The striking red 1961 Dornier Do 28-A-1, nicknamed ‘Ruby’ [Credit: Art Eichmann]
Key Takeaways:
Per "Pepe" Anderas's meticulously restored 1961 Dornier Do 28-A-1, "Ruby," is a rare aircraft (one of two in the U.S.) that garnered significant attention at EAA AirVenture for its unique design and heritage.
The Dornier Do 28-A-1 is a versatile high-wing, twin-engine utility aircraft known for its robust construction, excellent short takeoff and landing (STOL) capabilities, and adaptability for operations on unimproved surfaces.
Anderas personally oversaw "Ruby's" five-month restoration, blending its classic Dornier cockpit with modern avionics while preserving its utilitarian character.
Anderas recently sold "Ruby" to fund the construction of the "Ruby Maternity and Pediatrics Wing" for a hospital in Burkina Faso, transforming his unique aircraft into a significant philanthropic contribution.
“What is that?”—and variations of the question—were heard repeatedly in the Vintage Aircraft area at EAA AirVenture 2025 whenever visitors caught sight of N841RS, a striking red 1961 Dornier Do 28-A-1.
One of only 60 built and just one of two currently in the U.S., the rare aircraft drew plenty of attention from curious aviators, according to proud owner Per “Pepe” Anderas.
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Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.
![The striking red 1961 Dornier Do 28-A-1, nicknamed ‘Ruby’ [Credit: Art Eichmann]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/FEA3_Dornier-1.jpeg)
