Douglas aircraft models

Douglas aircraft in the FAA registry

Douglas aircraft remain a significant presence in the United States aviation landscape. The Douglas Aircraft Company was an American aerospace and defense company based in Southern California. Donald Wills Douglas Sr. founded the firm in 1921, and it merged with McDonnell Aircraft in 1967 to form McDonnell Douglas. Today, the legacy of that manufacturer is visible in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) registry, where users can look up specific planes by N-number or model.

As of October 16, 2026, the FAA registry lists 305 aircraft under the manufacturer name "DOUGLAS." These registrations cover 80 distinct models, with 299 valid registrations currently on file. The fleet is heavily weighted toward older airframes; most were built between 1936 and 1980, and half were constructed in 1944 or earlier. The majority are fixed-wing multi-engine aircraft, totaling 276, while 29 are fixed-wing single-engine planes. Powerplants vary across the registry, including 198 reciprocating engines, 76 turboprops, 23 turbojets, and 8 turbofans. In terms of airworthiness, 169 hold standard class certificates, 38 are experimental, and 26 are limited.

Geographic distribution shows Texas and Alaska leading with 39 registrations each, followed by Florida with 30. The DC-3 family dominates the registry. The DC3C model accounts for 36 aircraft, built between 1942 and 1958 with a 32-seat capacity. The standard DC3 follows with 32 aircraft, built from 1937 to 1952. The DC3C-S1C3G variant has 30 registered units, with production spanning 1940 to 1987. Other notable models include the DC3A with 13 registrations and the A-26B with 11.

Type certificate data sheets (TCDS) provide technical specifications for these airframes. For instance, TCDS A-669, held by The Boeing Company, covers the DC3C-S1C3G model. TCDS TCS L-3, held by P. V. Shields, applies to the A-26B. Each registered aircraft has a specific record by N-number, allowing buyers and spotters to verify details for these enduring American designs.

Figures from the FAA registry file as of Oct 16, 2026. Company background: Wikipedia, Douglas Aircraft Company.