Douglas Aircraft

2 used Douglas aircraft listings · $819,514–$819,514 · last refreshed 5 hours ago

About Douglas Aircraft Company

Douglas Aircraft Company (later McDonnell Douglas, now part of Boeing) produced some of aviation's most iconic aircraft including the DC-3, DC-6, and DC-10. On the used market, Douglas aircraft range from classic piston transports to turbine conversions. The DC-3/C-47 remains one of the most recognized aircraft in history, with many still flying commercially and privately.

Douglas Aircraft Price & Cost

How much does a Douglas aircraft cost? Current pricing for used Douglas aircraft (also known as Douglas choppers or Douglas helis) is broken down per model in the table below — covering acquisition price, hourly operating cost and overhaul cost.

Type Model Used price range Op cost / hr Annual fixed Overhaul cost Listings for sale
Warbirds $819,514–$819,514 2

The cost of a Douglas aircraft depends on model, year, hours flown, avionics and condition. See operating costs and pre-buy checklist in the About section, or open a specific model page for a detailed price guide.

Douglas Models

Douglas Models — Specifications

Model spec
Model Years Seats Cruise Range Useful load Listings for sale
1951–1956 1 2

Frequently Asked Questions — Douglas

Can you still buy and fly a Douglas DC-3?

About 150 DC-3s remain flying worldwide as of 2023, making them available but increasingly rare. Over 16,000 were built (including military C-47s), and the massive production run means spare parts are still relatively available. The DC-3 remains the ideal aircraft for reaching remote villages on dirt strips where nothing else can operate. Prices vary enormously based on condition and configuration.

How much does it cost to operate a DC-3?

Operating a DC-3 is expensive — annual maintenance alone runs approximately $100,000+. The twin Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial engines (1,200 HP each) consume significant fuel at 207 mph cruise. Crew requirements (two pilots minimum), hangar costs for the 65-foot wingspan, and specialized radial engine mechanics add up. Despite the costs, the DC-3's ability to carry 6,000 lbs of cargo from unprepared strips keeps it working in regions where modern alternatives are impractical.

Is a DC-3 a good warbird investment?

The DC-3/C-47 is arguably the most historically significant transport aircraft ever built — it revolutionized commercial aviation in the 1930s and served as the backbone of Allied logistics in WWII. Clean examples with documented history command premium prices and are featured at every major airshow. The investment case depends on finding an airframe with manageable maintenance needs and a strong logbook. Operating costs ensure only committed owners keep them flying.

Douglas Inventory by Country

United States 5
Australia 1
France 1

Recently Sold Douglas

1952 AD-4 Skyraider $795,000
1960 A-4C Skyhawk $495,000
Prices updated daily · Data: FAA Registry, NTSB · About our data