Warbird Information Exchange

Mass DC-3, C-47 Arrival Scheduled For Airventure 2010 Registration Will Be Capped At 40 Airplanes

The folks organizing a mass arrival
and reunion for the venerable DC-3/C-47 (file photo, right)
at Airventure 2010 tell ANN that they have reached critical
mass, and that they are proceeding as planned for as many as 40
airplanes to descend on Wittman Field (KOSH).

Organizers of The last time say so far nearly 35 aircraft have
registered and have shown sufficient intent and capability to
attend for the late July 2010 reunion. They say the registration
process will likely be closed off at 40 in the next few weeks as
the number reaches 40 aircraft - and work with the existing group
as the winners of the awarded positions.

While the formation was originally pegged at 25, organizers say
that there has to be an allowance for such factors as
weather, mechanical difficulties, unforeseen circumstances,
and viability issues so that even with some last minute
contingencies, the mass will still fly. The goal has been and
remains at 25, but if more aircraft are available the formation
will be altered so that all of the airplanes can join.

For those who might want an opportunity to fly in one of these
historic aircraft, "The Last Time" says numerous participating
aircraft plan to arrive at the staging airport, Whiteside County
Airport in Sterling, IL (KSQI), early and offer riders to the
public. Prices have not yet been set for the historic flight around
the local airport but all aircraft will offer the same price
structure. Proceeds from all rides will go directly to the
operators of the respective aircraft in order to help defray
expenses. The public is invited to attend the staging airport to
view the masses of parked DC-3 aircraft assembled - there is no
admission fee. Talk to the crews and visit these historic
aircraft in person.
File Photo

Planning is now underway for the reunion aspect for after
these aircraft and these "living history" legends descend upon
Oshkosh. "The Last Time" has established a web presence
including a "Diaries" section for people to tell their stories
about the DC-3, and a growing list of aircraft that are expected to
participate. The organization says the are also seeking permission
for a "Heritage Flight" ... a formation including a C-47 and a
C-17.
FMI: http://www.TheLastTime.org

"Spooky" is going to be there !

I think the most noteworthy thing about the DC-3 is the fact that right now, 74 years after the first flight of the type (17 December 1935!) it is still flying commercially. Not a lot of things designed in 1935 have a niche anymore but the -3 still carries on. With the Basler turbine/airframe/avionics upgrade there's no telling how lonf the familiar shape will conitnue to earn it's keep.

DC-3 Reunion Hits Turbulence

The structure of a much-anticipated mass arrival of DC-3 aircraft at this year's AirVenture Oshkosh is in question after an apparent rift developed between the owners group organizing the 40-ship formation and EAA. Last week EAA announced that it will "exclusively organize and coordinate all AirVenture activities for the DC-3 75th anniversary." The owners group, which says it's been working for more than a year to organize the gathering independently of EAA under the name The Last Time, has termed the EAA announcement "a hostile takeover" of the event and it calls into question whether a formation flight over Wittman Regional Airport on the opening day of AirVenture will be held. EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski said EAA is not trying to hijack the event; rather, it's trying to ensure it goes smoothly and safely.

Knapinski said EAA has been trying to coordinate the AirVenture aspects of the event with The Last Time organizers but EAA officials felt they were unable to effectively communicate the nitty-gritty details, like parking, of the massive undertaking to the individual operators taking part. "We're now 60 days to opening day," Knapinski noted, saying there is a lot to consider in staging an event like this. The Last Time organizers claim it's a naked attempt by EAA to capitalize on their effort. "This is clearly an attempt at ousting the celebration's original organizers," the group said. "It was planned, coordinated, and privately funded without any support from EAA. Now they want to claim it to be theirs." The group is still planning to hold its weekend celebration and gathering at Sterling Rock Falls Airport in Illinois on July 24-25 and a formation flight is still planned, but apparently over that airport. EAA says that regardless of the Illinois event, it's looking to hear from DC-3 operators planning to attend AirVenture and will help organize a mass arrival of the aircraft if one is planned.