N252TA Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N252TA's De Havilland DHC-3 cruises at 133 knots with a range of 820 nautical miles. The 1x P&W R-1340 Wasp (or PT6 upgrade) produce 600 hp. Turboprops deliver the lowest per-mile operating cost of any pressurized aircraft category.
Mission Profile
N252TA handles the missions where turboprop economics make sense: short legs, unpaved or short runways, and routing to airports that jets cannot reach. The De Havilland DHC-3's 10-seat cabin and 820 NM range cover these missions efficiently.
Charter Authorization
This De Havilland DHC-3 is authorized for charter under N252TA's Part 135 certificate. Turboprops deliver the private aviation experience at the lowest hourly cost. Contact us for a quote.
Insider Note
Turboprops remain the first choice for operations requiring unpaved runway access, cold-weather starts, and short-field performance. N252TA's De Havilland DHC-3 airframe is built for exactly these conditions.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
Registration N252TA is a 1958 helicopter held by TALON AIR SERVICE INC. This briefing covers the charter economics and operational context for this rotorcraft.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N252TA based in SOLDOTNA, AK. The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N252TA is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Mission Profile
Helicopter VIP transport serves the most time-sensitive passengers. Board at a Manhattan heliport, arrive at East Hampton 35 minutes later. Board at a Beverly Hills rooftop, arrive at a Malibu estate in 12 minutes. The helicopter serves the door-to-door promise that even private jets cannot fulfill.
When to Choose Something Else
Helicopters are wrong for weather-sensitive operations. Helicopters operate under VFR or IFR at low altitudes where weather impact is greatest. Icing, low ceilings, and visibility restrictions ground helicopters more frequently than jets operating at FL350+. For schedule-critical travel in all weather conditions, a fixed-wing jet provides better reliability.
Ownership & Operations
Operating costs for business jets break into fixed and variable categories. Fixed costs (hangar, insurance, crew salaries, management fees) accrue whether the aircraft flies or not. Variable costs (fuel, maintenance reserves, landing fees, handling) scale with flight hours. Owners flying fewer than 200 hours annually often find charter or fractional ownership more economical than whole aircraft ownership.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Total time on airframe and engines is the primary metric for aircraft valuation. Lower-time aircraft command premium pricing but cost more upfront. Higher-time aircraft offer lower acquisition cost but carry higher near-term maintenance exposure. The break-even analysis depends on planned utilization: buyers flying 400+ hours annually amortize acquisition cost faster and tolerate higher initial investment.
Charter Market Context
Jet card programs and membership plans lock in hourly rates for guaranteed availability. Cards typically require a $50,000 to $500,000 deposit and offer 24 to 48 hour booking windows with fixed hourly pricing. The value depends on usage frequency: clients flying 25+ hours annually benefit from rate certainty and guaranteed availability. Below 25 hours, on-demand charter often provides better economics.
N252TA Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N252TA
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Talon Air Service, Inc, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N252TA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | DEHAVILLAND |
| FAA Model | DHC-3 |
| Serial Number | 252 |
| Year | 1958 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Part 135 Operator | Talon Air Service, Inc |
| Owner (FAA) | TALON AIR SERVICE INC |
| Location | SOLDOTNA, AK |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 1x P&W R-1340 Wasp (or PT6 upgrade) |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | 133 ktas (LRC: 120 kts) |
| Approximate Range | 820 NM |
| Passengers | Up to 10 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N252TA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the DEHAVILLAND DHC-3
N252TA is a 1958 DEHAVILLAND DHC-3 registered in the United States. It carries serial number 252 and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 31 years.
N252TA is a DEHAVILLAND DHC-3. This model serves the turboprop segment of the business aviation market. DEHAVILLAND has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N252TA is registered to TALON AIR SERVICE INC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Soldotna, AK. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The De Havilland DHC-3 was produced from 1951-1967. The type was succeeded by the DHC-6 Twin Otter. This specific aircraft (N252TA) was manufactured in 1958.
The manufacturer serial number is 252.
N252TA is registered in SOLDOTNA, AK.
Yes. N252TA holds an active Part 135 certificate under Talon Air Service, Inc, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N252TA is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by Talon Air Service, Inc.
N252TA is a fixed wing single engine classified as a Turboprop.
The De Havilland DHC-3 has a maximum cruise speed of 133 knots. Long-range cruise is 120 kts. Maximum operating Mach number is 150 kts.
The DEHAVILLAND DHC-3 has an approximate range of 820 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of routes like New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, or Chicago to Atlanta. At a cruise speed of approximately 133 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The De Havilland DHC-3 seats up to 10 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 16.4 ft long, 5.2 ft wide, and 5.0 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
N252TA maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N252TA is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under Talon Air Service, Inc. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N252TA. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N252TA directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us about charter availability or acquisition. If this aircraft does not suit your needs, we have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.