The Otter

1957 de Havilland DHC-3 Otter
2001 turbine conversion

This is one of the world’s premier bush planes, and the craft Paul flew on Discovery Channel’s “Alaska Experiment,” where he was featured as the wilderness survival expert.

This de Havilland DHC-3 Otter was built in 1957, but the entire plane has been rebuilt more than once. In 2001 it was one of the first to be converted to a more powerful 1000 horsepower turbine engine, a modification that makes it a much more powerful ride.

The Otter is the closest thing in the Claus family to a Hummer. It seats ten comfortably, with headsets and stunning views to shuttle up and down the river. Or take the seats out and get down to business. Those big leather chairs in the lodge? They came up the Chitina in the Otter. That cozy wrought-iron stove in your cabin? That too.