Viking Air: Vintage Vitality

Maintaining out-of-production de Havilland aircraft is no easy feat. But, as James Careless discovers, Canada’s Viking Air is on hand to assist.

Viking is the exclusive parts manufacturer for legacy de Havilland aircraft from the DHC-1 through to the DHC-7.
AIRTEAMIMAGES.COM / DANIEL NICHOLSON

Every day, de Havilland Canada aircraft – including the DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, and DHC-6 Twin Otter – serve in some of the most demanding STOL (short take-off and landing) situations encountered anywhere. Whether on wheels, floats or even skis, the aircraft are renowned for their outstanding safety and reliability in the most challenging operating environments. So impressive are their credentials, it’s perhaps unsurprising that de Havilland manufactured 1,632 DHC-2s, 60 DHC-2Ts, 466 DHC-3s and 851 DHC-6s before ending production, emphasising the need for small passenger aircraft that can operate virtually anywhere.

Become a Premium Member to Read More

This is a premium article and requires an active Key.Aero subscription to view.

I’m an existing member, sign me in!

I don’t have a subscription…

Enjoy the following subscriber only benefits:

  • Unlimited access to all KeyAero content
  • Exclusive in-depth articles and analysis, videos, quizzes added daily
  • A fully searchable archive – boasting hundreds of thousands of pieces of quality aviation content
  • Access to read all our leading aviation magazines online - meaning you can enjoy the likes of FlyPast, Aeroplane Monthly, AirForces Monthly, Combat Aircraft, Aviation News, Airports of the World, PC Pilot and Airliner World - as soon as they leave the editor’s desk.
  • Access on any device- anywhere, anytime
  • Choose from our offers below