Sad news from the Netherlands has revealed that 2024 will mark the final flying season for the Dutch Dakota Association’s Douglas DC-3, PH-PBA.
The aircraft is well known among the aviation community, flying many paying passengers every year on memorable trips above the Dutch countryside, as well as at other events around Europe.
However, in an email to supporters this week, it was confirmed that mounting costs and difficulties in keeping the aircraft flying has led the Association to put an end to its operations at the conclusion of their summer programme.
Among the factors are the difficulties in sourcing Avgas fuel, the costs of hangarage and landing fees the loss of a major sponsor, and a lack of qualifies volunteers to maintain the aircraft.
The final flights will take place on 1 October 2024.
If you want to take a flight on this aircraft or find out more about its operations, visit the Dutch Dakota Association’s website here https://dutchdakota.nl/en/
D-Day Squadron
This May PH-PBA will take part in the D-Day Squadron’s visit to the UK. Over 25-26 May many classic ‘Dakota’ aircraft will descend upon Old Warden Aerodrome as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of the D-Day landings.
PH-PBA was one of the aircraft participants in D-Day, so it seems fitting for it to be present at this event, and also for this anniversary year to mark its last flying season.
See https://www.ddaysquadron.org/
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Have been lucky enough to see this DC-3 fly over, last time we were in Amsterdam.