De Havilland Canada Dhc-3 Otter

Single Piston

The de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter is the larger, more powerful sibling of the legendary Beaver, purpose-built in 1951 for rugged bush operations where short, unprepared strips and floats are the norm. Powered by a single 600-horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-1340 radial engine, the Otter can haul up to ten passengers or 2,400 pounds of cargo into places no wheeled aircraft would dare venture. Its high wing, rugged landing gear, and exceptional STOL performance made it the backbone of remote air services across Canada, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest for decades. Over 460 were built between 1951 and 1967, and the type saw military service with the U.S. Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, and numerous other operators as a utility transport and search-and-rescue platform. The Otter's ability to operate from water, snow, tundra, or gravel with equal aplomb earned it a reputation as one of aviation's most versatile workhorses. Today the DHC-3 remains in active commercial service with floatplane operators, particularly on scenic routes and remote lodge transfers where its combination of payload, short-field capability, and radial-engine reliability is unmatched by modern designs. Its distinctive round cowling and throaty radial exhaust note are instantly recognizable on the waterfronts of Vancouver, Seattle, and Ketchikan. SkyMeter has tracked 45 flights across 6 airframes and 5 operators, with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited the largest observed operator.