Flight Notes— how to fly the DHC–2 Beaver
When pilots and flight enthusiasts talk about the de Havilland Beaver, the word that inevitably comes up is "workhorse." For more than 50 years this sturdy radial-engined aircraft has gotten people into and out of remote locations, aided by its power, all-metal ruggedness, and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability.
Whether fitted with wheels, skis, or pontoons, the Beaver is a can-do airplane. Often referred to as a "flying half-ton truck," the Beaver is more versatile-and probably tougher-than any light truck. The Beaver's immediate acceptance and long-term success owe a lot to the fact that it was designed from the beginning to meet the needs of Canadian bush pilots.; after World War II, de Havilland Aircraft of Canada polled pilots to learn what their ideal aircraft for rugged duty would be like. The DHC-2 Beaver was the result.
Almost 2,000 Beavers were manufactured between 1947 and 1967, and refurbished or remanufactured examples remain among the most sought-after aircraft for pilots and businesses that take people to remote destinations. No better plane for the purpose has come along, because the aircraft qualities bush pilots asked for in the '40s are what they still need today: sturdy construction, wide stance, the ability to haul heavy loads, short takeoff and landing capability, excellent reliability, and simple maintenance.
The Beaver's design was so successful that almost half of the entire production was purchased by the U.S. armed forces for liaison, light transport, and ambulance duties, under the designation L-20 (later U-6). This unusual purchase by the U.S. government of foreign-built aircraft underlines the superiority of de Havilland's design. Many of these military Beavers survived their service to lead a second, equally active civilian life, some as remanufactured aircraft. These newly-minted versions carry on the Beaver's long tradition as the thoroughbred of workhorse aircraft.
Specifications
| U.S. | Metric | |
| Maximum Speed | 163 mph | 262 km/h |
| Cruise Speed | 143 mph | 230 km/h |
| Engine | One Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 radial, 450 hp | |
| Propeller | Hartzell three-blade constant speed | |
| Maximum Range | 395 nm | 732 km |
| Service Ceiling | 18,000 feet | 5,486 meters |
| Fuel Capacity | 95 gallons | 360 liters |
| Empty Weight | 2,850 pounds | 1,295 kilograms |
| Maximum Gross Weight | 5,100 pounds | 2,318 kilograms |
| Length | 30 feet, 3 inches | 9.2 meters |
| Wingspan | 48 feet | 14.61 meters |
| Height | 9 feet | 2.7 meters |
| Seating | 7 | |
| Useful Load | 1,874 pounds | 852 kilograms |