Customer Reviews

Otter & Twin Otter: The Universal Airplanes

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I first flew in a DeHaviland DHC-6 Twin Otter in East Africa in 1970, and have been an avid fan of it ever since. This book reviews the history of the Twin Otter, and it's younger sibling, the Otter, with an exciting presentation and polished style that makes it hard to put down. Sean Rossiter did his homework when he compiled the information for "Otter & Twin Otter (The Universal Airplanes)". Any aircraft enthusiast who reads this book will immediately encounter the heartfelt adoration and respect of these awesome STOL (short take-off/landing) classics that Rossiter delivers to the reader. Go the the Pacific Northwest, and you'll still see these planes everywhere, heading out to the fishing camps and private lodges that dot the islands of Washington State and British Columbia. Rossiter captures the unique history of these workhorses with a keen and accurate style. Fellow bush plane enthusiasts, enjoy!

I wanted to read up on the history of the DHC-4 Twin Otter as I have flown on one here in the Sinai and am doing some historical research in their use with the Multinational Force and Observers.

However, this book is not simply about Otters and Twin Otters but seemingly about every airplane in the DHC line. Only one short chapter really discussed the Twin Otter in the role I am interested in (although there is an interesting angle on the Otter I was not aware of and will now conduct additional research).

The book goes into excruciating details about test pilots and engineers involved in the development of the Otter, the Beaver, the Caribou, etc. and not so much about the aircraft and which airlines and companies operate them.

On the plus side, the book has a wealth of photos and the author clearly knows is subject. On the downside, however, the author would clearly rather be flying an Otter than writing about one.

I am an aviation artist and aircraft enthusiast and I found this book to be not only helpful in a project that I had recently worked but also found it very informative and exciting reading.