De Havilland DHC-3 Otter vs De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter
The de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter and DHC-3 Otter are STOL utility classics — the Otter is the big single-engine bush hauler; the Twin Otter is the twin-engine 19-seat STOL workhorse (now back in production as the Series 400) with float/ski/wheel versatility.
Full Specs Comparison
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| Spec / Model | De Havilland DHC-3 Otter | De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter |
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Which Should You Buy: De Havilland DHC-3 Otter or De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter?
Bottom line: Choose the Twin Otter for twin-engine redundancy, more seats and the broadest commuter/float/remote-ops capability — the segment standard. Choose the single Otter for a lower-cost big-single bush hauler, especially turbine-converted, when twin redundancy isn't required.
Pick the DHC-3 Otter if…
Pick the DHC-6 Twin Otter 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-6 Twin Otter?
It depends on your mission and budget.
Review the specs table above to find which fits your flying profile.
How do prices compare?
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-6 Twin Otter?
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