N491K Aircraft Overview
Performance Profile
N491K operates in the turboprop segment where efficiency and airport access matter more than speed. The De Havilland DHC-3 covers 820 NM at 133 knots behind 1x P&W R-1340 Wasp (or PT6 upgrade) producing 600 hp.
Mission Profile
The De Havilland DHC-3 seats up to 10 passengers in a cabin measuring 16.4 ft long, 5.2 ft wide, and 5.0 ft tall. N491K operates where efficiency and short-field capability take priority over speed.
Charter Authorization
N491K holds Part 135 authorization. Turboprop charter rates are the most accessible in private aviation. Reach out to discuss this aircraft or alternatives.
Insider Note
The De Havilland DHC-3's operating cost at $800-$1,500 per hour is roughly half of a comparable light jet. N491K's operator benefits from this economy on every flight. For charter clients, it means private aviation at a price point closer to first-class commercial.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
Registration N491K is a 1962 helicopter held by KATMAI AIR LLC. 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 N491K based in ANCHORAGE, 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
N491K 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.
Market Position
As a 1962 airframe, N491K is a classic helicopter. Pre-owned values sit at $200K to $1.5M. Classic helicopters remain operationally viable when properly maintained. Turbine engine overhaul programs provide continued support, and the large installed base ensures parts availability.
Pre-buy focus: turbine engine condition (overhaul costs range from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on engine type), transmission and gearbox status, dynamic component times, and corrosion inspection results.
Mission Profile
Optimized for missions where vertical takeoff and landing capability is essential. EMS programs save lives by reaching accident scenes and hospitals directly. Offshore operators service platforms hundreds of miles from shore. Law enforcement provides aerial surveillance that ground units cannot replicate.
When to Choose Something Else
Skip helicopters for routes over 200 nm. At 130 to 170 knots, helicopters take twice as long as light jets over 200+ mile routes. For distances exceeding 150 miles, a combination of helicopter transfer plus fixed-wing jet provides the fastest door-to-door time.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft ownership in the United States falls under FAA registration requirements. Every U.S.-registered aircraft carries an N-number that links to public records including owner name, address, airworthiness date, and certificate type. The FAA Aircraft Registry maintains this data and updates it as aircraft change hands. Prospective buyers use these records to verify ownership history, lien status, and maintenance compliance before committing to an acquisition.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Avionics modernization drives both capability and market value. Aircraft with legacy analog instruments trade at significant discounts to those with modern glass cockpits (Garmin G5000, Collins Pro Line Fusion, Honeywell Primus Epic). ADS-B Out compliance is now mandatory in U.S. controlled airspace. Buyers should factor avionics upgrade costs into their acquisition budget when evaluating older airframes.
Charter Market Context
Empty leg pricing offers 25 to 75% discounts on published charter rates. These opportunities arise when an aircraft needs to reposition from a drop-off point back to base or to the next pickup location. The tradeoff is schedule inflexibility: departure time, date, and route are fixed by the operator's existing itinerary. The Jet Finder maintains an empty leg alert system for frequent charter clients.
N491K Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N491K
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with KATMAI AIR, LLC, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N491K |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | DEHAVILLAND |
| FAA Model | DHC-3 |
| Serial Number | 434 |
| Year | 1962 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Turboprop |
| Part 135 Operator | KATMAI AIR, LLC |
| Owner (FAA) | KATMAI AIR LLC |
| Location | ANCHORAGE, 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 N491K
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the DEHAVILLAND DHC-3
N491K is a 1962 DEHAVILLAND DHC-3 registered in the United States. It carries serial number 434 and is classified as a turboprop in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 29 years.
N491K 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.
N491K is registered to KATMAI AIR LLC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Anchorage, 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 (N491K) was manufactured in 1962.
The manufacturer serial number is 434.
N491K is registered in ANCHORAGE, AK.
Yes. N491K holds an active Part 135 certificate under KATMAI AIR, LLC, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N491K is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by KATMAI AIR, LLC.
N491K 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.
N491K maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N491K is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under KATMAI AIR, LLC. 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 N491K. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N491K 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.