N603DA Aircraft Overview
N603DA is a DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK III registered in the United States with serial number on file. Turboprop aircraft combine the reliability of turbine engines with the fuel economy of propeller-driven flight, making them the preferred platform for short-haul operations and unpaved-strip access. The registered owner holds the certificate as a llc entity based in Homer, AK. The aircraft received its FAA airworthiness certificate on Jul 7, 2022, maintaining continuous certification for 3 years.While slower than jets on longer legs, turboprops are more fuel-efficient on missions under 500 nautical miles. The aircraft operates effectively at altitudes up to 45,000 feet.
Mission Profile
Midsize jets serve missions where runway access matters more than speed: rural airstrips, mountain airports, island operations, and routes under 600 miles where the time difference versus a jet is marginal.
Charter Authorization
N603DA operates under a Part 135 certificate held by Northwind Aviation, LLC, authorizing on-demand charter operations. Contact us for availability and routing.
Insider Note
Turboprops burn roughly 40% less fuel per hour than comparable light jets. On legs under 400 miles, the total trip time difference is often less than 20 minutes once you factor in taxi, climb, and descent. The cost savings can be substantial over a year of regular flying.
Charter & Acquisition Briefing
N603DA, a 1957 helicopter under DESTINATION ALASKA AIR SERVICE LLC, represents the vertical flight segment of aviation. Below is the operational and market context.
Fleet Position
Over 10,000 helicopters are on active U.S. registrations. FAA data shows N603DA based in HOMER, AK. The U.S. helicopter fleet serves EMS, offshore oil and gas, law enforcement, utility, VIP transport, and flight training. Maintenance infrastructure is extensive, with turbine helicopter service available at most major airports.
Charter Availability
N603DA is Part 135 charter authorized. Helicopter charter rates range from $1,500 to $8,000 per flight hour depending on type and configuration. VIP helicopter charter serves urban transfers (Manhattan to JFK in 8 minutes), resort access, and event transportation where ground travel times exceed 2 hours.
Mission Profile
Helicopters serve point-to-point missions between 10 and 300 nautical miles. Manhattan heliport to Teterboro Airport in 8 minutes. Downtown Los Angeles to Van Nuys in 12 minutes. Resort to resort along coastlines with no airport required. The helicopter eliminates ground transfer time entirely.
When to Choose Something Else
Pass on helicopters if noise sensitivity matters. Helicopters produce significantly more noise than fixed-wing aircraft, and many communities restrict helicopter operations with curfews and flight path limitations. Verify local helicopter restrictions before committing to regular operations.
Ownership & Operations
Aircraft management companies handle the operational complexity of jet ownership. They provide crew, maintenance tracking, regulatory compliance, insurance, and hangar coordination. Management fees run $8,000 to $25,000 per month depending on aircraft size. For owners who fly 100 to 300 hours annually, professional management reduces risk and administrative burden while maintaining access to Part 135 charter revenue.
Pre-Purchase Considerations
Engine program enrollment significantly affects aircraft value and operating economics. Programs like Rolls-Royce CorporateCare, Pratt & Whitney Eagle Service Plan, and Honeywell MSP spread major engine costs into predictable hourly rates. Aircraft enrolled in these programs command 10 to 20% higher resale values than non-enrolled equivalents because buyers avoid the risk of unbudgeted engine overhauls.
Charter Market Context
The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft from a network of vetted Part 135 operators. We do not own aircraft. This broker model ensures clients see competitive options across multiple operators rather than being limited to a single fleet. Pricing transparency comes from comparing 3 to 5 operator quotes on every request. The client sees all options and chooses based on aircraft, price, and operator quality.
N603DA Aircraft Intelligence
Cross-referenced from FAA Registry, Part 135 operator database, and live ADS-B telemetry.
Inquire About N603DA
This aircraft operates under an active FAA Part 135 certificate with Northwind Aviation, LLC, making it legally authorized for on-demand charter. Contact us to check current availability and book your flight.
Contact UsDetailed Specifications
Aircraft Identity
| Registration | N603DA |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | DEHAVILLAND |
| FAA Model | DHC 2 MK III |
| Serial Number | 1161 |
| Year | 1957 |
| Aircraft Type | Fixed wing single engine |
| Category | Mid Jet |
| Part 135 Operator | Northwind Aviation, LLC |
| Owner (FAA) | DESTINATION ALASKA AIR SERVICE LLC |
| Location | HOMER, AK |
Performance & Capabilities
| Engines | 2× Single |
|---|---|
| Cruise Speed | ~160 knots (~184 mph) |
| Approximate Range | ~800 nautical miles |
| Passengers | Up to 2 |
| Registration Status | Valid (FAA) |
| Charter Status | Part 135 Authorized |
| D085 Listing | Active |
Frequently Asked Questions About N603DA
16 questions answered about this aircraft and the DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK III
N603DA is a 1957 DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK III registered in the United States. It carries serial number 1161 and is classified as a Mid Jet in the private aviation market. The aircraft has maintained continuous airworthiness for 3 years.
N603DA is a DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK III. This model serves the midsize jet segment of the business aviation market. DEHAVILLAND has a well-established support network for this airframe.
N603DA is registered to DESTINATION ALASKA AIR SERVICE LLC according to FAA records. The registrant is based in Homer, AK. Registration data is sourced from the FAA Aircraft Registry and may not reflect recent ownership transfers.
The Cessna Citation III was produced from 1983-1992. The type was succeeded by the Citation VII. This specific aircraft (N603DA) was manufactured in 1957.
The manufacturer serial number is 1161.
N603DA is registered in HOMER, AK.
Yes. N603DA holds an active Part 135 certificate under Northwind Aviation, LLC, meaning it is legally authorized for on-demand charter operations. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability.
N603DA is operated under the Part 135 certificate held by Northwind Aviation, LLC.
N603DA is a fixed wing single engine classified as a Mid Jet.
The Cessna Citation III has a maximum cruise speed of 480 knots. Long-range cruise is 440 kts. At these speeds, a three-hour flight covers approximately 1440 nautical miles, connecting most major city pairs within its range envelope.
The DEHAVILLAND DHC 2 MK III has an approximate range of 800 nautical miles. This translates to nonstop coverage of routes like New York to Miami, Dallas to Denver, or Chicago to Atlanta. At a cruise speed of approximately 160 knots, total block times remain competitive for the category.
The Cessna Citation III seats up to 9 passengers in a typical charter configuration. The cabin measures 18.3 ft long, 5.5 ft wide, and 5.7 ft tall. The cabin accommodates productive work or rest on flights of typical duration.
N603DA maintains a valid registration status with the FAA and is listed on the D085 Part 135 Aircraft Listing.
N603DA is listed on the FAA D085 Part 135 database under Northwind Aviation, LLC. This confirms the aircraft is authorized for on-demand charter. Availability depends on the operator's schedule and positioning. Contact The Jet Finder to check current availability for this specific aircraft or similar models.
Contact The Jet Finder for acquisition inquiries regarding N603DA. Our advisory team handles both on-market and off-market transactions.
You can verify N603DA directly on the FAA Aircraft Registry.
From Your First Mission to Your Final Acquisition
Contact us about charter availability or acquisition. If this aircraft does not suit your needs, we have access to more than 15,000 private aircraft worldwide.