Update 2025

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The Norseman Festival is less than a week away! Here are updated lists on the status of 62 Norseman in the world. Some appear on both lists and can range from a wreck or replica to airshow competition quality.

Note that about 80 Norseman or 9% of the 903 total built are thought to still exist as long as it is recognizable as a Norseman! So in general terms if it does not show up here, the aircraft has been de-registered from the Canadian active to the historical registry and is deteriorating after an accident or simply withdrawn from service and used as a parts source. Sometimes it gets difficult on where to “draw the lines.”

If a Norseman is owned by a museum it will be on the museum list regardless of the condition. That said, the biggest changes from last year relate to the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada. This organization has completed a few deals to become a major Norseman owner/operator, parts and information resource.

For those who keep track of old airplanes I welcome any input and my contact information is in the PDF documents. Click on the following links;

AIRWORTHY NOORDUYN NORSEMAN as of 1 July 2025 Page 1 of 3

NOORDUYN NORSEMAN in MUSEUMS

If a few more Norseman become active airworthy in the years ahead the type could overtake the mighty DC-3/C-47 considering percentage flying of the total built! Personally I think this has already occurred because almost half of the DC-3’s flying in 2025 are significantly modified turboprop powered versions.

Europe Tour

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Gleaming in new paint, UC-64, Noorduyn serial 365 now wears its USAAF serial 35374 (43-5374).

A quick trip to Europe provided an opportunity to see progress with the three Norseman (plus one static) that are being restored to their warbird identities and perhaps one day will fly together at an airshow! More precisely, LN-TSN in Norway was restored about nine years ago and flying until the COVID years and a needed engine overhaul grounded it to the present. This Norseman was the only airworthy example on the continent although with the other two located in the Netherlands coming together it is an exciting time for a Norseman enthusiast. The aircraft’s designer, Robert Noorduyn was from the Netherlands and this is the connection with the airplanes.

35374’s nicely organized and clean cockpit looking very original.

After a road trip from the paint shop, 35374 is unloaded at its new home, Lelystad airport.

The other Netherlands Norseman is also located at Lelystad airport although in the Aviodrome museum at the east end of the airfield. This long term project is slowly working out the electrical wiring and continues sourcing for authentic parts in a quest for a “factory fresh” UC-64 Norseman.

Noorduyn serial 774 at the Aviodrome. USAAF serial 44-70509.

The next stop was at the Norwegian Armed Forces Aircraft Collection, Gardermoen airport located north of Oslo, Norway. The collection has a Mk IV, Noorduyn serial 64 on static display in the colours of the Royal Norwegian Air Force when it was in service during the 1950s. This Norseman was originally RCAF 2491 until transferred to Norway through mutual aid.

Mk IV serial 64, R AV. Note ski gear positioned by main wheel.

Lastly, in the maintenance bay of the collection LN-TSN, Noorduyn serial 780 is awaiting final installation of the overhauled R-1340 piston radial engine. It is hoped this UC-64/USAAF serial 44-70515 will be back in the air before the end of summer. Note that LN-TSN came off the line only 6 numbers after the Aviodrome’s.

The engine on the stand needs some adjustment to fit properly.

Beautifully restored LN-TSN is owned by the Norwegian Aviation Museum and operated for them by the Norwegian Spitfire Foundation.