit too soon: the [Pilatus PC-12 specification page](http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/html/en/products/index_823.asp?NavL1ID=31&NavL2ID=194&NavL3ID=204&NavL4ID=0&NavL5ID=0&NavL6ID=0&L=3) implies that it can carry two Suburbans, but I’m not sure if they’re just talking about being able to carry the same amount of cargo as two Suburbans, or the actual vehicles themselves. I don’t see how you’d fit a Suburban into that plane’s [cargo door](http://airliners.net/open.file?id=1071930&WxsIERv=Cvynghf%20CP-12%2F45&Wm=0&WdsYXMg=Hagvgyrq&QtODMg=Jlpbzor%20Nve%20Cnex%20-%20Obbxre%20%28RTGO%29&ERDLTkt=HX%20-%20Ratynaq&ktODMp=Whar%2023%2C%202006&BP=0&WNEb25u=Oevna%20Avpubynf&xsIERvdWdsY=T-CICP&MgTUQtODMgKE=Nreb%20Rkcb%202006&YXMgTUQtODMgKERD=718&NEb25uZWxs=2006-07-09%2012%3A42%3A46&ODJ9dvCE=&O89Dcjdg=632&static=yes&width=1024&height=695&sok=JURER%20%20%28ZNGPU%20%28nvepensg%2Cnveyvar%2Ccynpr%2Ccubgb_qngr%2Cpbhagel%2Cerznex%2Ccubgbtencure%2Crznvy%2Clrne%2Cert%2Cnvepensg_trarevp%2Cpa%2Cpbqr%29%20NTNVAFG%20%28%27%2B%22cvynghf%22%20%2B%22cp-12%22%27%20VA%20OBBYRNA%20ZBQR%29%29%20%20beqre%20ol%20cubgb_vq%20QRFP&photo_nr=23&prev_id=1072164&next_id=1071929). ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/3 "2006-08-01T20:34:25Z")
Is the single pilot allowed AMEL? I’ve seen C-130s in trade-a-plane, but I’m guessing they aren’t single pilot. On the other hand, according to: [http://forums.x-plane.org/lofiversion/index.php?t18915.html](http://forums.x-plane.org/lofiversion/index.php?t18915.html) > [@](#): > > The 747-400 is certified for single-pilot IFR. Noone routinely flys them that way with passengers or cargo (it’s illegal for passenger service with more than some small number of passengers anyway) but they are pretty frequently ferried solo so maybe a c-130 or even a c-123 [http://www.strategic-air-command.com/aircraft/cargo/c123\_provider.htm](http://www.strategic-air-command.com/aircraft/cargo/c123_provider.htm) Brian ---
**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/4 "2006-08-01T20:42:54Z")
Okay, technically that works, I guess. 🙂 I’m looking for something less expensive and more mainstream, along the lines of the Pilatus I posted a link too. A business jet of some sort, maybe? ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/5 "2006-08-01T20:43:02Z")
Actually, you wouldn’t even need an AMEL. For the invasion of Nomandy, gliders with jeeps inside were used. darn! looks like those were two pilot: > **[Waco CG-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waco_CG-4A)** > > The Waco CG-4 was the most widely used American troop/cargo military glider of World War II. It was designated the CG-4A by the United States Army Air Forces, and given the service name Hadrian (after the Roman emperor) by the British. > The glider was designed by the Waco Aircraft Company. Flight testing began in May 1942. More than 13,900 CG-4As were eventually delivered. > The CG-4A was constructed of fabric-covered wood and metal and was crewed by a pilot and copilot. It had two fixed mainwheel... Brian ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/6 "2006-08-01T20:54:08Z")
Well, You still need a plane that has the cargo area for the vehicle and a cargo door big enough to drive through (unless you want to assemble / disassemble it all the time) The PC-12 (cargo) has a max payload of 3,229lb (1975lb with full fuel) The cargo door IS 4’ 5" x 4’ 4" which may be big enough [http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/media/pc12spec06std.pdf](http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/media/pc12spec06std.pdf) but with the door on the side I’m not sure you could get even a mini in [http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/html/en/products/index\_487.asp?NavL1ID=31&NavL2ID=194&NavL3ID=202&NavL4ID=486&NavL5ID=0&NavL6ID=0&L=4](http://www.pilatus-aircraft.com/html/en/products/index_487.asp?NavL1ID=31&NavL2ID=194&NavL3ID=202&NavL4ID=486&NavL5ID=0&NavL6ID=0&L=4) Brian ---
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/7 "2006-08-01T21:04:05Z")
The [Cessna Caravan](http://www.jaaero.com/aircraft/view_aircraft.php?id=2)is a monster, I bet it could handle the weight of a small car (though you would never be able to load it), it can handle 14 passengers and their luggage. Oddly, I can’t find cargo specs for it. I was stunned that they could put that many people and all their vacation luggage in a single engine prop job. It bet you could figure out how to get three or four motorcycles in it. I flew in one in central America. I got put in the co-pilots seat. Considering how things are run down there, I don’t know if that means it’s certified for single pilot or not. [http://caravan.cessna.com/freight.chtml#](http://caravan.cessna.com/freight.chtml#) ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/8 "2006-08-01T21:19:11Z")
Does it have to be fixed wing? If not, then maybe something like a [Chinook](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ch-47_chinook). ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/9 "2006-08-01T21:22:50Z")
I used to work at a place that built floats for the Caravan, so I’ve been in a few. I suppose we should measure, but I just don’t think you’re going to fit a car in there. **enipla** , you know it’s a turboprop, right? I was thinking of the Chinook or a Skycrane, but I can’t find any specs as to whether they’re certified for operation by a single crew member. And I really like this question. ---
**Author:** ![St\_Ides](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@St\_Ides](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St_Ides)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/10 "2006-08-01T23:06:18Z")
If not fixed wing, the [EH-101](http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/row/eh101.htm) can do that. Fixed wing… Perhaps the Antonov [AN-14](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonov_An-14)? But unfortunately, looking at the specs for an M3, it’s just a whisker too wide to fit. Something in me doubts we’ll find anything that fits the bill. ---
**Author:** ![St\_Ides](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@St\_Ides](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St_Ides)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/11 "2006-08-01T23:12:24Z")
A Mini would fit. ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/12 "2006-08-01T23:17:24Z")
A Skycrane would work if it doesn’t have to be enclosed. ---
**Author:** ![N9IWP](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/n9iwp/32/3154_2.png) [@N9IWP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/N9IWP)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2006, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/13 "2006-08-01T23:28:20Z")
Caravan specs (supercargomaster) 49 x 50-inch double cargo door Cargo area: Length ft/m 16.7/5.1 Height ft/m 4.3/1.3 Width ft/m 5.2/1.6 Maximum Useful Load:4,215 lb (not sure if fuel is included) The C-23 Sherpa has a rear cargo door and can carry 2 1/2 vehicles. Crew of 3 however. [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-23.htm](http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ac/c-23.htm) Brian ---
**Author:** ![LuckyPilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b4bc9f/32.png) [@LuckyPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LuckyPilot)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 1:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/14 "2006-08-02T01:01:46Z")
**Absolute** , most bizjets are surprisingly small inside, and are pretty much out of the question. You are looking for a small to medium sized utility aircraft. The Cessna 208 Caravan and the Pilatus PC-12 have both been mentioned, but I think you will find that neither one has sufficient interior space to accomodate an average passenger vehicle. **N91WP** mentioned the C-23 Sherpa, commonly known as the Shorts 330 Skyvan. This is more of what you are looking for. Another option would be the Casa 212 Aviocar. Both of these aircraft have cavernous interiors, and more importantly, rear loading ramps. Other aircraft of this size can carry the weight, but passenger vehicles are quite bulky and not very ‘stuffable.’ The SD330 and C212 are large, boxy aircraft because they were designed with a payload like yours in mind. Of course, there are a number of military aircraft designed with this mission in mind, both fixed and rotary wing. But then, you could sling an M3 under about a thousand different kinds of helicopters if you don’t mind doing that. ---
**Author:** ![LuckyPilot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/b4bc9f/32.png) [@LuckyPilot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LuckyPilot)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/15 "2006-08-02T01:41:26Z")
I forgot to mention the DeHavilland Canada DHC-4 Caribou. It’s along the same lines as the Skyvan and Aviocar. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/16 "2006-08-02T02:39:25Z")
I have been doing a lot of reading on Alaskan bush pilots. They say that the tradition there is to get really good at tying whatever large payload you need to carry lashed outside to the floats or skis. Some of the ski and float equipped planes sit really high and I bet you could find one with both the space between the floats and the cargo weight capacity to carry a smaller car right between the floats. It might take some rigging and the aerodynamics will probably suck but I bet it could be done. You might want to put the car is some kind of plastic bag however. ---
**Author:** ![St\_Ides](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ccd318/32.png) [@St\_Ides](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/St_Ides)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/17 "2006-08-02T03:21:13Z")
As cool as the idea of slinging an m3 under a Turbo Beaver is, that space is [full](http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://www.flyalaska.net/bearonflt.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.flyalaska.net/&h=1200&w=1600&sz=518&hl=en&start=76&tbnid=nAl-z6Ke3midMM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfloat%2Bflying%26start%3D63%26ndsp%3D21%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26safe%3Doff%26sa%3DN) of various cables and rigging for the floats. (Link goes to GIS of DH Beaver on floats) ---
**Author:** ![Robot\_Arm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/robot_arm/32/18280_2.png) [@Robot\_Arm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robot_Arm)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/18 "2006-08-02T06:14:06Z")
I’ve seen a couple dozen two-by-fours between the floats, but you’re not going to get a car in there. The hydraulic lines (raise and lower the wheels, brakes) and the cables (raise, lower and steer the water rudders) can go down the struts, but there are still cross braces on every float plane I’ve seen. The spreader bars aren’t designed for that much of a load. And the weight of the floats eats up some of the payload, so there’s not enough left for a car anyway. I’ve been around Caravans on floats, next step up in size is probably a Twin Otter, and I still don’t think there’s enough room. I’ve seen pictures of some one-off projects, like a DC-3 on floats, but they used to fit a jeep inside one of those so it’s moot point. Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way. Is there a single-pilot aircraft that can transport a motorcycle? ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/19 "2006-08-02T11:02:19Z")
May I ask why the aircraft needs to to be certified for single pilot? And is this a hypothetical idea-for-a-novel type question? There are many aircraft that are certified for multi-crew only, that could be quite comfortably (though illegally) operated single pilot. ---
**Author:** ![hopesperson](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e95f7d/32.png) [@hopesperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hopesperson)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/20 "2006-08-02T15:15:43Z")
I’m quite sure I’ve read somewhere that the [Shorts 360](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shorts_360) is certified for single pilot, but the cites I am finding seem to indicate that a crew of two is standard. If it is certified for single pilot, it’s cabin dimensions (6 ft. 4 in. height, 6 ft. 2 in. floor width) are pretty promising, as is the 8100 lb useful cabin load in freight mode. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924.md?page=2)