Like the Do 27, the Dornier Do 28 possessed a high cruising speed, excellent low-speed handling characteristics, as well as very short takeoff and landing (STOL) performance.

With many of the same STOL characteristics, most Do 28 production was destined for military customers, notably Germany, although a small number were in service for commercial operators as a rugged, low-cost utility transport.

The first flight of a Do 28D took place on 23 February 1966[4] and the type was publicly exhibited at the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget airport in June 1967.

Instead of the Lycoming piston engines, Gál had two Walter M601-D2 and now its derivative General Electric H75 turboprop, modified three-blade AVIA propellers and a skydiving kit installed by Aerotech Slovakia on seven planes.

Although CAA, Hungary's aviation authorities, instantly certified the conversion, the JAA-certification could not be applied for before 2007, due to certification restrictions on the engines.

In 2008, there have been six planes flying in Europe, all of them Hungarian registered, mainly at dropzones in Soest, Germany, Target Skysports, Hibaldstow in the United Kingdom, Algarve (Portugal) and Seville (Spain).

A total of 121 Dornier Do 28D-2s were built between 1971 and 1974 at Oberpfaffenhofen for the Bundeswehr (German Federal Armed Forces) where they replaced aging Percival Pembrokes.

20 aircraft were transferred to the Marineflieger, 10 served from 1978 in the maritime reconnaissance role, additional underwing fuel tanks were fitted for extended endurance (see photo).