On December 17, 1935 the first Douglas DC-3 transport took to the sky on its maiden flight from Clover Field, Santa Monica California – the site of the Douglas Aircraft Factory. Aircraft designer and builder, Donald Douglas, plans to revolutionize the airline industry were on the line with that first flight, he wasn’t to be disappointed. Much like the importance on the Wright Brothers first flight, the first DC-3 took to the air on the same day 32 years later.

Safe and reliable and built for passenger comfort, the DC-3 quickly became standard of commercial flight, enabling the fledgling airline industry to carry passengers at a profit for the first time. While revolutionizing commercial air travel, military variants of the DC-3 were an integral part of WWII. Out of the 10,631 of the type built under Douglas guidance from 1935 until 1947, it is estimated that over 1,200 of the sturdy twin engine transports are still flyable worldwide.

Friday December 17 & Saturday December 18, the Hiller Aviation Museum will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the historic DC-3 with a tribute featuring a host of presentations by experts, a photo exhibit and DC-3 aircraft on display.

The Hiller Aviation Museum is located at 601 Skyway Rd. on the San Carlos Airport. For more info call (650) 654-0200 or visit www.hiller.org

— William Turner
— VP Operations, Hiller Aviation Museum