What kind of plane is a DC-3?

What kind of plane is a DC-3?

commercial airliner
DC-3, also called Douglas DC-3, Skytrain, C-47 (U.S. Army), R4D (U.S. Navy), or Dakota (Royal Air Force), transport aircraft, the world’s first successful commercial airliner, readily adapted to military use during World War II.

Are DC-3’s still flying?

DC-3 today Perhaps unique among prewar aircraft, the DC-3 continues to fly in active commercial and military service as of 2021, eighty-six years after the type’s first flight in 1935. There are still small operators with DC-3s in revenue service and as cargo aircraft.

How many DC-3s are still flying today?

According to information kindly shared by Michael Prophet and compiled by Coert Munk for the DC-3 Appreciation Society, there are an estimated 172 DC-3 in all variants flying on a regular basis. This includes military variants (the C-47 and Dakota) as well as those in commercial operation.

What airlines still use the DC-3?

American Airlines.

  • Braniff Airways.
  • Capital Airlines – the only purchaser of the DC-3S Super DC-3 post-war variant.
  • Chicago and Southern Air Lines.
  • Canadian Colonial Airlines.
  • Delta Air Lines.
  • Eastern Air Lines.
  • Hawaiian Airlines.
  • Can a DC-3 be flown single pilot?

    The piston DC-3 is a single pilot aircraft by type certification. HOWEVER if your DC-3 has been modified to the 1830-94 or the 1820-76 and any Higher horsepower engine that includes a geared rudder tab, you will have an FAA approved flight manual that mandates it a 2 pilot aircraft.

    How many passengers does a DC-3 have?

    Technical Specifications

    First flight Dec. 17, 1935
    Weight 30,000 pounds
    Power plant Two 1,200-horsepower Wright Cyclone radial engines
    Speed 192 mph
    Accommodation 3 crew and 14 sleeper passengers, or 21 to 28 day passengers, or 3,725 to 4,500 pounds freight

    Why is DC-3 so good?

    The DC-3’s safety record was better than that of most airplanes, primarily because of its great structural strength and efficient single-engine performance. Since 1935, 803 commercial transports and 10,123 military versions have been built.

    How high can a DC-3 fly?

    20,800 feet
    Technical Specifications

    First flight Dec. 17, 1935
    Height 16 feet 3.6 inches
    Ceiling 20,800 feet
    Range 1,495 miles
    Weight 30,000 pounds

    Does a DC-3 require 2 pilots?

    Piston DC-3s are single-seater aircraft by type certification and can be operated by one pilot. You will need an FAA approved flight manual that mandates two pilots if your DC-3 has been modified to the 1830-94 or 1820-76 and includes a geared rudder tab. In addition, the DC-3TP is included.

    How much does a DC-3 cost?

    Good DC-3s with mid-time engines can be had for around $150,000, the same price as a new Cessna Skyhawk four-seat, single-engine trainer. The “-3s” have direct operating costs a little less than those incurred by a B200 King Air twin turboprop: about $600 to $700 an hour.

    How fast does a DC-3 fly?

    Technical Specifications

    First flight Dec. 17, 1935
    Range 1,495 miles
    Weight 30,000 pounds
    Power plant Two 1,200-horsepower Wright Cyclone radial engines
    Speed 192 mph