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- January 29, 2023
De Havilland DHC Series for Sale — Buy or Sell Beaver, Otter, Twin Otter and Dash 8 Worldwide
The de Havilland Canada DHC Series encompasses some of the most celebrated and enduring utility aircraft ever designed — aircraft that opened up the Canadian wilderness, connected remote communities across the globe, and defined what a truly capable short-takeoff-and-landing aircraft could achieve. From the legendary DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter to the iconic DHC-6 Twin Otter and the modern DHC-8 Dash 8 regional turboprop, the DHC family has earned an unrivalled reputation for rugged reliability, extraordinary STOL capability, and operational versatility in environments that would challenge any other aircraft. De Havilland DHC aircraft for sale are among the most prized listings in the utility aviation market, and Airplane Trade is the premier marketplace for buyers and sellers of the complete DHC family worldwide.
The DHC Legacy — Aircraft Built for the Real World
De Havilland Canada was established in 1928 as a subsidiary of the British de Havilland Aircraft Company, and quickly developed a distinct identity focused on producing aircraft specifically suited to the demands of Canadian geography — vast distances, remote lakes, unimproved strips, and extreme temperature ranges. The DHC-1 Chipmunk trainer, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo, DHC-6 Twin Otter, DHC-7 Dash 7, and DHC-8 Dash 8 form a lineage of progressively more capable designs, each one pushing the boundaries of STOL performance and utility. The company was acquired by Boeing in 1986, then Bombardier in 1992. Today, the DHC-6 Twin Otter and DHC-8 Dash 8 programmes are owned by Viking Air and De Havilland Aircraft of Canada respectively, continuing the DHC tradition into the 21st century.
DHC Series Variants on the Market
- DHC-2 Beaver — Single-engine piston (Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior) or turbine-converted utility floatplane/landplane; 7 seats; extraordinary STOL performance; the definitive Canadian bush plane; extremely high demand from operators and collectors.
- DHC-2T Turbo Beaver — Turbine-powered Beaver; Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-6 or PT6A-20 engine; significantly improved hot-and-high and amphibious performance; highly sought-after variant.
- DHC-3 Otter — Larger single-engine companion to the Beaver; R-1340 Wasp engine; 11 passengers or freight; widely used on floats in Alaska, Canada, and Scandinavia.
- DHC-3T Turbo Otter — Turbine conversion of the Otter (typically PT6A-27 or PT6A-34); dramatically improved performance and reliability; commands a premium over piston variants.
- DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 100/200/300 — Twin-engine STOL turboprop; two PT6A-20 or PT6A-27 engines; 19 passengers; amphibious float capability; in service across 90+ countries; new production Series 400 available from Viking Air.
- DHC-7 Dash 7 — Four-engine STOL turboprop; PT6A-50 engines; 50 passengers; extreme STOL for city-centre airport operations; now rare on the market.
- DHC-8 Dash 8 (Series 100/200/300/400) — Regional twin-turboprop; PW120/PW150 engines; 37–90 passengers depending on series; widely used by regional airlines worldwide; strong used market.
Performance — DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 300
- Engines — Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-27, 680 shp each
- Maximum Speed — 210 mph (182 knots / 338 km/h)
- Cruise Speed — 182 mph (158 knots / 293 km/h)
- Range — 1,000 miles (1,610 km) with full payload
- Service Ceiling — 26,700 ft (8,138 m)
- Rate of Climb — 1,600 ft/min (sea level, MTOW)
- MTOW — 12,500 lb (5,670 kg)
- Takeoff Run (STOL) — 1,000 ft (305 m) at MTOW sea level
- Seating — Up to 19 passengers
Why DHC Aircraft Hold Their Value
Few aircraft families command the market loyalty of the de Havilland DHC series. The Beaver, in particular, is practically irreplaceable — no modern aircraft replicates its combination of short-field performance, load-carrying ability on floats, and mechanical simplicity. Airworthy Beavers consistently command prices well above what might be expected for a 1950s or 1960s-vintage aircraft, and turbine conversions (Turbo Beavers) fetch premiums over piston examples that reflect the genuine performance improvements they bring. The Twin Otter's combination of STOL capability, twin-engine safety margin, and 19-seat capacity makes it uniquely valuable for island, remote community, and adventure tourism operations — a role that no rival aircraft has fully replicated despite decades of competition.
Buying a DHC Series Aircraft — Considerations
- Airframe Inspection — DHC aircraft, especially floatplanes, are vulnerable to corrosion; engage a specialist DHC inspection facility for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
- Engine Status — Assess hours on the Wasp or PT6A engine relative to TBO; plan for overhaul costs ranging from $40,000 (R-985 Wasp) to $200,000+ (PT6A turboprop).
- Float Condition — For float-equipped variants, inspect float integrity, bilge pumps, water rudder systems, and keel reinforcement carefully.
- STC and Modification History — Many DHC aircraft carry multiple STCs for engine conversions, avionics, and structural modifications; verify all documentation is current and properly recorded.
- Type Rating Requirements — Larger DHC types (Twin Otter, Dash 8) require specific type ratings; ensure your crew holds appropriate qualifications before acquisition.
Find Your De Havilland DHC Aircraft on Airplane Trade
Airplane Trade is the premier global marketplace for de Havilland Canada DHC aircraft of all variants — from the DHC-2 Beaver and DHC-3 Otter to the DHC-6 Twin Otter and DHC-8 Dash 8. Browse verified listings from bush operators, charter companies, regional airlines, and private collectors across North America, Europe, Australasia, and Africa. Each listing includes complete specifications, engine and float status, and direct seller contact. Whether you seek an iconic bush floatplane or a capable regional turboprop, Airplane Trade connects you with the right DHC aircraft worldwide.