The return of the "3"?

[Politically Incorrect]

Would you like to see the DC3 back in production?
If so The DC3 Hanger has a petition you can sign that will be sent to the "Boeing Company".

http://www.douglasdc3.com/

No need to ask, you bet I would love to see it back in production!!
If not a fleet maybe at least one, someting like a commemorative edition that could travel the airshow circuit or something!

[Sock]

I signed up!  I would love to fly one, or even just see one go by.  Thanks for the chance Fret!

[Politically Incorrect]

Sad too see that you seem to be the only one interested:(

I doubt they would ever do it but it will be interesting to see the response that the company might have if enough people sign the petition!!
But it would be great!!!!!!!!!!!
Like I said even if it was just one, that could tour the world to educate people on this magnificent bird!!! Maybe have it painted gold or some other unique color. Or even have some sort of mural  painted on it that represents the history of Aviation from past to present day. I guess that might have been appropriate for the Century of Flight celebration though.

[Ivan]

We have PH-DDZ and PH-PBA here in holland...

http://www.dutchdakota.nl/

[Hagar]

Sad too see that you seem to be the only one interested:(

It's not that Fret. I've always liked the DC-3/C-47 & there's nothing better than to see one fly over. It's a remarkable aircraft & still looks good today. I don't think it's realistic to expect the manufacturer to build a brand new one.

There must be numerous examples all over the world in various states of repair & some are still giving faithful & valuable service today. Ivan already mentioned the Dutch Dakota Association. In the UK the BBMF Dakota is still officially in service with the RAF. http://www.raf.mod.uk/bbmf/othertypes.html
Air Atlantique at Coventry have at least 2* used for pollution control on a government contract + another one in their historic flight. I believe it's possible to book a flight on one. http://www.airatlantique.co.uk/

I'm sure that if a group of enthusiasts was interested enough it would be possible to restore an existing DC-3. From what I've seen of the quality of restoration work these days it would not be impossible to build one almost from scratch providing the funds were available.

*PS. According to this it's 10. I'll be in the Coventry area soon so I can confirm it. (There's also a list of other airworthy examples on this site.) http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Aircraft/Dakota.htm Unfortunately many of the links are dead & at least one company has gone into liquidation.

[ozzy72]

I know that an American private aviation company recently recovered one from Afghanistan and have nearly finished restoring her to her original condition.
Daks are lovely things

[Politically Incorrect]

Yeah there are allot still in service about 15 nearby.
But It would be cool seeing one brand spanking new!
But your right it is a novelty of a idea
There are plenty around the States you can get rides in I have a few planned for this year myself And also have planned a flight in one in which I'll be flying!!!!

[Hagar]

There are plenty around the States you can get rides in I have a few planned for this year myself And also have planned a flight in one in which I'll be flying!!!!

Good one. Enjoy every moment. I used to see them almost every day when Channel Airways operated a regular service out of Shoreham. We never thought anything of it in those days.

I found this on the Air Atlantique site. Seems the ideal way to visit an air display to me. http://www.airatlantique.co.uk/page20.html

My daughter lives near Coventry & I plan on visiting soon. An old friend works for Air Atlantique - fondly known as Air Antique. He owes me a few favours so I'll have to look him up. Maybe I can cadge a flight on one of their rare old birds myself.

[ozzy72]

Right its sulking time. I can't cadge a flight in anything other than An-2s at the minute, and here are you guys zooming off in Daks...

Mark

[stormy]

Gets pictures you guys.. remember to share with everyone here.....

[Jared]

Gets pictures you guys.. remember to share with everyone here.....

Ditto! :-)

[Craig.]

i like the idea, but there are just way to many still flying around today, to make it a viable option really.

[ozzy72]

I don't know. I would imagine they have the original jigs and it wouldn't be to hard to produce some sort of 'Anniversary Edition', it is afterall one of the most famous aircraft of all time.
I haven't seen one flying for a v.long time

[Hagar]

I would imagine they have the original jigs and it wouldn't be to hard to produce some sort of 'Anniversary Edition'.

I wouldn't be too confident of that myself. The company has undergone many changes since the last DC-3 was built. Even if they do have them stored away somewhere they would most likely need restoring.

it is afterall one of the most famous aircraft of all time.
I haven't seen one flying for a v.long time

Are there no examples of the Li-2 in Hungary?

[ozzy72]

Not that I've seen or heard of Doug. Alas