Definition
A twin-engine, high-wing, fixed-gear turboprop utility aircraft (designated DHC-6) originally built by de Havilland Canada, designed for short takeoff and landing (STOL) operations from unprepared strips. It typically carries up to 19 passengers and is widely used for commuter, bush, float, and ski operations.
Plain English
A rugged twin-propeller plane known for taking off and landing in very short distances on rough or remote runways. It is commonly used for small airline routes, island hopping, and flying into places larger aircraft cannot reach.
Context Anchor
You may see this aircraft named in FAA human behavior or accident-scenario discussions, especially when the example involves crew decisions, passenger operations, or flying into remote areas.
Derivation
Named after Geoffrey de Havilland, the British aircraft designer whose Canadian subsidiary (de Havilland Canada) built the DHC-6 starting in 1965. 'Twin' refers to its two engines; 'Otter' continues the company's tradition of naming STOL aircraft after Canadian wildlife (following the single-engine Otter and the Beaver).
Why Pilots Care
Its short-field performance and reliability make it a preferred choice for bush, charter, and utility flying where conventional aircraft cannot operate safely.
Intuition Check
Do not read “Otter” as an animal reference in the sentence. Here, “Twin Otter” is the model name of a specific airplane, and “twin” means it has two engines.
Example Sentence 1
The charter operator flew tourists into the remote lodge using a de Havilland Twin Otter on floats.
Example Sentence 2
Operators rely on the de Havilland Twin Otter to carry supplies into remote northern communities year-round.