A commercial aviation icon, war hero, and an aerial workhorse, one of the legendary Douglas DC-3s is coming to the Collegedale Municipal Airport. In celebration of Collegedale Aviation Days, the “Flagship Detroit” DC-3 will be arriving on the morning of Oct. 5 with an impressive fly-by before landing at the airfield at 10 a.m. Sponsored by the Collegedale EAA150 (Experimental Aircraft Association), this vintage DC-3 will be on display at the Collegedale airport through Sunday, Oct. 7.
The “Flagship Detroit,” manufactured in March 1937, was one of American Airlines’ fleet of 84 Douglas DC-3s operating from 1936 to 1947. The DC-3 had a range of 1,300 nautical miles and a 143-knot cruise speed. During its time of service, the aircraft carried 21 passengers, a captain, a copilot and a stewardess (registered nurse). The plane’s low-speed handling and toughness along with its ability to land in less than 3,000 feet and take off again in less than 1,000 feet, made it the go-to airplane for innumerable jobs including military special operations.
The “Flagship Detroit” is one of the oldest airworthy DC-3s in existence. Tours of this vintage plane will be available to the public for $5. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience history and take a flight back in time on the legendary plane with the purchase of a membership in the “Flagship Detroit Foundation” for $100 (one-year membership). In addition, active members are eligible to ride along on ferry flights as the plane is repositioned (space available). For new members and those with a membership, rides on the “Flagship Detroit” will be given on Friday from 2-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
For tickets or more information on this unique and historical event, contact Morty Lloyd at 593-3043 or go to www.flagshipdetroit.org.