FSX DeHavilland DHC3 Turbo Otter Amphibian

The DeHavilland DHC3 Turbo Otter Amphibian is an advanced freeware package designed for use in Microsoft Flight Simulator X. It provides a completely modeled airframe with STOL performance, useful for bush flying or short-runway operations. Included are carefully crafted liveries such as Air Saguenay from Newfoundland and Harbour Air from Vancouver, each incorporating amphibious capabilities for versatile land and water landings.

Distinctive Exterior and Interior Elements

This package integrates two separate aircraft models, each featuring full animation of control surfaces, dynamic shine on the fuselage, and a fully detailed suspension system. The exterior geometry highlights amphibious pontoons with accurate water rudder animations, allowing enhanced maneuverability on lakes, coastlines, and rivers. Meanwhile, the interior encompasses a fully modeled cabin with seating for up to twelve passengers and multiple door configurations, including crew doors and cargo doors that can be opened.

Adapted Performance and Short Takeoff

The real-world DHC3 Turbo Otter is esteemed for its hefty payload capacity and short takeoff and landing (STOL) characteristics, particularly valuable in rugged areas like Canada’s remote lakes or coastal strips. This add-on reproduces those capabilities using a modified FDE (Flight Dynamics Engine) originally developed by Eugene Heyart. With permission, Danny Crance has fine-tuned these dynamics, resulting in realistic handling for pilots seeking challenging approaches in confined environments.

Virtual Cockpit and Panel Refinements

An intricately designed 2D panel and virtual cockpit (VC) are incorporated to enhance immersion. The cockpit details range from functional gauges to carefully painted switch panels. You will find an accurately represented set of flight instruments and engine displays. Additionally, the overhead panel includes custom-coded XML gauges to simulate the distinctive Turbo Otter controls, providing an authentic representation of real turboprop operations.

Gauge Implementation and Credits

Several developers contributed time and expertise in creating the instrumentation:

• Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May: XML gauge programming, gauge painting, 2D panel, and VC texturing.
• Real Brousseau: XML gauges for PAD.
• Jean-Pierre Langer & Arne Bartels: Special DHC3 instrumentation.
• Rob Barendregt: Ground Handling functionality adapted by permission.
• Serguei Gorelik: Davtron M803 digital clock/O.A.T. gauge integration.

All efforts from these contributors produce an operational cockpit environment consistent with real-world analog and digital displays.

Authorship and Acknowledgments

Premier Aircraft Design (PAD) oversaw the project, spearheaded by Barry Blaisdell, Jean-Pierre Brisard, Bob May, Danny Crance, and Kevin Pardy. Their collective work has ensured a freeware release that both looks and flies authentically. If anyone has been unintentionally overlooked, appreciation is extended to all contributors who have made this aircraft a reality.

Distribution and Usage Terms

This complete freeware file must remain free of any commercial use. It cannot be sold, included in any product for sale, or uploaded to a paywall-accessible site. The content may be distributed freely, provided it remains intact, including all accompanying text and credits.

Alteration of any portion requires explicit written permission from the original author, with copyright held by Barry Blaisdell (PAD). No liability is assumed for any direct or indirect damages arising from use. This panel and its contents are provided “as is” without any implicit or explicit guarantee regarding suitability or performance.

Premier Aircraft Design