Where it fits well
- 125 kt cruise supports efficient local and regional flying.
- 729 nm advertised range creates a practical planning radius of about 488 nm with 4 occupants.
- 900 kg realistic payload proxy and 11 seats define the usable cabin mission.
Photo: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service · Public domain · representative variantKey figures
Indicative planning data, compiled 2026-07. Verify against the AFM and records.
| Seats | 11 |
| Realistic payload with mission fuel | 900 kg |
| Advertised range | 729 nm |
| Practical planning radius (4 people) | 488 nm |
| Cruise speed | 125 kt |
| Runway need | ~700 m |
| Pressurised | No |
| Fuel | Jet A-1 |
| Fixed annual base | €70k |
| Direct cost per flight hour | €1220 |
The ownership trade-off
The DHC-3 Turbine Otter combines 11-seat turboprop capability with about 729 NM reported range and about 125 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
Cost picture at different usage
- 40 hours/year: about €119k per year ( €2970 per flight hour all-in)
- 80 hours/year: about €168k per year ( €2095 per flight hour all-in)
- 120 hours/year: about €216k per year ( €1803 per flight hour all-in)
- 180 hours/year: about €290k per year ( €1609 per flight hour all-in)
Older examples add calendar-driven maintenance: a 2011-built airframe is estimated at €190k per year at 80 hours. Condition, engine time remaining and avionics matter more than the year itself — price the aircraft in front of you, not the model.
Limitations to price honestly
- The DHC-3 Turbine Otter combines 11-seat turboprop capability with about 729 NM reported range and about 125 kt reported cruise, while payload, runway and operating-cost figures remain indicative and should be verified for the specific aircraft before making a decision.
- €70k fixed annual planning base before flying a single hour.
- Approximate 700 m take-off requirement must be checked against runway, surface, slope, temperature and loading.
Recommended missions
- Family and small-group touring with a weight-and-balance check for every trip.
- Short and medium regional trips, accepting fuel stops when conditions require.
- Recreational, training or personal travel where operating efficiency is more important than airline-like speed.