On December 17, 1935, 32 years after the Wright Brothers\nproved powered flight was possible, the DC-3 took its maiden flight. It was the\naircraft that changed the way the world flew. Commercial air travel, as we knew\nit, would change forever! It transformed the world, making it possible for\npassengers to enjoy the love of flight, convenience to see their loved ones,\ngrow their businesses and airline profitably possible. Serving in war and in\npeace over seven decades, the DC-3 showed the world it\u2019s a true aviation\nlegend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Virtual aerodynamic perfection,” is how one\naviation historian described the DC-3. No one at Douglas Aircraft Company (now\nBoeing) was prepared the level of fame the Dakota would amount to having, and\nstill has today. On the day of the maiden flight, no photos were taken (at\nleast none exist in any archives) and it was logged as a “rather\nroutine” flight by flight engineer, Frank Collbohm. Its takeoff from\nClover Field in Santa Monica, Calif. created little excitement, while its\ndecades of service in commercial, cargo and military service – even many still\nin service today – make it one of the most famous aircraft in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Celebrate with the D-Day Squadron on December 17th, the\nmaiden flight of the ever so legendary, Douglas DC-3!<\/p>\n\n\n\n