By far one of the best-known airliners ever produced, and certainly amongst the most numerous ever built (albeit largely for military transport purposes in the C-47 guise), the DC-3 ‘Dakota’ has a special place in many enthusiasts’ hearts. A flight in an airworthy example is seen as the classic airliner every enthusiast must fly on at least once.
Thankfully many examples still fly around the world, and here we list a few examples of airworthy DC-3s in the USA.
Flagship Detroit Foundation preserves one of the best-known flying DC-3s wearing the colours of American Airlines.
NC17334 is based at Fort Worth Meacham airport in Texas, but appears at shows all over the country. Flights are available. See www.flagshipdetroit.org
Golden Age Air Tours based in Sonoma, California, north of San Francisco, operate N341A on scenic flights. See www.goldenageairtours.com
Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has an immaculate DC-3 painted in the colours it wore during World War II service.
Rides are available on their aircraft, N87745 (marked 41-6315). See www.vintageflyingmuseum.org
Wings of Valor based in Perris, California, operate NC43XX in Thunderbird Flying Service colours on scenic flights. Minimum number of passengers apply. See www.wingsofvalor.net
The Yankee Air Museum at Detroit Willow Run Airport, Michigan, offers rides in its DC-3 aircraft (N8704). They often operate from other locations, so check their website at www.yankeeairmuseum.org
Photo (c) Yankee Air Museum
If you want to fly on these DC-3s and hundreds more historic and rare airliners around the world, order a copy of our book Last Chance to Fly.
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4 comments
Interested in a ride in a DC 8 if possible.
Yeah I’d love that too John. Sadly I think all DC-8s with passenger seats are now retired.
There is one you can fly at Falcon Field in Mesa, AZ too….I got inside it a couple months ago but did not fly. (didn’t have the 200 dollars)
I am looking for opportunities to ride a DC-3,all I can come up with is Flagship Detroit and maybe a few C-47s.Where I live more opportunities to ride a Ford Tri Motor, Been on The City of Port Clinton 4 times,