The de Havilland Otter was the first Canadian Armed Forces STOL Aircraft and was in service from 1953 to 1982. The Otter's low stalling speed, adaptability to floats, ski or wheel/skis enabled it to operate from small lakes as depicted here and made it particularly useful in the supply of Canada's northern military detachments. In addition, its manoeuverability and low stalling speed made it most effective in Search and Rescue operations and mercy missions.