05floatplanes.jpg

A Piston Beaver floatplane is shown departing Orcas Island, Washington.  The shape of a horseshoe, Orcas Island is located in the San Juan Island chain off the northern Washington coast.  The Island is a 30 to 45 minute flight from Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport.  It is home to an eclectic group of artisans and small businesses. Orcas’ diverse landscape of mountains, wooded countryside and spectacular vistas make it a popular destination for both day trips and extended vacations.
The Piston deHavilland Beaver is considered to be the most successful floatplane ever built. The Beaver, which seats 7 (a pilot and six passengers) and has a maximum cargo payload of 2000 pounds, also has a thick wing for maximum lift, a very sturdy structure and a 450 horsepower Pratt Whitney R-985 radial engine. The last Piston Beaver was made in 1967.

 

 

This page updated or reviewed in January 2010