The 11 Best Bush Planes of all Times

Bush planes are the 21st-century equivalent of the covered wagon, steam locomotive, and pony express all rolled into one. They are mainly responsible for the survival of the modern-day frontier lifestyle by delivering essential supplies, food, medicine, mail, and equipment to people inhabiting remote, hard-to-reach areas. 

Bush airplanes also provide commercial transportation services, medical services, and evacuation and fight forest fires. They are used for tourism, including African safari tours and search and rescue operations. The best bush planes are built to land on almost any surface, including gravel, grass, dirt, and mud landing strips located in the middle of nowhere. 

These aircraft can be extremely fun and forgiving to fly. A bush plane can be equipped with floats to land on rivers, lakes, or beaches. Bush planes fitted with skis are a common sight in isolated Alaska and Arctic communities during winter. Pilots can become certified to fly bush planes within a few days, and in return, you get to fly over endless miles of breathtaking terrain.

In the article below, we’ll look at the 11 best bush planes of all time, and why they are great aircraft!

The 11 Best Bush Planes of all Times

Now without further ado, let’s dive in and look at the 11 best bush planes of all times!

11. Grumman G-21 Goose

The G-21 Goose is a pioneering amphibious bush plane initially designed as a luxury commuter aircraft for the wealthy. However, the plane was successfully modified for military use during World War 2, and eventually, as a bush plane. 

Over the years, the G-21 has undergone several modifications to its engines, avionics, windows, and landing gear to adapt the airplane for its new role as a bush plane. The G-21 Goose’s large interior size, which allows for a high passenger seating configuration (for a bush plane), and its amphibious characteristics make it an excellent choice for scheduled passenger flights into the remote communities and calm waters of Alaska Inside Passage located between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. 

The G-21 can fly loads of tourists and their gear out into remote lakeside resorts or land on an improvised runway next to a mountain hunting lodge. 

10. Cessna 206H Stationair

The Cessna 206H Stationair can be regarded as the workhorse of general aviation, and it can be found flying over large American towns or remote communities in the jungles of Indonesia. It is the perfect plane for short bush hops in the remote African wilderness. It can fly five passengers and their luggage to remote bush lodges making the aircraft one of the most popular bush planes among companies operating bush charter flights for Safari tourists in Kenya, Namibia, and Botswana.

The 206H Stationair powerful 310 hp Lycoming engine can handle any load hauling task you throw at it. It is commonly referred to as the “sports utility of the air” due to the rugged and beefy undercarriage capable of absorbing impacts from rocky and uneven runways. And it can be rigged with floats or skis for water landings and snowy/icy terrain.

9. de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver

The de Havilland Beaver is an iconic Canadian bush plane that has been in service since 1947, and it is widely regarded as a 20th-century Canadian aviation engineering marvel. The DHC-2 Beaver is a perennial favorite of Canada’s bush pilots due to its enormous load-hauling capacity, gutsy performance, and impressive STOL capabilities.

The DHC-2 Beaver is the muscle plane of the skies. Its doors were designed to accommodate an oil drum. Over the years, scores of DHC-2 Beaver bush planes have delivered a diverse range of loads ranging from oil drums, construction equipment, medical supplies, All Terrain Vehicles, and camping gear to remote communities across Alaska, Northern Canada, and the Arctic.

The DHC-2T Turbo Beaver is a more powerful variant equipped with a 680hp Pratt & Whitney PT6A-27 turboprop engine for better performance and payload hauling (2,450Ib) capacity. DHC-2 Beaver’s undercarriage can be fitted with wheels, skis, or floats to suit changing weather conditions.

8. Cessna 208 Caravan

The Cessna 208 Caravan is one of the largest bush planes in production, and it is highly coveted among bush charter operators. It is easy to fall in love with this plane due to its vast payload capacity (8,785 Ib, 3,984.809 kg). Cessna 208 Caravans operating scheduled passenger flights can carry around eleven passengers with enough luggage space in its underbelly cargo pod and the left-side cargo hatch.

A primary advantage of the 208 Caravan bush plane interior is that it can be configured as a cargo compartment. Cessna also makes purpose-built freighter variants known as the 208B Cargomaster operated by FedEx.

7. de Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter

The DHC-6 Twin Otter bears de Havilland Canada’s hallmark of rugged reliability and longevity. The company ended production of the DHC-6 Otter in 1988. The bush plane’s impressive STOL performance alongside its exceptional amphibious capabilities, high climb rate, and the phenomenal pulling power of its twin turboprop engines warranted a comeback.

DHC-6 Twin Otters are very popular bush planes around the world. They can fly into remote parts of Northern Canada, Alaska, Papua New Guinea, Norway, the Antillies, and the Antarctic. Currently, the aircraft is manufactured by Viking Air which purchased Twin Otter’s type certificate and marketed the plane as the Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter. Currently, the aircraft is manufactured by Viking Air which bought Twin Otter’s type certificate and sells the plane as the Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter.

6. Pilatus PC-6 Porter

Although the production run of the Pilatus PC-6 Porter ended in 2019, the aircraft ranks among the most durable bush planes ever produced. For starters, it has impressive STOL  capabilities comparable only to rotorcraft.  It can land within 427 feet (130 m) of an airstrip, and it can take off within a distance of 640 feet (195 m), and there is more. In April 1960, a PC-6 prototype HB-FAN “yeti” with serial number 337 made a landing on the Dhaulagiri glacier in Nepal at an altitude of 18,865 feet (5,750 m). According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it was the highest landing of a fixed-wing aircraft.

PC-6 Porter pilots have described the aircraft’s flight attributes as surreal, and its handling characteristics are similar to that of a helicopter. During the Vietnam War, scores of PC-6 Porters operated hundreds of clandestine missions delivering troops and supplies to remote, high-altitude bases located on unprepared airstrips in the hot jungles of Southeast Asia.

5. Helio Courier

The Helios Courier may be a relatively obscure aircraft compared to the more popular Cessna 208 or the de Havilland Canada bush planes. It is a serious contender for the best bush plane of all time.

The Helio Courier is a military and civil patrol aircraft, a commercial passenger transport, a cargo delivery floatplane, and an essential lifeline for missionaries serving in isolated jungle outposts. The bush plane features an indestructible taildragger design which can be rigged with skis. Variants of the Helio Courier are a common sight over Alaskan skies, where the bush plane is considered by many as a guardian angel.

4. CubCrafters XCub

Ever since Piper introduced the Cub, the iconic yellow taildragger has stolen the hearts of many pilots. Many pilots have learned to fly on a Cub, but even more are eager to get their taildragger certificate to really start working on their stick and rudder coordination that’s so critical when flying a taildragger aircraft.

The Washington-based manufacturer CubCrafters built the XCub as a successor to the highly successful Carbon Cub. The company was founded in 1980 by Jim Richmond, who one day came back from a trip to Alaska, sold his home insulation business and decided to start rebuilding Cubs. CubCrafters was born.

After starting out as a business only rebuilding and modifying existing Cubs, the company later moved to building and certifying its own aircraft. With the FAA introducing the new Light Sport Aircraft class, CubCrafters introduced its 100 hp Sport Cub and later the 180 hp Carbon Cub SS. For people who prefer to buy the aircraft as a kit to assemble themselves, CubCrafters offers the Carbon Cub EX, a kit version of the Carbon Cub SS.

3. Cessna 185 Skywagon

The Cessna 185 Skywagon bush plane is everything you expect from a Cessna, an aircraft manufacturer renowned for making excellent bush planes. It fits into the small to medium-sized bush planes category, and it is suitable for flying large cargo to small remote airstrips. The 185 Skywagon can fly in and out of tight spots that larger bush planes can’t.

The aircraft features a taildragger undercarriage design that is an essential element for successful bush planes. The undercarriage can be fitted with skis or floats to increase the Skywagons versatility.

2. de Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter

Initially called “King Beaver” by de Havilland, the DHC-3 Otter is a larger and more powerful replacement to the successful DHC-2 Beaver. It is the design basis for the more popular DHC-6 Twin Otter. It is available in a single or twin-engine configuration, depending on the operator. 

The Otter is used for commercial passenger operations in Alaska and Canada. It has impressive STOL capabilities as the DHC-2 Beaver, making it a popular bush plane with military and civil defense operators. The Otter can be fitted with floats and skis for water landings and operating on snowy/icy terrain. Several bush pilots have described the Otter’s incredible range as a reason for preferring the aircraft over other bush planes.

1. Piper PA-18 Super Cub

The Piper PA_18 Super Cub is the dirt bike of bush planes, and if you have enough money to build a luxury fishing lodge beside a scenic mountain top lake, this is the best bush plane to get you there. The Super Cub may be one of the smallest bush planes, but it has a knack of landing in places where larger and more powerful planes dare not.

This bush plane is a STOL champ needing only 350 feet (106.8 m) distance to land or take off from virtually any surface, opening up the possibility of a quick trip into the most remote and unspoiled outlands. The Piper rugged undercarriage can be fitted with large tundra tires or a pair of floats to notch a landing on lakes, tundra benches, and gravel bars. You can add a couple of skis if you need to land on a glacier.

Honorable mention: DRACO

No bush plane drew bigger crowds at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2018 than DRACO, Mike Patey’s heavily modified PZL-104 Wilga. Patey swapped the original radial engine for a Pratt & Whitney PT6 turboprop and rebuilt much of the airframe for extreme STOL performance, turning a Polish utility plane into one of the most talked-about backcountry aircraft of its time. DRACO was destroyed in a takeoff accident in gusty winds at Reno-Stead in September 2021, but it remains a good example of how far the bush plane concept can be pushed.

What are Bush Planes?

Bush airplanes are small rugged airplanes purpose-built for flying into remote and undeveloped locations around the globe where there are no regular commercial flight services or airports and runways. Larger bush planes can seat around nineteen passengers for scheduled commercial passenger flight services.

The earliest use of bush planes was in 1919 when Canadian pilots began using war-surplus Curtiss HS-2L naval aircraft to map forests and fight wildfires. Since then, they have become an indispensable general aviation aircraft providing an all-season lifeline to communities in the Australian Outback, the African savanna, Northern Canada, Alaskan Tundra, Amazon rainforest, and New Zealand mountains.

Safety Considerations for Bush Flying

Bush flying can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience, but it also comes with unique safety concerns that must be taken seriously. As a bush pilot, your safety, and that of your passengers, should always be your top priority.

Weather Monitoring

Weather conditions can change quickly in remote areas, making it essential to stay up-to-date on the latest forecasts and updates. Before each flight, ensure you have checked multiple weather sources and have a clear understanding of any potential hazards, such as thunderstorms or high winds.

Emergency Equipment

When flying in remote areas, it’s crucial to have emergency equipment on board. This includes a first aid kit, emergency locator transmitter (ELT), and survival equipment such as blankets, water, and food. Ensure you are familiar with how to use all equipment and have it easily accessible in case of an emergency.

Survival Training

As a bush pilot, it’s essential to have survival training and skills to handle emergency situations. This can include knowledge of wilderness first aid, navigation, and survival techniques such as building a shelter or starting a fire.

Pre-Flight Inspections

Before every flight, conduct a thorough pre-flight inspection to ensure your aircraft is in good working condition. This includes checking fuel levels, tires, and all engine components. It’s also essential to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or corrosion, that could affect the aircraft’s performance.

Proper Training and Certification

To fly a bush plane safely, it’s essential to have the proper training and certification. This includes a commercial pilot’s license and a minimum number of flight hours, along with specialized training in bush flying techniques and safety procedures.

By following these safety considerations and procedures, you can minimize the risks associated with bush flying and enjoy a safe and successful adventure in the air.

Flying Techniques for Bush Pilots

While many of the features that make a bush plane the best option for bush flying are built into the aircraft’s design, some of the most critical elements will depend on the skill and experience of the pilot. Here are some flying techniques and skills that are crucial for every bush pilot to master:

Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) Techniques

A crucial aspect of bush flying is the ability to take off and land on short and unprepared runways. Pilots of the best bush planes must be able to execute short takeoffs, even on bumpy terrain, as well as control their landing in tight clearings or steep uphill or downhill slopes. To master these techniques, pilots will need to practice extensively and learn to analyze the terrain and wind conditions before attempting STOL maneuvers.

Navigating Tight Spaces

Bush flying often involves navigating in tight spaces, such as narrow river valleys, or between obstacles like tall trees or cliffs. Pilots must be aware of the wingspan and height of their aircraft and master the art of flying close to the terrain while avoiding collisions. They must also know how to execute tight turns with precision and confidence, especially in situations that demand sudden maneuvering.

Handling Rough Airstrips

Bush pilots must be able to handle rough airstrips, which often lack the smoothness and levelness of paved runways. Experience and skill in controlling the aircraft in choppy conditions will be critical to ensure a safe landing and takeoff. Pilots must learn to read the terrain, adjusting their speed and altitude to match the topography, and be prepared for any unexpected obstacles or sudden changes in wind direction.

Flying in Adverse Weather Conditions

Weather can be unpredictable in remote and rugged terrain, and bush pilots must know how to fly in adverse conditions, such as fog, rain, or wind gusts. Proper training and experience in taking off and landing in low visibility conditions can make all the difference in a successful flight. Pilots must also be familiar with weather forecasting and be prepared to alter their flight plans if conditions worsen.

Navigation and Communication

Navigation and communication skills are essential for safe and successful bush flying. Pilots must be able to navigate using a map and compass, as well as with GPS technology, and communicate effectively with air traffic controllers or other pilots, especially in situations where radio or cell phone communication may not be reliable. They must also be familiar with emergency procedures and know how to use survival equipment.

Mastering these crucial flying techniques will take time and practice, but it will ultimately make the difference between a safe and enjoyable bush flying adventure and a potentially dangerous or even life-threatening situation.

The Best Bush Plane Accessories and Modifications

When it comes to bush flying, having the right accessories and modifications can make all the difference. Here are some of the best options to take your bush plane to the next level:

Extended Fuel Tanks

Extended fuel tanks are a must-have for any long-haul bush flying adventure. With additional fuel capacity, you can extend your range and explore remote areas without worrying about refueling. There are many options on the market, from supplemental tanks that can be mounted inside the cabin to external tanks that can be attached to the wing struts. Make sure to choose a reputable manufacturer and have the tanks installed by a certified mechanic.

Advanced Avionics

Modern avionics systems can greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of your bush plane. From GPS navigation to weather radar and traffic avoidance systems, these technologies provide real-time information to help you navigate challenging conditions and avoid hazards. One popular option is the Garmin G1000 avionics suite, which integrates all critical flight information into a user-friendly display.

Cargo Adaptations

If you plan on using your bush plane for transporting cargo, there are several adaptations you can make to increase your payload capacity. Cargo pods can be mounted to the underbelly of the aircraft, while cargo nets and tie-downs can be installed inside the cabin to secure loose items. You can also consider removing unnecessary seats or modifying the interior to create additional storage space.

Performance Enhancements

There are many modifications you can make to your bush plane to improve its performance in challenging conditions. High lift wing designs, vortex generators, and flap systems can all increase your lift capacity, allowing you to take off and land on shorter runways. In addition, upgrading to a more powerful engine can provide greater thrust and improve your climb rate, enabling you to clear obstacles with ease.

Tip: When selecting accessories and modifications for your bush plane, it is important to balance performance with safety. Make sure any modifications are approved by the FAA and do not compromise the structural integrity of the aircraft.

With these accessories and modifications, you can optimize your bush plane for any adventure. Whether you’re exploring the backcountry or transporting vital supplies, these enhancements will help you get the job done safely and efficiently.