Experience a living history flight at Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 1077s Aviation Center located at Harry Clever Airport in New Philadelphia during Labor Day weekend.
Alexander Consulting Services will offer rides in a DC-3 on Saturday, Sept. 5, Sunday, Sept. 6 and Monday, Sept. 7 starting each day at 8 a.m. and running through 5 p.m. Flights are $70.
EAA Chapter 1077 will offer food all three days with a pancake breakfast only on Sunday, Sept. 6.
Travel back in time with us to the early days of luxurious commercial flight to the golden age of aviation, to the 1940s when the Douglas DC-3 passenger airliners plied the skies over the entire United States, Terry Henry, hangar manager, said. In 1939 our whole country had only 322 airliners total. Braniff Airways ordered this DC-3 in 1939. She was the fifth DC-3 received by them in June 1940. She is celebrating her 75th birthday this year. By 1953 13,000 DC-3s had been built.
According to Henry, by the 1950s, Lake Central Airlines had regular passenger and freight service at Harry Clever Airport using DC-3s and Beech 18s. Some of these aircraft continue to fly today.
This DC-3 has always been a passenger aircraft and has never been used as a cargo ship, Henry said. She was also owned by Eastern Air Lines before they closed. DC-3s were the workhorses of WWII hauling passengers, freight and even pulling multiple gliders carrying troops.
Braniff Airways operated the aircraft until April 1953 when it was sold to Trans Texas Airways. TTA operated it throughout its route system for 15 years. Trans Texas operated it from 1953 to 1968. TTA streamlined the aircraft by adding landing gear speed-packs and tighter engine cowlings.
Owned by Ron Alexander and registered as N28AA, this great aircraft continues to fly regularly from Williamson, Georgia, 40 miles south of Atlanta.
Henry said the aircraft came to New Philadelphia two years ago. With 400 passengers, residents and visitors from all over came to experience the classic aircraft.
The response was overwhelming, Henry said. We received so many phone calls and requests to bring her back. We are so fortunate to offer the opportunity.
This DC-3 is considered a star of the silver screen having shared the spotlight with several celebrities such as Harrison Ford who has flown it, Dakota Fanning, Susan Sarandon, Jennifer Lopez and John Travolta. ALA markings were applied for 42, a movie about the life of Jackie Robinson.The markings were left unchanged in the Errol Flynn bio The Last of Robin Hood.
Remember to bring your camera, Henry said. Due to the cost and rarity of this aircraft we are very fortunate getting it to return to Harry Clever airport. Dont miss this rare opportunity to see Tuscarawas County from the air.
Experience the thrill of flight. Reservations are recommended but not required. Walk-ups are welcome.
For reservations call 330-340-2999.
EAA Chapter 1077s Aviation Center is located at 1802 E. High Ave., New Philadelphia.
EAA Chapter 1077 is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit group.
