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Part of our continuing focus during this 90th anniversary of the Douglas DC-3 has been to platform those researchers who are recording and preserving every detail of surviving aircraft - and even farther, every bit of surviving airframe, flying, in restoration, static, derelict, or in pieces. The DC-3 Society is excited to collaborate with aviation photographer René Ligon, who has made such a database his mission. René will be bringing us along on his adventures and will be c

Photo credit: Parker White Photography Interview by Savannah Bess You may have seen her already going viral across all of social media, grabbing attention, not only from the aviation world, but from anyone thinking, "This thing actually flies?!" Or conversely, "This thing actually floats?!" Both questions are valid, and both are an unequivocal YES! N130Q - a DC-3/C-53D-DO amphibian conversion - made her second public showing since 2024, at the 52nd annual International Seapla

The story of DC-3 Mainliner N814CL is one of preservation, stewardship, and a deep commitment to keeping aviation history alive. Built in 1945, the aircraft has served in a variety of unique roles throughout its distinguished life, reflecting both its versatility and enduring value. Among its many chapters, N814CL flew for the American Embassy in Peru, supported corporate operations for Rockwell Standard Steel Spring Company, and served the State of Georgia during the adminis

We had the privilege here at the Society to receive a couple of lovely e-mails from - would you believe it! - a lovely couple. Kristina Johnson and Andy Thompson, two aviation photographers, experience first-hand what it is like to fly the DC-3, especially that of such significance as the Commemorative Air Force's C-47 "That's All, Brother", and a testament to our goal in educating the public, and future generations, of the DC-3's role in both war and peace. Kristina: I surpr

The Palm Springs Air Museum’s C-47 is “What’s Up Doc?”, an airworthy Douglas C-47B Skytrain with a particularly interesting international history. The aircraft is U.S. Army Air Forces serial 44-76423, construction number 32755/16007. It was built at Douglas’ Oklahoma City plant and entered British service as a Dakota IV, RAF serial KN381. It was delivered to RAF No. 187 Squadron in March 1945. Its postwar career was unusually long and varied. The museum records its subsequen

Stanley E. McGrew Former Supervisory Pilot, Large Airplane Program Region Four, USDA Forest Service "It is Impossible, in practice, to plan for a “safe” life of exactly so many hours or years. We can only consider the problem in statistical terms and in light of the accumulated data and experience." ~ J. E. Gordon, Structures (325) Much of the material appearing in this document has previously been captured in my PowerPoint slide show “Metamorphous,” the viewing of which re

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RIVERSIDE, CA | June 8, 2026 — Following D-Day commemorations honoring the generation that flew, maintained, and depended upon the legendary DC-3 and C-47, the DC-3 Society today announced the official dates and expanded program details for its inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase, taking place December 4–6, 2026, at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. The three-day gathering will bring together operators, maintainers, pilots, owners, educators, industry

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DC-3 N1944 (later N760) while ​flying for Union Oil Company of California. (eBay photo) DC-3 N1944 (later N760) while ​flying for Union Oil Company of California. (eBay photo) By Adam Estes, contributing writer Young Historians Program In the middle of Los Angeles’ Exposition Park, the California Science Center has been constructing a new building for exhibitions with the goal of being the most prestigious display of aerospace technology in southern California’s sprawling met

Read more here As the DC-3 marks its 90th anniversary, the DC-3 Society is expanding its mission with the formation of a new Operations Committee dedicated to improving training and safety standards across the global DC-3/C-47 community. The committee will release the first standardized normal and emergency checklists, along with new SIC and PIC qualification syllabi, beginning in early 2026. Through these efforts, the Society aims to enhance standardization, crew interoperab