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Between 1937 and 1964, some 9,000 Beech 18s were built for the military and civilian markets, making it one of the most successful general utility aircraft ever produced.

Although it has been replaced by newer types in many applications, the aircraft remains a rugged and reliable money maker.A ready availability of parts and expertise means smaller airliners can reap great benefits with the Beech 18, and in this 37 minute JetFlix TV feature video presentation, Pacific Seaplanes’ President Randy Hanna charts the history of this great aircraft, and then explains the operational benefits that his company enjoys from using the type in passenger and freight operations on BC’s west coast.

Randy Hanna explains how the Beech 18 military variants were retired from the US and Canadian military services and went on to find new lives in the civilian markets in the 1960s and 1970s. It was the Bristol designed float kit for the Beech 18 (which was installed by Field Aviation in the 1960s on some sixty Beech 18s) that really gave the type an enhanced appeal, specially to Canadian bush operators in North Western Ontario, and of course the history that then followed made the Beech 18 on floats an aviation legend.

The economics of the Beech 18 stem from low acquisition costs and relatively low operating costs, and the proven power plants. It is a straight forward aircraft to maintain and a cooperative aircraft to fly, and with half the payload capability of a Twin Otter at a fraction of the cost, the Beech 18 remains popular with specialist airlines and passengers alike.

RandyHanna explains how he selected the Beech 18 for his airline, Pacific Seaplanes (which is based at Quennel Lake near Nanaimo Airport on Vancouver Island), and his long term interest in the aircraft. For anyone interested in classic bush planes, float planes, and of course the Beech 18, this is a must-view video. We thank Randy Hanna for his time and cooperation and wish him nothing but the very best of luck with his future endeavours with his airline and the wonderful Beech 18.

Be sure to watch episode 1 and episode 2 of this three part mini series on the Beech 18, where we take you along in the cockpit for flights on the Pacific Seaplanes Beech 18 on floats between Quennel Lake on Vancouver Island and Vancouver Airport’s float base on the banks of the Fraser River.