Douglas DC-3: 60 Years and Counting

Davies, Ed; Veronico, Nicholas A.; Thompson, Scott A.

ISBN 10: 0963754343 ISBN 13: 9780963754349

Publisher: Aero Vintage Books, 1995

Synopsis

The Douglas DC-3...certainly the most recognized and celebrated aircraft the world over. This books takes the reader into the more obscure facets of the DC-3 through the long years of its use. Included is the complete history of the DC-3 turb ojet and turboprop conversions from early efforts in the late 1940s to the latest Basler product. Also detailed is the reliable service of the DC-3 with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, one of the largest civil users of the DC-3. In mid-1994, a p air of veteran DC-3s made a pilgrimage back to the skies of Normandy to commemorate the D-Day landings of 1944...and the story of that historic sojourn is included here in both words and pictures. A color photo section containing views of many preserved D C-3s from around the world is featured, along with intriguing looks at a number of derelict and forgotten airframes. Also featured: where can you fly a DC-3 today, or where can you just catch a ride on one. Detailed appendices with serial number lists, ai rcraft histories, etc. A fresh look at the venerable Douglas DC-3.

About this title

About the Author

Scott Thompson is an Airspace System Inspection Pilot for the Federal Aviation Administration at the Sacramento, California, Flight Inspection Office. In the course of his work he flies flight check Learjets and has amassed nearly 6000 flight h ours. His research interests lies centered around the postwar use of World War II vintage aircraft and has written over a hundred articles for a variety of aviation publications. He lives in Elk Grove, California, with his wife Lisa and their three sons.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

For any pilot with a tinge of high-octane running through his or her veins, the thought of firing up a pair of Pratt & Whitney radials shivers the skin and brings forth the kind of faint smile often mistaken for inner peace. One can imagine deft hands switching pumps to life, tickling primers, engaging starters, and counting prop blades until that satisfying belch of smoke from a cold exhaust stacks signals the impending thunder of fourteen cylinders pumping out many hundreds of horsepower.

Flying the airplane attached to these two particular engines is within reasonable reach of those pilots with the desire and a few discretionary dollars. Training to competency and an airplane type rating is a step beyond, but well within reach, of a deter mined DC-3 driver-to-be. Whether it's for commercial gain or personal satisfaction, any pilot who takes a particular affection toward the DC-3 should figure out a way to spend a little time in the cockpit of the fabled classic.

Edition details

• Publisher: Aero Vintage Books
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0963754343
• ISBN 13: 9780963754349
• Number of pages: 159