This caught my surprise this very afternoon out at Founders' Plaza. The radio calls initially had me thinking it may have been a bizjet at DFW in association with race weekend, but then this beauty of DC-3 rolls out on the NW hold pad awaiting its turn on 18L for departure next to a United Express CRJ800, an American 737-800, and an American Eagle ERJ-145 who were also on the hold pad for 18L.....
Got a better look at the tail numbers, NC17334 makes it "Flagship Detroit" that I also photographed up close at the Alliance Air Show from 2 weeks ago (those photos coming).
What a sight to see an American DC-3 take the active at Founders' Plaza!
24 March 1937 this DC-3 was built by Douglas in Southern California and delivered to American. Looks like she flew for American for ten years, 1937 to 1947 before spending a year in Mexico and returning to the US in 1948.
"Flagship Detroit" starts her takeoff roll down 18L......
Through the 1950s she flew in various cargo roles for different operators. And then in the next 20-30 years through the hands of various private owners before ending up the Eastern Mennonite University who in turn sold the aircraft to the Flagship Detroit Foundation in 2004.
I guess "rotate" in a tail dragger has a different meaning.......
This made my day. I never, NEVER, would have expected this at my favorite planespotting location at DFW. Never.
Lift off with just a shade over 1000 feet of 18L being used. I tell you what, we NEVER see anyone rotate and lift off this soon at Founders' Plaza. Maybe Martinaire's Cessna Caravans.........
The past meets the future as Flagship Detroit climbs out with American's long haul fleet at the gates of International Terminal D.....
Thanks also to exnonrev/Mark at Airlinebuzz who pointed out that this DC-3, SN 1920, is the currently the oldest DC-3 still flying.
