Propliners of the World, Part 1: Douglas DC-3s, Float Planes, and Pleasure Flights

This is the first part of a photographic review of some of the greatest classic propeller-driven aircraft of a bygone era - the propliners - still operating in some of the most remote places in the world.

Over seventy-five years from the date of its first flight, the Douglas DC-3, often described as the ultimate propeller-driven aircraft, is still in regular scheduled passenger service. Developed into the World War II C-47 transport which flooded the market after the end of the conflict, DC-3s are kept airworthy by dedicated mechanics - the unpressurised airframe and components having no time-life restrictions. Whether cargo hauling, spraying for mosquito control, as a sky-diving platform, motor spares delivery service or Colombian gunship, the DC-3 operates in all seasons on wheels or skis and provides a vital lifeline for remote rural communities.

Floatplanes, such as de Havillard Canada's Beaver and its larger development, the Otter; together with Beech 18s, Noorduyn Norseman and newer Cessna Caravans operate in the wide open spaces of American and Canadian lakes and rivers ferrying hunters, fishermen and the local population to their chosen pursuits.

Today passengers still flock to fly in preserved airliners such as the Douglas DC-7 and the German-built Junkers Ju-52/3m. In these aircraft the modern-day passenger can experience at first-hand the essence of the early years of airliner travel, when only the rich and famous could afford the price of an air ticket.

Propliners of the World Volume 1 presents over 170 colour photographs of these classic propellor-driven aircraft, forming an evocative look at the vanishing world of classic pounding pistons.

"It is a book of eye candy and one that any propeller driven airliner/cargo enthusiast will love to have in their collection. I thoroughly enjoyed browsing through it and I know you will as well." -Modeling Madness, reviewed by Scott Van Aken, February 2012 (Modeling Madness 2012-02-07)

"This entertaining, two-volume collection of propliner images and information would make a fine addition to any aviation enthusiast's bookshelf. Happily recommended." -Airliners & Airports Magazine, Jan-Feb 2012, reviewed by Bill Mellberg (Airliners Magazine 2012-02-01)

"The book will appeal to the aviation historian, aircraft buff, and modeler alike. I can recommend the book to anyone who likes photographs of classic aircraft." -IPMS, reviewed by Hub Plott, April 2012 (IPMS 2012-04-02)