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How Many DC-3 Are Still Flying?
The Douglas Commercial 3 (DC-3) was one of the most mass-produced, well-engineered aircraft in history. Built to last, to land anywhere and never to break, Douglas churned out more than 11,000 of the type before and during World War II. But how many of these 80-year-old aircraft are still flying today? The 80-year old aircraft that will never die For an aircraft that was built before the Second World War, you’d be forgiven for assuming most would have been retired by now. So, imagine our… (www.msn.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
Fond memories of flying on Indian Airlines repurposed DC3 Dakotas in 1966-67. Used on the smaller domestic routes. Once on a multi stop point to point trip in Southern India, we all deplaned and had a sit down dinner, with pilots and cabin crew at the head table, cruise ship style!
yes I flew on one as a paratrooper I had 50 jumps
me as well, never landed in one.
That's actually quite funny! Your log book would have multiple take offs and zero landings!
Thanks for your service. Bill, USN (RET). 22 yrs.
Thanks for your service. Bill, USN (RET). 22 yrs.
My Dad (Capt Ed B) flew these for American and also in WW2 with Air Transport Command. I know he loved them.
In THailand they are owned by the military, not sure how many are still flying. One is parked at wing 41 in CNX (Chiang Mai) Northern Thailand and has not moved for many years.
Well, for 1930's technology it was certainly ahead of its time, however, as a new design you probably could not get it certified today. It could not even meet the criteria for climbing over a 100 ft. obstacle with an engine loss past V1. Because it might hold altitude at 5k on one engine with not too heavy a load, but, with any kind of decent load an engine loss at take off was going to end at the crash site. And engine reliability was always an issue. It also had a tendency to want to switch ends on you when on the ground, so you really had to watch it especially in cross winds. Unpressurized and wallowing around at low altitudes in bad weather would just about guarantee every single pax would throw up all over the place. The odor of gastric juices permeating every inch of the airplane. The daily afternoon convective weather in Florida was a real joy. Oh yes, the -3 was certainly an aircraft not soon forgotten!