Welcome to Dakota Norway

Norway's only flying DC-3

Flights for the 2024 season - click here
Here you get a full overview of all our flights in 2024, you can also download the calendar directly to your calendar.

latest news

the foundation
dakota norway

Dakota Norway is a non-commercial foundation with one purpose: To keep the Dakota aircraft with Norwegian registration LN-WND in airworthy condition.

The aircraft is a military passenger aircraft version of the DC-3, an aircraft type that flew for the first time on December 17, 1935. LN-WND is a C-53D-DO, begun construction in 1942. It was taken over and accepted by the US Army Air Force on June 28, 1943. The aircraft was delivered to the US 8th Air Force in the UK on October 8, 1943, and the following year was part of the massive fleet of aircraft that was an essential part of the invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

In the fall of 1944, the aircraft was used as a "private plane" for the Deputy Commander of the Allied Air Forces in Europe, Major General Ralph D. Royce, and was essentially flown by Captain Wendell Buckhiester of the US Air Force.

fly with the dakota

Dakota Norway has the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority's approval to operate LN-WND and allow the public to take part in adventure flights. The purpose of these is to allow anyone who wishes to experience the history of aviation by flying an old aircraft.

Presenting the DC-3

Here you can watch the movie presentation of LN-WND in its entirety. 

Film by: Knut Åshammer

Latest articles and announcements

Commemorative marking on the plane

In connection with the fact that two of our most active contributors have unfortunately passed away this winter and spring, the board of Dakota Norway, after input from DC-3 captain Stig Rune Håvardstun, has decided to have a celebration in honor of Alf Egil and Kristian on the fuselage....

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In memory of Kristian Helgesen

When the Dakota at Torp starts the 2011 season in a few days' time, there will be a void that will be difficult to fill for the volunteers who keep the veteran aircraft in the air. Our technical coordinator for many years, Kristian Helgesen, died on the night of April 29, aged 66. Read more...

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Alf Egil Johannessen in memory

It's the summer of 1955: Flesland Airport opens, and a toddler is lined up in front of a DC 3 Dakota and photographed by an airplane-enthusiastic father who has dragged the boy along to the ceremony. Alf Egil Johannessen was probably without a chance right from childhood. He was...

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Painting by Dakotaen

Aviator and painter Einar Sætherbø has painted this picture of LN-WND. Numbered and signed reproductions can be purchased in the format 67 x 80 cm for 900,- (unframed) and for 2100,- (w/maritime frame with brass fittings on the edges). Send an e-mail to webmaster@dakotanorway.no for...

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D-Day Doll, LN-WND's "sister"

Dakota Norway's C-53D "Skytrooper" 42-68823 har en "søster" i California, 42-68830. Mens vårt fly er ombygget til en DC-3 med passasjerkabin, er "830" ombygget til militærversjon fra krigens dager. Videoen tar dere med på en liten flytur i dette flyet som bærer navnet...

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Join us on the most beautiful adventure of the summer

The Dakota Norway Foundation is volunteerism, dedication and passion. Join us on a trip and fly with us! You can also become a member, support us and get benefits.