The most comprehensive and interesting book ever written about the DC-3. 365 pages with 495 photographs and illustrations, with a foreword by Donald Douglas, Jr. Never-before-published photos and anecdotes about the airplane that changed the world, the undisputed “Queen of the Skies.” Read about the history of the development of the DC-3/C-47. Enjoy over 200 histories of specific aircraft. There are fascinating documents, memorabilia and photos throughout. Learn about the personalities and struggles that shaped this great airplane.
Read personal accounts of DC-3s flying themselves, and hauling everything imaginable, from passengers, troops, weapons, donkeys, monkeys in the cockpit, a grand piano over the Burma “Humpl mail, freight, other aircraft, and the accounts go on. At least one has flown with a 1,000 bullet holes. One flew repaired with the wrong wing attached. One was buried in ice and snow, and flown out several months later (the engines started right up). The “Cooney Bird” was meant to fly, and fly she did — over 100 billion miles with over 700 million passengers.
Amazingly, the DC-3 (C-47) had a better glide ratio than any of the actual gliders produced during World War II; but it was too valuable as a powered aircraft to spare even a few for use as gliders, even though 10,632 DC-3/C-47s were made. Understand why this is considered the most beloved and historically-important aircraft ever manufactured.
Mr. Holden has researched and crafted a masterpiece, including a roster of every surviving DC-3/C-47 he could locate in the United States, as well as details on each variant produced. Track specific aircraft by c/n number. There has never been another volume on the DC-3 that has accomplished so much, and in a style that all readers can enjoy and appreciate. Mr. Holden brings people, specific accounts and historical perspective together to provide fascinating reading.