Dornier Do 27

Single Piston

The Dornier Do 27 is a rugged single-engine STOL utility aircraft that emerged from post-war Germany in the 1950s as one of the first significant aviation projects after Allied manufacturing restrictions were lifted. Designed by Claudius Dornier Jr., it combined exceptional short-field performance with the ability to operate from unprepared strips, making it ideal for bush flying, military liaison, and humanitarian missions across Africa, Asia, and remote regions worldwide. The Do 27 featured a high wing, fixed tailwheel landing gear, and a distinctive reverse-gull wing design that provided excellent visibility and ground clearance. Powered originally by a Lycoming GO-480 flat-six engine producing 270 horsepower, the type could take off in under 600 feet and land in even less, capabilities that made it a favorite for missionary work and remote operations throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Over 600 were built between 1955 and 1965, with the Luftwaffe and Spanish Air Force operating significant fleets. The type saw service in more than 20 countries and earned a reputation for reliability in harsh conditions. Today, surviving Do 27s are prized by warbird collectors and bush operators, with some receiving turbine conversions that dramatically improve performance while preserving the aircraft's legendary STOL characteristics. SkyMeter has tracked 4 flights across 1 airframes and 1 operators, with TURBINE MOTOR CONVERSIONS LLC the largest observed operator.