Why the DC-3 Continues to Fly Decades After WWII

Tens of years after its service in WWII, the DC-3 continues to be used with distinction, now for civil aviation. Two reasons: its affordability and reliability.

From: PLANES THAT CHANGED THE WORLD: DC-3

[mutexnet]

DC3 = work of art. It's beautiful

[dougspencer]

A worthy fact to note here: According to the FAA there has never been a single in flight air frame failure for the DC3. That's quite a testimate for this grand old flying machine!!

[merk]

In the late 80’s I was flying to the Bahamas for the first time with a small group of people. When we arrived at the airport in S. Florida and I saw this old, old- fashioned airplane we were going to be taking, my heart dropped to my feet. I expressed my dismay and the man I was with was like. “Are you kidding? This is the safest plane we could take!” I learned a lot about them when I returned home and am happy I got to experience that piece of history. My dad, a deceased aviation jet mechanic of the US Navy, would have been proud!

[ddddddddddd]

When an aircraft not just outlives its pilots but even the company which built it

[Sacto]

The Douglas DC-3 was revolutionary because it was arguably the very first large-scale production all-metal airliner that used modern monocoque structural design and was extensively wind-tunnel tested. As such, the DC-3 was in 1936 arguably one the most advanced planes in the world, period.

[EasternExplorer]

The only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3

[eziomattassi]

I fell in love with the DC3 the first time I saw one, immediately it inspired confidence and strengh. We flew from Santiago, Chile to Patagonia and back so many times, for 20 years of my life. Nothing can replace the DC3.

[krashunburn]

It is still flying possibly because it is one of the most perfectly designed airplanes of all time? Douglas got it right.

[gradywright]

My first flight was a DC-3 from Portland to Astoria. My dad was a 1930's radio officer who flew with Tinker in his "Bird O' Prey" Martin B-10. Dad wanted me to have a memorable first flight. During WWII dad was a CAA (Civil Aeronautics Administration) maintenance technician supporting navigational aids west of the Mississippi River. I lived in Montana, Oregon, and ended up in Wyoming at the age of ten, where Frontier Airlines used the DC-3 for several years. My flight home from Fort Leonard Wood, MO, to Denver, was, I think, a DC-3 that stopped at several locations in Kansas. I don't remember the date they converted to the Convair 580. The radial gas engine produces a unique sound, and is easily identifiable as one passes overhead. While in Alaska 2007-2015, I heard several different aircraft that had radial gas engines, and I always commented to those with me that "Do you realize that that engine was likely built over 70 years ago?"

[antoniobutler]

is it strange to say I'm starting to want one?

[merser]

The absolute epitome of engineering! There is one parked up at my local airport and every time I am anywhere near the airport I always go out of my way to get out of the car and stare at it in the utmost admiration! I hope to have the privilege of flying in it someday. I'm only a young man but this is my favourite aircraft ❤️❤️❤️

[Rapunzel]

1st plane ~ my first solo skydive. Later Flew right seat with Harry Clark in cargo run. Genavco hawaii 💜blue skies& cigars Harry

[infinitecanadian]

Three reasons: its affordability, its reliability, and its awesomeness.

[MattOBrienOfficial]

The DC-3 is the most beautiful plane ever created. It’s so iconic.

[lts]

I love how the DC-3 look like a modern airliner, while keeping a very historical look via prop engines. Truly a revolutionary aircraft.

[bmh]

A beautiful rugged and reliable! As a kid back then I was a passenger on one as well as able to walk around and admire it.

[LionheartedDan]

Barely 3 decades after the Wright Brothers made their historic first flights the DC 3 was born. And we still fly them 8 decades later!

DC3 still do passenger service in many remote parts of the earth - I’ve enjoyed DC3 flights in the jungles of Guatemala.

[williamjones]

I remember pilots saying the problem with the DC3 was it just didn't want to land. It wanted to keep airborne.

[gamerkiddocody]

Its 11pm and I have n assignment
Youtube: Why does the DC 3 Continues to Fly Decades After WW2
Me: Mom, its for my future aeronautics class okay

[walterpalmer]

A beautiful testament too engineering, the DC-3 still is appealing to the eye.