Its STOL characteristics include leading edge fixed slats, flaps and drooping ailerons.

The right front and rear seats in the older version of the aircraft could be removed to accommodate two stretchers.

[citation needed] The 66H ("Hidro") variant replaced the fixed landing gear with pontoon floats for operation from bodies of water;[2] these could be exchanged for snow skis.

[citation needed] During the Yugoslav Wars some aircraft fell into Slovenian and Croatian hands.

[citation needed] Subsequently, a number were sold to Canada and the United States of America where they were converted for civilian use as rugged utility aircraft.