Thinking about getting a payware plane for bush flying.

Well Bill, a lot depends on what you're looking for.

My thoughts on a variety that I've tried is:

Aerosoft Twin Otter is a nice plane and I enjoyed flying it quite a lot on some bush flights, but it's larger and heavier and can't make some of those smaller runways. While the Twin Otter has amphibious version, unlike other planes, the Twin Otter can be very difficult to steer on the water because it lacks water rudders that other planes have. This requires steering by adjusting throttles on the different engines to maneuver. If you like to maneuver into some of the docks that Misty Moorings provides, the Twin Otter can be difficult.

The Aerosoft Beaver is a big favorite because it can land on all the possible strips we bush fly to, and it offers all the different versions Wheels, skies, amphibian, etc. It's good to make sure your selection has these options for versatility. It remains one of my favorites for its simplicity and versatility. If you're looking for an autopilot to follow the gps, I've not found this as an option for the default Aerosoft Beaver. You must use your nav radios and use VOR and other nav aids for the autopilot to track. Think of it as a plane without a button to switch between gps and nav - it only has the 'nav'.

DHC-3 Otter - I just acquired this from Virtual Column, and I enjoy flying this too. It handles a bit more difficult than the Beaver and is a bit difficult to land on really short fields that are easy for the Beaver. It comes with several Turbo-charged models that make it much nicer for climbing above the many mountains we encounter. The aspirated Beaver will struggle to get above some peaks, and you will have to sometimes circle for altitude or just weave between some of the larger peaks (weather permitting).

The Quest Kodiak is another favorite. This is great because it land almost anywhere the Beaver can, and it has the power and speed to climb to altitude and then get you where you want to go faster than most other bush planes. Like the Beaver, it's a relatively easy flyer and great fun - with all the necessary models I believe.

That should give you (and other pilots weighing in) a starting place. To summarize, if you're looking for a plane that can get in and out of every place we fly here at SPA then I suggest the Beaver (if speed isn't an issue and climbing tall mountains quickly isn't important). If you want a rugged, fast little plane than I would suggest the Kodiak. Either one (or both) will give you hours of enjoyment.

John

That's the one Bill. Quality of the instruments, well - pretty much like you see on their website. I guess the main thing about the Kodiak I don't like is that its handling characteristics in flight seem a bit more simplistic than the others mentioned - but maybe it's just me.


I'm sure others will weigh in here too though and give other suggestions like the Pilatus Porter. My problem with that plane is primarily some bugs with it. It has some spoiler issue that requires a key press to reset and you don't know it's there until you have problems flying it. Also, there is a rain fix necessary otherwise the windows turn blue and you can't see out of them in the rain. Otherwise it's comparable to the Beaver as far as speed and ability I think.

John<br /><br /><!-- editby --><br /><br /><em>edited by: jer029, Jun 21, 2016 - 07:19 AM</em><!-- end editby -->