N253TA Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N253TA operates in the turboprop segment where efficiency and airport access matter more than speed. The Cessna Caravan 208B covers 1,070 NM at 186 knots behind 1x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-114A producing 675 SHP.
Mission Profile
N253TA handles the missions where turboprop economics make sense: short legs, unpaved or short runways, and routing to airports that jets cannot reach. The Cessna Caravan 208B's 14-seat cabin and 1,070 NM range cover these missions efficiently.
Charter Authorization
N253TA holds Part 135 authorization. Turboprop charter rates are the most accessible in private aviation. Reach out to discuss this aircraft or alternatives.
Insider Note
One detail worth noting: the Cessna Caravan 208B's single-engine variants (if applicable) carry higher insurance costs but lower acquisition and maintenance expenses. N253TA's configuration determines where it falls on this spectrum.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N253TA is a 1992 helicopter registered to TALON AIR SERVICE INC. Rotorcraft serve missions that fixed-wing aircraft cannot: point-to-point urban transport, offshore operations, EMS, and aerial work.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N253TA based in SOLDOTNA, AK. The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N253TA is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Market Position
As a 1992 airframe, N253TA is a classic helicopter. Pre-owned values sit at $200K to $1.5M. Classic helicopters remain operationally viable when properly maintained. Turbine engine overhaul programs provide continued support, and the large installed base ensures parts availability.
Pre-buy focus: turbine engine condition (overhaul costs range from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on engine type), transmission and gearbox status, dynamic component times, and corrosion inspection results.
Mission Profile
Optimized for missions where vertical takeoff and landing capability is essential. EMS programs save lives by reaching accident scenes and hospitals directly. Offshore operators service platforms hundreds of miles from shore. Law enforcement provides aerial surveillance that ground units cannot replicate.
When to Choose Something Else
Skip helicopters for routes over 200 nm. At 130 to 170 knots, helicopters take twice as long as light jets over 200+ mile routes. For distances exceeding 150 miles, a combination of helicopter transfer plus fixed-wing jet provides the fastest door-to-door time.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft ownership in the United States falls under FAA registration requirements. Every U.S.-registered aircraft carries an N-number that links to public records including owner name, address, airworthiness date, and certificate type. The FAA Aircraft Registry maintains this data and updates it as aircraft change hands. Prospective buyers use these records to verify ownership history, lien status, and maintenance compliance before committing to an acquisition.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Avionics modernization drives both capability and market value. Aircraft with legacy analog instruments trade at significant discounts to those with modern glass cockpits (Garmin G5000, Collins Pro Line Fusion, Honeywell Primus Epic). ADS-B Out compliance is now mandatory in U.S. controlled airspace. Buyers should factor avionics upgrade costs into their acquisition budget when evaluating older airframes.
Charter Market Context
Empty leg pricing offers 25 to 75% discounts on published charter rates. These opportunities arise when an aircraft needs to reposition from a drop-off point back to base or to the next pickup location. The tradeoff is schedule inflexibility: departure time, date, and route are fixed by the operator's existing itinerary. The Jet Finder maintains an empty leg alert system for frequent charter clients.
N253TA Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N253TA
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Talon Air Service, Inc, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N253TA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | CESSNA |
| FAA Model | 208 |
| Serial Number | 20800222 |
| Year | 1992 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Part 135 Operator | Talon Air Service, Inc |
| Owner (FAA) | TALON AIR SERVICE INC |
| Location | SOLDOTNA, AK |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2× Single |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | ~160 knots (~184 mph) |
| Approximate Range | ~800 nautical miles |
| Passengers | Up to 2 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N253TA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the CESSNA 208
N253TA is a 1992 CESSNA 208 registered in the United States. It carries serial number 20800222 and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 15 years.
N253TA is a CESSNA 208. This model serves the turboprop segment of the business aviation market. CESSNA has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N253TA is registered to TALON AIR SERVICE INC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Soldotna, AK. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The Cessna Caravan 208B was produced from 1986-present. The type was succeeded by the Grand Caravan EX. This specific aircraft (N253TA) was manufactured in 1992.
The manufacturer serial number is 20800222.
N253TA is registered in SOLDOTNA, AK.
Yes. N253TA holds an active Part 135 certificate under Talon Air Service, Inc, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N253TA is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by Talon Air Service, Inc.
N253TA is a fixed wing single engine classified as a Turboprop.
The Cessna Caravan 208B has a maximum cruise speed of 186 knots. Long-range cruise is 170 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 558 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The CESSNA 208 has an approximate range of 800 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of routes like New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, or Chicago to Atlanta. At a cruise speed of approximately 160 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Caravan 208B seats up to 14 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 16.7 ft long, 5.3 ft wide, and 4.5 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
N253TA maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N253TA is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under Talon Air Service, Inc. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N253TA. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N253TA directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us about charter availability or acquisition. If this aircraft does not suit your needs, we have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.