Philippine Airlines has operated a variety of aircraft since its inception in 1941. Excluding their sub-variants, the airline has flown more than 30 different types of aircraft throughout its operational history. Interestingly, some of these aircraft were quite surprising to me, as I only recently discovered that PAL had operated them. One such example is the De Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada DHC-3 Otter, which was once part of PAL’s fleet.
In 1955, Philippine Airlines (PAL) added the DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter to its fleet. The Otter’s Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) capabilities enabled PAL to operate on short airstrips. In June 1955, these Otters were launched in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, expanding PAL’s reach to 17 communities, some of which included plain clearings or even roads suitable for landing.
The De Havilland DHC-3 Otter marked the beginning of the “Rural Air Service” with its inaugural flight from Cebu City to Toledo, Cebu. Additionally, two other Otters were stationed in Davao and Cagayan de Oro to further this service.
When the PAL Otters with registries PI-C51 and C-52 arrived in the Philippines, they were warmly received for their role in serving remote communities. Karl Hayes, a renowned Otter enthusiast, highlights the significant advantages of these Otter services. He points out that the journey from Gingoog to Buenavista, which would take five hours by car at a cost of 40 pesos, was reduced to just 20 minutes with the Otter, and the fare was only 9 pesos. The trip from Bislig to Davao, which was a 50-minute flight on the Otter, would otherwise be a week-long journey on a monthly coastal freighter. Furthermore, from Lianga north to Buenavista, the Otter reduced the travel time to 30 minutes, a significant improvement over the only other option, a three-day trek on foot.
PAL had a total of 5 DHC-3 Otters in operation, with the final one retiring in May 1962.
About the DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter
The DeHavilland DHC-3 Otter is a single-engine, high-wing propeller aircraft. It shares similarities with the DHC-2 Beaver but stands out due to its larger size. This aircraft is known for its STOL capability, making it suitable for operations in challenging terrain and unprepared airfields.
Developed in the 1950s near Toronto, the DHC-3 Otter was initially referred to as the ‘King Beaver’, aligning with De Havilland Canada’s range of sturdy, utility aircraft. The design focuses on the aircraft’s ability to adapt to various environments, a feature that has contributed to its long-standing use. It can be fitted with different types of landing gear, including wheels, skis, and floats, enhancing its operational flexibility.
The Otter represents an advancement over its predecessor, particularly in passenger capacity and engine power. It can accommodate approximately 10 passengers and two crew members. Powered by a 600hp Pratt and Whitney Twin Wasp radial engine, the Otter is equipped to handle a range of missions effectively.
In terms of its operational range, the aircraft can travel 820 nautical miles with reserves and 720 nautical miles with a 2,100 lb payload. Its cruising speed is approximately 138mph.
As of 2017, 117 aircraft were still listed on the Canadian Civil Register, which is about 40% of the fleet registered globally. This indicates the aircraft’s lasting presence in the aviation industry, over 65 years since its first flight.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
