# Single-pilot aircraft that can transport a vehicle?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924>\
**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:** 4\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Absolute](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b2d939/32.png) [@Absolute](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Absolute)\
**Post date:** [August 2, 2006, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/21 "2006-08-02T18:07:58Z")

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[QUOTE=1920s Style “Death Ray”]  
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.  
[/QUOTE]

It’s not hypothetical, it has to be legal. And it needs to be a fixed-wing aircraft, with an enclosed cargo area.

Thank you for the suggestions, everyone. The C-23 and Casa 212 look like they would fit the bill physically, but they both require a crew of 2 or more.

> [@](#):
>
> Maybe we’re going about this the wrong way. Is there a single-pilot aircraft that can transport a motorcycle?

I think this is the answer. The Pilatus I linked too earlier can definitely carry motorcycles. Not ideal, but it works.

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**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, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/22 "2006-08-02T20:38:04Z")

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I’ve searched the FAA Registry and found the Type Certificate Data Sheets for the SD3, C212, and DHC4. Unfortunately, you are correct in saying that they are all certified dual pilot. The [Shorts Skyvan](http://www.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library%5CrgMakeModel.nsf/0/0CD445660E39802F8525673D00694D42/$FILE/a15eu.pdf) (pdf), however, is not. Check the fourth page for required crew. It is perhaps not the most beautiful aircraft to ever grace the skies, but it seems like it may be able to get the job done.

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**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, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/23 "2006-08-02T20:50:31Z")

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If you are planning on arriving in style, maybe the [PC-12](http://www.airliners.net/open.file/1033355/M/) and bikes would be better than [this thing](http://www.airliners.net/open.file/0213474/M/)…

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**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 2, 2006, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-pilot-aircraft-that-can-transport-a-vehicle/366924/24 "2006-08-02T21:23:19Z")

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Ok, somebody has to ask it- what is this for?

the Shorts Skyvan does have a rear cago door, and can transport vehicles:  
[http://www.summitair.net/fleet/shorts.html](http://www.summitair.net/fleet/shorts.html)  
[http://www.summitair.net/fleet/shorts.html#loadconfig](http://www.summitair.net/fleet/shorts.html#loadconfig)

I think this is the answer. Anyone have a current trade-a-plane? I found some for sale online but no prices.

Brian

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