It is a rare feat in the annals of aviation for an aircraft to remain in operation long after its brethren have been consigned to museums. Yet, the Douglas DC-3, a testament to the innovative spirit and engineering prowess of a bygone era, continues to soar through the skies 85 years following its maiden flight.

The DC-3, a remarkable creation of the Douglas Aircraft Company, first took to the skies on December 17, 1935, sharing its anniversary with the pioneering Wright Flyer.

This propeller-driven marvel was not just any aircraft; it revolutionized air travel in the 1930s, set a new standard in passenger comfort, and served valiantly during the Second World War.

More than 16,000 DC-3s and C-47s were built, with additional licensed production by the Soviet Union and Japan. Today, it’s been reported that 172 of these venerable planes remain active, finding homes in commercial service, freight transport, scientific research, and pleasure flights.

According to Michael Prophet, a DC-3 enthusiast and data gatherer, one can still see the DC-3s in action in the rugged terrains of northern Canada and remote villages of Colombia’s interior. Despite the passage of time, these aircraft are still “the most sensible, economical and mechanically solid vehicle to land on a dirt strip.”

The United States, Canada, and Colombia host the largest contingents of these flying legends. Buffalo Airways in Canada operates one of the few DC-3s left, hauling cargo over inaccessible terrains, demonstrating the aircraft’s enduring utility in demanding environments.

The DC-3’s longevity is attributed to its robust, unpressurised design, which spared it from the fatigue induced by pressurisation cycles. Maintenance may not be inexpensive, but it’s feasible. “It costs £100,000 a year just to maintain it,” said Mike Woodley, CEO of Aces High.

However, parts are surprisingly available. “They made more DC-3s than all other airliners in the world put together,” he added.

For those who appreciate a blend of history and innovation, the DC-3’s story does not end with transport. The Basler BT-67, a modernized incarnation equipped with turboprop engines, demonstrates the DC-3’s adaptability.

Around 90% of the original aircraft is replaced in this conversion, offering a “zero accumulated fatigue aircraft,” according to Rob Kincaid of Basler Turbo Conversions. The new variant holds promise for various military applications and scientific research, extending the DC-3’s legacy into the 21st century.

In The Netherlands, the Dutch Dakota Association maintains a DC-3 that boasts an impressive wartime legacy and now delights with pleasure flights.

Feije Jaski, the foundation chairman, spoke of the aircraft’s “added historical value” for the Dutch, emphasizing its connection to pivotal wartime operations and royal history.

On the other side of the world, Columbia’s air force has repurposed their DC-3s for roles such as anti-narcotics patrols, adapting to the country’s evolving needs. Their use as gunships during a long-standing conflict has given way to more peaceful pursuits.

The DC-3’s service record is not without its blemishes; the inevitable crashes have occurred, but so too have instances of ‘new’ aircraft being discovered and restored to their former glory. It seems, the DC-3 community is both protective and nurturing, as enthusiasts and experts like Prophet and the teams at Basler Turbo Conversions continue to discover and revive these old souls.

As Michael Prophet succinctly puts it, “As long as you keep parts well-oiled, replace cylinders and have all the tubing regularly maintained, why not?” This sentiment encapsulates the enduring spirit of the DC-3—a plane that refuses to fade into the annals of history, continuing to challenge our perceptions of what it means to be truly ageless in the fast-evolving world of aviation.

Relevant articles:
– The immortal DC-3, Royal Aeronautical Society
– Here’s Why The Douglas DC-3 Is Still Flying After Almost 90 Years, SlashGear
– The plane that won’t quit: celebrating the Douglas DC-3., gardenofmemory.net
– Douglas DC-3: still getting the job done 89 years later, Airborne ECS