Introducing the newest addition to the Plane Chains fleet, our secondofficial collaboration with Air Tindi: the legendary de Havilland Canada Dash 7 C-GCPY.
Crafted from the original aircraft skin of C-GCPY, this tag celebrates one of the most remarkable short takeoff and landing (STOL) airliners ever built. Manufactured in Canada in 1984 as MSN 101, this Dash 7 began its career with Newmans Air in New Zealand before continuing its journey with operators in the United Kingdom and Air Greenland. After decades of service across some of the world's most challenging flying environments, the aircraft found its final home with Air Tindi in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, in 2012.
From the rugged landscapes of New Zealand to the icy expanses of Greenland and the remote Canadian Arctic, C-GCPY's story is one of versatility, endurance, and adventure. Designed to operate from short and demanding runways, the Dash 7's four turboprop engines, exceptional low-speed handling, and legendary STOL capabilities made it ideally suited for connecting communities beyond the reach of conventional airliners.
Based in Yellowknife, Air Tindi has spent decades providing an essential lifeline to Northern Canada's most isolated communities, transporting passengers, freight, and vital supplies through some of the harshest conditions on Earth. C-GCPY proudly formed part of this legacy before being retired, bringing an extraordinary international flying career to a close in the Canadian North.
Each Plane Chain measures 3.6 cm × 8.8 cm, cut directly from the aircraft's authentic aluminum skin and finished with its original paint, unique character, and precision-engraved aircraft details.
A rare opportunity to own a piece of Canadian aviation heritage, preserving the remarkable journey of Dash 7 C-GCPY, from the skies of New Zealand and Greenland to the rugged wilderness of Canada's Northwest Territories.
ABOUT THIS AIRCRAFT
The de Havilland Canada Dash 7 was a groundbreaking STOL airliner designed to operate where most aircraft simply could not. Built to access short, remote, and often unprepared runways, the four-engine turboprop quickly earned a reputation for exceptional reliability, quiet performance, and unmatched short-field capability. With its distinctive high wing, large flaps, and four turboprops, the Dash 7 could carry passengers and cargo into challenging environments while maintaining impressive control and safety margins. Developed during an era when many communities around the world lacked long paved runways, the Dash 7 opened new possibilities for regional air travel and remote logistics. From mountainous terrain and island airstrips to gravel runways in the far north, the aircraft proved that strong engineering and thoughtful design could connect places once considered unreachable. More than just a regional turboprop, the Dash 7 became a symbol of rugged utility aviation—built for operators who needed performance, durability, and the ability to work day after day in the world’s most demanding conditions. Even decades after its introduction, the aircraft remains respected as one of the most capable STOL airliners ever built.
Our Aircraft’s Story
Engineered to conquer some of the world's most challenging flying environments, the de Havilland Canada Dash 7 is a four-engine STOL turboprop renowned for its exceptional short-field performance, rugged construction, and versatility. Designed and manufactured in Canada, the Dash 7 became an indispensable aircraft for operators serving remote communities and demanding destinations around the globe. Built in 1984 as MSN 101, C-GCPY began its career in New Zealand before continuing its journey through the United Kingdom and Greenland, eventually finding its home with Air Tindi in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. From the rugged landscapes of the Southern Hemisphere to the frozen wilderness of the Canadian Arctic, C-GCPY demonstrated the remarkable adaptability of the Dash 7. As part of Air Tindi's fleet, the aircraft helped connect isolated northern communities, carrying passengers and essential supplies across a region where aviation is not simply a convenience, but a lifeline.
Disclaimer
Plane Chains are crafted from the skin of a real aircraft. Scratches, dents, and other imperfections may be present on your Plane Chain. These imperfections are what make Plane Chains special, they are a testament to this Plane Chain's past life as a real airplane.
Product images seen online are meant as a reference only, the Plane Chain you receive is randomly selected and may not look exactly how it does online since no two Plane Chains are the same.
