Author(s): Joy Allardyce

World History

The DC-3 or Douglas Skyliner as it was then called was born (or took its first test flight) on the 17th December, 1935. It was originally designed to carry 21 passengers with seats that could fold down enabling it to operate overnight services from coast to coast in the United States of America (USA). It also replaced the smaller (14 passenger) DC-2.

During the 1939-1945 World War the United States (US) Aviation industry manufactured approximately 10,000 C47's (the Military designation of the DC-3). After the war new airlines sprang up around the world and Australian airlines shared in this largesse, buying fleets of DC-3's to operate passenger and freight services around the country. The DC-3 was rugged and reliable (by the standards of the day) and most importantly it was cheap to operate with an abundance of spare parts ex the Military plus pilots and engineers were also in plentiful supply.

There was a common saying among airline people:

"THE ONLY REPLACEMENT FOR A DC-3 IS ANOTHER DC-3"

ROB FRASER - Ex TAA Captain

"We flew in such a challenging era ... it was tough and some girls could not cope, which was understandable.

I still have great affection for those old DC-3 days."

Signed Betty Clayton (Monteith) - Ex TAA Hostess