by Robbie Culver
Few aircraft have the attention, praise, cult following, and long service life that the DC-3 has. When most pilots think of a classic, vintage aircraft, the DC-3 is one type that easily comes to mind. Probably no other aircraft has been written about as much as the DC-3, with the predictable result that little new is left to say.
2010 is the 75th anniversary of the aircraft, and in celebration a group of DC-3 owners gathered for an event titled “The Last Time” at the Rock Falls, Illinois airport, July 23-26, 2010. The airport ramp was wall-to-wall airplanes, with that familiar silhouette seen from every conceivable angle no matter where you looked.
Organized as a celebration of the aircraft’s iconic history, the event also ended appropriately with the group setting their own agenda for the much-publicized mass arrival at EAA’s AirVenture-Oshkosh, Wisconsin, July 26 – August 1.
Already destined for the aviation history books, almost as if by fate, the event took on its own nearly mystical quality, much like the aircraft it was intended to celebrate.
Twenty-six DC-3s, C-47s, an AC-47 “Spooky,” a C-49J “Southern Cross” that this reporter used to skydive from, the only C-41 in existence, and the last DC-2 known to exist, attracted over 15,000 spectators and a horde of news reporters to what is typically a quiet, rural airport. For seasoned DC-3 fans such as myself, this was an event not to be missed. And as a photographer, there was no way I could pass up the chance to get this many aircraft captured all at once, plus get some photos of my 5-year-old son with them.
Seeing this many of the classic design in one location is rare, indeed, made even more so special by the variety of aircraft present. The ramp was packed with people and airplanes, with many of the aircraft open for tours and viewing, some free, others with nominal charges. It wasn’t just an aviation crowd – many combat veterans were seen mixing it up with the owners and crew, and young families were found wandering in and out of them also. I saw more than one teary eye on the ramp.
The sight, sound, and smell of the aircraft is enough to stir the soul of anyone with even a passing interest in aviation. Seen from the side, any angle, behind or head on, no airplane looks like “the 3.” My wife and I commented on how no matter which one we went in, they all smelled that same wonderful way – a mix of avgas, oil, metal, and people. Walking up the steep incline towards the front of the cabin reminds you that you are in one of the last big, great tail-draggers made.
The variety of interiors and cockpit layouts was impressive. Old freight dogs and classic airliners sat side-by-side, and several very rare and unique configurations were present. At one point, a glimpse out the cockpit window from one of the aircraft open for viewing revealed a beautiful sight – rows and rows of DC-3s shimmering in the hot sun, with throngs of people admiring them.
During the planning of the event, some friction occurred between the organizers and EAA with regards to the planned mass arrival at EAA’s AirVenture-Oshkosh 2010. As a result, the DC-3s assembled at Rock Falls made a mass flyby of the airport prior to departing for Oshkosh on Monday, July 26th.
Due to the politics involved, spectators at Oshkosh were treated to a different display than most mass arrivals. The aircraft arrived in formation over the top of the airspace limits, flew from west to east, then departed over Lake Winnebago and broke the formation for a spectacular, perfect in-trail arrival.
The arrival at Oshkosh added to the number of DC-3s and C-47s on site at AirVenture, and rough estimates put the total on the field between 30 and 40, not counting the Basler Turbo Conversions aircraft based there. There was simply no way to count them all accurately with the chaotic parking situation at AirVenture caused by the saturated grounds.
The visuals of seeing 23 aircraft in formation, followed by the rapid arrivals, made a deep impression on this reporter. I realized as I stood watching their arrival on Runway 18 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, that may indeed be “The Last Time” we see that many DC-3s gather at one time. As is fitting for a 75-year-old aircraft, three of the 26 aircraft at Rock Falls did not make it off the field due to maintenance issues.
One of my earliest memories in aviation is of a DC-3, so this was a poignant moment for me, as I am sure it was for many at EAA AirVenture.
Personally, I felt that the event had perfect timing – literally and physically right between the two aviation events I attended on my summer vacation.
In a posting on the organizer’s website following the event, Dan Gryder, a local Delta Airlines pilot who originally proposed the idea, was quoted as saying, “It was a long shot, but we did it anyway.”
“The Last Time” provided a voice for one last salute to the grand old dame of aviation. No other aircraft before or since has the history, durability, versatility, or adaptability that the DC-3 has, and continues to have. With the event now passed, one has to wonder how long it will be until regulations or sheer age make seeing a DC-3 in flight a distant memory. And what a sad thought that is for those of us whose hearts quicken at the sight or sound of the iconic DC-3.