Today marks the 90th anniversary of one of aviation’s most legendary aircraft. On December 17, 1935, the Douglas DC-3 took to the skies for the first time, forever changing commercial aviation and military airlift operations.
90 Years and Still Flying
Remarkably, more than 150 DC-3s remain airworthy today. The aircraft that revolutionized air travel in the 1930s continues to serve operators around the world, a testament to its rugged design and timeless engineering.
The DC-3 Society is marking this milestone with a week-long broadcast series featuring pilots, historians, and enthusiasts who keep the “Gooney Bird” flying. Today’s main event, “Wings of Legacy,” includes a screening of the award-winning documentary Into Flight Once More, narrated by Gary Sinise.
The Aircraft That Changed Everything
Before the DC-3, commercial air travel was expensive, uncomfortable, and often unreliable. The DC-3 changed all of that. Its 21-passenger capacity, reliable twin-engine design, and unprecedented range made profitable airline operations possible for the first time.
During World War II, the military version (designated C-47 Skytrain) became the backbone of Allied transport operations. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called it one of the four most important tools that won the war, alongside the bulldozer, jeep, and 2.5-ton truck.
Parts and Maintenance: A Living Legacy
Keeping DC-3s flying requires a dedicated community of mechanics, parts suppliers, and restoration specialists. Original parts are increasingly scarce, leading to a thriving market for PMA (Parts Manufacturer Approval) components and careful restoration of salvaged airframes.
The aircraft’s radial engines—typically Pratt & Whitney R-1830 Twin Wasps—require specialized knowledge that fewer mechanics possess each year. Organizations like the DC-3 Society work to preserve this expertise through training programs and documentation efforts.
What’s Next
The DC-3 Society has launched a $19,350 fundraising campaign (a nod to 1935) to support preservation efforts and educational programs. Their goal: ensuring the DC-3 continues inspiring future generations of aviators and aviation enthusiasts.
As we celebrate 90 years of the DC-3, the aircraft stands as proof that great engineering transcends generations. Here’s to the next chapter in the remarkable story of aviation’s most enduring workhorse.