The Iowa State Patrol’s newest plane is versatile, spacious, powerful ― and pricey. Flying the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan the agency acquired at the end of 2024 costs about $1,900 an hour, according to Controller, an aircraft intelligence firm. The operating cost is about $500 an hour more than the total cost to fly the State Patrol’s five other planes combined. Purchased with COVID-19 relief funds, the Grand Caravan is the state’s first with a powerful turboprop engine. Compared to the State Patrol’s other planes, which are smaller and use piston engines, the Grand Caravan is faster, stronger, flies higher and is less likely to break down. But those advantages come with tradeoffs. More fuel burned every hour. Higher insurance premiums. Specialized maintenance. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #Iowa #IApolitics