DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter

Turboprop • twin engine • High Wing • Fixed gear

Range Visualization

Origin: · click map to move · nm at current load

Payload vs. Range

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Default: 190 lbs (FAA standard)

Default: 30 lbs

Passengers
lbs @ lbs / pax
0 lbs
Fuel on board
gal
+ Weight
Range
Available Range / nm
Mission capable — Aircraft can handle the current load with full fuel tanks.
Fuel tradeoff required — You'll need to leave gallons of fuel behind ( gal usable for nm range).
Over max gross weight — Reduce payload by lbs to safely operate this aircraft.

Mission Profile

Endorsements & ratings:
  • High-Performance
  • Multi-Engine
170
KTAS
Cruise Speed
19
Occupants
775
nm
Max Range
1888
lbs
Wet Payload

Estimated Ownership Costs

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About the DeHavilland Canada Twin Otter

Overview

The DHC-6 Twin Otter is a legendary STOL utility aircraft capable of operating from unprepared strips, water, and snow. Originally developed by de Havilland Canada and later revitalized by Viking Air, it is the global standard for remote operations and skydiving.

Key Features for GA Buyers

  • STOL Performance: Capable of clearing a 50 ft obstacle in just 1,200 ft, allowing access to virtually any clearing or short strip.
  • Versatility: Can be equipped with standard wheels, tundra tires, skis, or amphibious floats without structural modification.
  • Rugged Systems: Fixed landing gear and simple mechanical systems ensure high dispatch reliability in extreme environments.

Trade-offs

  • Cruise Speed: With a typical cruise of 150-170 knots, it is significantly slower than pressurized commuters like the Beech 1900 or Metro.
  • Unpressurized: Limits comfortable cruising altitudes to below 10,000 ft for passengers, though it has a 25,000 ft ceiling for specialized missions.

See Also

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

Wingspan
65.0 ft
Length
51.8 ft
Height
19.5 ft
Parking area (ft2)
4260.0 ft2

Weights

Max Takeoff Weight
12,500 lbs
Max Landing Weight
12,300 lbs
Useful Load
4,400 lbs
Fuel Capacity
375 gal

Performance

Cruise Speed
170 KTAS
Never-Exceed (Vne)
170 KIAS
Max Structural Cruise (Vno)
160 KIAS
Approach Speed
80 KIAS
Stall, Clean (Vs1)
58 KIAS
Range
775 NM
Service Ceiling
25,000 ft
Rate of Climb
1600 fpm
Takeoff over 50 ft obstacle
1,200 ft
Landing ground roll
1,050 ft

Engines

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