Press Release

Condor Aviation, a Yurok Tribe company, has taken delivery of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX.

Issued by Textron Aviation.

June 27, 2023

Textron Aviation Inc. announced today that it has delivered a Cessna Grand Caravan EX aircraft to the Yurok Tribe's Condor Aviation in California. The special missions Grand Caravan EX aircraft will increase the Tribe's capacity to perform large-scale environmental restoration projects, evaluate long-term natural resource management decisions and quantify the effects of climate change.

The Yurok Tribe will make use of state-of-the-art Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) systems and high-end aerial imaging equipment to create extremely accurate three-dimensional maps of the earth's surface and collect an infinitely broad range of data regarding terrestrial and aquatic habitats, including rivers, lakes and oceans.

“This new aircraft will significantly enhance our ability to holistically restore salmon-spawning streams and make our landscape more resilient to climate change,” said Yurok vice chairman Frankie Myers. “We employ LiDAR data and high-definition aerial imagery to maximise the efficacy of our efforts to rebuild biologically diverse ecosystems and repair fire-damaged forests in northern California.”

The Grand Caravan EX joins a Cessna Turbo Skylane already in service with Condor Aviation. In addition to tribal projects, Condor Aviation, in conjunction with the Yurok Fisheries Department's technical team, provides precision mapping and high-resolution imaging services to a wide range of clients from California to Alaska.

The Cessna Caravan platform has seen more than 3,000 aircraft delivered that are certified in 100 countries with nearly 24 million flight hours amassed worldwide since the aircraft was introduced. Caravans fulfill roles for multiple missions, ranging from flight training to recreation, commuter airlines to VIP transport, cargo carriers and humanitarian missions. The Grand Caravan EX aircraft is known for its dependable and efficient performance by regional airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers and special missions operators worldwide. The aircraft offers an impressive output of 867 horsepower and a rate of climb of 1,275 feet per minute.