De Havilland DHC-3 Otter vs De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver
The de Havilland DHC-3 Otter and DHC-2 Beaver are the classic single-engine bush haulers — the Beaver is the legendary medium bush plane; the Otter is its larger, higher-capacity big brother.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter | De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER |
|---|---|---|
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| Price Range | — | $650,000 |
| Category | — | Single Engine Piston |
| Model Specifications | ||
Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-3 Otter or De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
Bottom line: Choose the Beaver for the iconic medium bush/float plane with the deepest legacy and mod ecosystem. Choose the Otter for greater payload and cabin in the same rugged bush tradition — especially turbine-converted for serious load-hauling.
Pick the DHC-3 Otter if…
Pick the DHC-2 Beaver if…
Auto-generated from current market data and published specs. Confirm with a pre-buy inspection and professional appraisal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, De Havilland DHC-3 Otter or De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
De Havilland DHC-2 BEAVER: from $650,000.
Prices vary by year, hours, avionics, and condition. Always get a pre-buy inspection.
What's the difference between De Havilland DHC-3 Otter and De Havilland DHC-2 Beaver?
Which is cheaper to operate per hour?
Variable cost includes fuel, reserves and overhaul accruals. Annual fixed costs (hangar, insurance, annual inspection) add to the total.
Which has more seats and useful load?
Useful load = max gross weight minus empty weight; it determines how much fuel plus payload you can carry.
How does maintenance compare — TBO and overhaul cost?
Reaching the time-between-overhaul (TBO) triggers a mandatory engine/airframe rebuild that affects resale value.
Disclaimer: All prices and cost estimates are from third-party sources for informational purposes only. Always obtain professional appraisal and inspection before purchase.
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data