The De Havilland DHC-3 Otter is a single engine high wing STOL utility transport aircraft designed in Canada. It is commonly configured with one pilot and up to 10 or 11 passengers. Discover De Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft for sale worldwide on AvPay. Browse active De Havilland DHC-3 Otter listings and find available aircraft across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and South America. Connect directly with aircraft brokers, private sellers, flying clubs, flight schools and manufacturers. Explore the full inventory of aircraft for sale on AvPay here!
Finding a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter for Sale on AvPay
AvPay offers a global marketplace for De Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft, connecting buyers and sellers across the USA, North America, UK, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, South America, and beyond. The DHC-3 Otter built its reputation as a rugged STOL utility transport, so you will often see listings aimed at remote passenger work, cargo hauling and specialist operations on wheels, skis or floats.
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Interesting facts about the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
✈ De Havilland Canada designed the DHC-3 Otter as a larger step up from the Beaver, keeping the same bush aircraft mindset but adding more cabin volume and payload for tougher utility work.
✈ Operators often configure the cabin for around 9 to 11 passengers, or switch to mixed passenger cargo layouts, which makes the DHC-3 Otter a flexible choice for multi-mission flying.
✈ The aircraft uses a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial piston engine rated at 600 hp, a well known powerplant with deep support history in vintage and utility aviation.
✈ The wing uses large flaps designed to support short field takeoff and landing performance, which matters when you plan operations from gravel bars, short strips or confined lakes.
✈ Many DHC-3 Otters work on floats, and float equipped aircraft commonly add a ventral fin for better directional stability, a detail worth checking during prebuy inspections.
✈ Military services operated the type under different designations, and those histories can influence today’s airframes through mission equipment fit, cargo doors and service records.
✈ The DHC-3 Otter became a popular platform for turbine conversions, and buyers should confirm whether a listing is a standard piston Otter or a turbine converted variant before comparing performance figures.
✈ The airframe’s reputation comes from real utility use, meaning many examples have worked hard, so a careful review of corrosion control, structural history and float or ski operating time can make a big difference.
Model Variants for buyers to consider when purchasing a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Buyers will see the DHC-3 Otter referenced under several recognised variants and service designations. Civil listings usually use DHC-3 Otter, while military operated aircraft appear as CSR-123 Otter, U-1 Otter and U-1A Otter, plus UC-1 Otter which the US Navy later redesignated U-1B. You may also find turbine converted aircraft advertised as DHC-3T Turbo Otter, these conversions typically replace the radial piston engine with a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A series turboprop, which can change operating economics, maintenance planning and mission suitability compared with a standard piston Otter.
De Havilland DHC-3 Otter Specifications
Information provided here is as a guide only. This information should not be used for flight planning or other aircraft operations. Aircraft model variations, custom specifications, modifications, upgrades & age will have a considerable impact on the details listed below. Please check with the seller, manufacturer or aviation authority for the precise aircraft specifications.
Wingspan: 17.68 m (58 ft 0 in)
Height: 3.84 m (12 ft 7 in)
Max Take Off Weight (MTOW): 3,630 kg (8,000 lb)
Service Ceiling: 5,730 m (18,800 ft)
FAQs About the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Is the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter a piston aircraft or a turbine aircraft?
The original DHC-3 Otter uses a single Pratt & Whitney R-1340 Wasp radial piston engine. Some aircraft have been converted to turbine power and are often marketed as a Turbo Otter, so always confirm the exact engine and conversion status in the listing.
How many people can a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter carry?
Many operators configure the cabin for roughly 9 to 11 passengers depending on the interior layout and mission, and some aircraft use mixed passenger cargo configurations. Check the seating and weight and balance documents for the specific aircraft you are viewing.
What should I check first when buying a float equipped De Havilland DHC-3 Otter?
Confirm the float model and approval paperwork, then review corrosion control history, float attach fitting condition and any structural repairs tied to water operations. A thorough inspection of the tail and lower fuselage areas also helps when an aircraft has spent time on floats.
Are there common military designations that appear in DHC-3 Otter listings?
Yes, you may see references such as CSR-123, U-1, U-1A, UC-1 or U-1B. These labels can signal a particular service history, so it helps to review logs for mission equipment removals, cargo door changes and long term storage periods.
What makes the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter popular for remote utility work?
The aircraft combines a high wing utility layout with strong STOL capability and a cabin that suits passengers or freight. That mix makes it attractive for operators who need access to short strips or water locations while still carrying a meaningful load.
Get help buying a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Can’t find the De Havilland DHC-3 Otter aircraft you’re looking for? Get in touch with an Aircraft Broker to help you buy an aircraft via the Aircraft Broker Directory. Alternatively you can browse Aircraft Brokerage and Aircraft Acquisition Services through the aviation marketplace to help you with the purchase of a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter Airplane.
Sell your De Havilland DHC-3 Otter on AvPay
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Find Finance for buying a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Need financing to purchase your De Havilland DHC-3 Otter Aircraft?
Start by sharing the exact variant, engine type and configuration, including wheels, skis or floats, since lenders often price risk around mission profile and operating environment.
If you are buying a turbine converted Otter, ask your finance provider how they treat conversion paperwork and engine programme status, because these details can affect terms.
Prepare recent logbook summaries and a prebuy inspection plan early, since utility aircraft often have complex histories and finance partners usually want clarity before funding.
Explore De Havilland DHC-3 Otter Aircraft Financing Options
Find Insurance for a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter
Purchasing a De Havilland DHC-3 Otter is a big step, and the right insurance depends on how you plan to operate it.
Tell brokers whether you will fly on floats, skis or wheels, plus your typical locations and runway or water conditions, since these factors influence premiums and requirements.
Confirm the declared value for the airframe and engine, then ask how coverage changes if the aircraft has a turbine conversion or specialist mission equipment installed.
If you plan commercial utility work, passenger ops or cargo carrying, discuss liability limits, passenger liability and any policy exclusions that could affect your mission.
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