Aircraft lifespans can be measured by how many hours they’ve spent flying, or how many “cycles” they’ve done. Each cycle represents a successful take-off and landing, and generally gives a more accurate picture of the aircraft’s condition than just flight hours. The Twin Otter’s fuselage has a lifespan of 132,000 cycles, and the wing spar has a lifespan of up to 66,000 cycles. Depending on your mission, your Twin Otter can last decades.

Here’s another way to think about the Twin Otter’s longevity: available records show that around 450 of the original 844 de Havilland Twin Otters, made between 1966 – 1988, are still in use today. This impressive lifespan combined with the proper maintenance and care has the potential to keep the Twin Otter a part of your fleet for decades.

If you’re interested in purchasing a Twin Otter, tell us your mission and we’ll put together a customized analysis that suits your needs.