About the DC3

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The Douglas DC-3 is an American fixed-wing propeller-driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionized air transport in the 1930s and 1940s. Its lasting impact on the airline industry and World War II makes it one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made. Many DC-3s are still used in all parts of the world.

Design and development
The DC-3 was the culmination of a development effort that originated out of an inquiry from Transcontinental and Western Airlines (TWA) to Donald Douglas. TWA’s rival in transcontinental air service, United Airlines, was inaugurating service with the Boeing 247 and Boeing refused to sell any 247s to other airlines until United’s order for 60 aircraft had been filled.[2] TWA asked Douglas to design and build an aircraft that would enable TWA to compete with United. Douglas’ resulting design, the 1933 DC-1, was promising, and led to the DC-2 in 1934. While the DC-2 was a success, there was still room for improvement.

The DC-3 was the result of a marathon telephone call from American Airlines CEO C. R. Smith to Donald Douglas, during which Smith persuaded a reluctant Douglas to design a sleeper aircraft based on the DC-2 to replace American’s Curtiss Condor II biplanes. Douglas only agreed to go ahead with development after Smith informed him of American’s intention to purchase twenty aircraft. The new aircraft was engineered by a team led by chief engineer Arthur E. Raymond over the next two years, and the prototype DST (for Douglas Sleeper Transport) first flew on December 17, 1935 (the 32nd anniversary of the Wright Brothers’ flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina). A version with 21 passenger seats instead of the sleeping berths of the DST was also designed and given the designation DC-3. There was no prototype DC-3, the first DC-3 built followed seven DSTs off the production line and was delivered to American.

A Douglas DC-3 (a former military C-47B) of Air Atlantique taking off at Hullavington airfield, England.The amenities of the DC-3 and DST popularized air travel in the United States. With only three refueling stops, eastbound transcontinental flights crossing the U.S. in approximately 15 hours became possible. Westbound trips took 17-1/2 hours due to prevailing headwinds — still a significant improvement over the competing Boeing 247. During an earlier era, such a trip would entail short hops in slower and shorter-range aircraft during the day, coupled with train travel overnight.

Production
Total production of the DC-3 was 16,079.More than 400 remained in commercial service in 1998. Production of DC-3s ceased in 1942, military versions were produced until the end of the war in 1945. In 1949, a larger, more powerful Super DC-3 was launched to positive reviews; however, the civilian market was flooded with second-hand C-47s, many of which were converted to passenger and cargo versions of DC-3s, and only three were built and delivered the following year. The prototype Super DC-3 served the US Navy with the designation YC-129 alongside 100 C-47s that had been upgraded to the Super DC-3 specification.

The oldest DC-3 still flying is the original American Airlines Flagship Detroit (c/n 1920, #43 off the Santa Monica production line), which can be seen at airshows around the United States and is owned and operated by the nonprofit Flagship Detroit Foundation.

Source: Wikipedia

Pictures of the Dominie

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History of the Dominie

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De Havilland DH89 Dominie ZK-AKY

The DH89 is commonly know as the De Havilland Rapide (or Dragon Rapide) or just Dominie. Either title is correct dependant on the aircraft customer.

If for the military it was called a Dominie. ZK-AKY is a later model Dominie with a designation DH89B and is derived from the Dragon, which has squared wing tips and much less powerful motors. This machine has elliptical wing tips, split flaps, and two Gypsy Queen 3 engines each producing a nominal 204HP. In more recent times these motors have been modified by the addition of high compression pistons and heads to facilitate the use of 100/130 octane aviation fuel following the withdrawal of 73 octane unleaded fuel – The usual fuel that the motors were designed to use in the 1930’s. This modification undoubtedly gives the aircraft a few more horsepower as performance figures are slightly better than the manufacturers book figures. The Dominie was designed in the 1930`s as a twin engine cabin biplane capable of carrying up to 8 passengers in relative comfort over safe sectors up to 350 miles at around 110 to 115 mph.

They are an elegant aircraft with classic lines and many New Zealanders will remember NAC operating the type on provincial routes throughout NZ after WW2 right through to the 1960’s. AKY was built in the UK by the Bush Coach Work in 1943 for the RAF but was never taken on charge. Instead she was shipped to NZ where the RNZAF used it on communications and navigation training duties… In early 1946 Union Airways used it on provincial routes until with nationalization of the major air carriers in late 1946 NAC was formed and she was amalgamated into what became New Zealand’s government controlled domestic airline.

NAC operated her on mainly southern provincial routes until 1961 when Ian Ritchie Of Ritchie`s Air Services (RAS) of Te Anau purchased her for the princely sum of one thousand pounds ($2000) – and the price included a spare motor and propeller! Ian operated the aircraft mainly into Milford Sound and on supply dropping trips in Fiordland for several years until the merger of RAS, NZ Tourist Air Travel & Southern Scenic Air Services/ West Coast Airways occurred followed by a merger shortly thereafter with what became the Mount Cook Group.

It’s latter commercial days were seen based out of Queenstown conducting tourist flights to Milford, a scheduled run (for NAC) to Dunedin via Alexandra, and other charter operations to places such as Big Bay (for the whitebaiters) plus the ongoing supply drops to the NZ Forest Service, Lands and Survey Dept (Later DOC) and other clients. This was in the days before helicopters were common in the area. The last flight out of Queenstown was in May 1978 to Big Bay.

In mid 1978 Mount Cook decided to dispose of AKY and Tom Williams of Masterton purchased her with the intention of restoration. In the early 1990’s after a very extensive total rebuild costing a substantial sum AKY emerged from the hangar in pristine condition.

For a while Tom, then later White Island Airways of Tauranga were the operators, then Sir Tim Wallis at Wanaka & now Hokonui Historic Aircraft of Gore fronted by Inkey Tulloch and Graham Crawford.

The Croydon Aircraft Co at Mandeville currently have the aircraft on their Air Service Licence, operated in conjuction now with Airscapade Affairs to provide scenic flights in the Fiordland National Park. The significance of this move is notable due to the fact that this aircraft has now returned to a region in which it once operated in exactly the same manner, in the height of it`s commercial life while operated by Ritchie`s Air Services.

The dominie is quite a large aircraft standing at nearly 12 feet high at the VHF aerial, with a 48 foot wingspan and overall length of 34 feet 6 inches.

It’s airframe is manufactured from spruce and plywood and covered with doped fabric but the method of construction and biplane rigging with interplane struts and flying wires makes for a very strong and stable structure. It’s only shortcomings are a tricky differential braking system with a drum brake, (subject to fade) average longitudinal stability and aileron drag (party due to a relatively small fin and rudder) & poor single engine performance (not uncommon in its day). Other than that quite a docile aircraft to fly with excellent pilot and passenger visibility and with a gross weight just short of 6000 Ibs stable in most turbulence.

Authors :  Jules Tapper, and Adam Butcher. 

Airscapade New Zealand

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Book now!

14 days around New Zealand at 3000 feet !

Step back half a century and relive the glorious age of pioneer aviation while surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery.

Book now!
An Air Cruise around Antipodean Paradise in the Matriarch of the Skies
Relax and enjoy the flight in the morning over some of the most stunning scenery in the world, get out and feel it under your feet in the afternoon, that is the Airscapade concept, while adding fine dining and top notch charming accommodation to complete the package.. And for further flexibility, those unable to partake of the whole 14 day tour can choose the number of legs, on a per day basis, (if space available)
This tour is not for people who want to get around NZ quickly in a private jet. No, the DC3 is a majestic old girl, legend of the skies and this tour is for those who appreciate her as such, flying at low altitudes, taking advantage of the panoramic windows and enjoying the vibrant throb of the radial engines.
A variety of natural wonders, cultural insights and contact with historic aviation sites in New Zealand – all carefully chosen to fit into a relaxed timetable with regular 2 night stays.
All included, we have breakfast provided by the hotel, a light lunch either on board or upon arrival, and then fine dining evening meals either at our hotel or a nearby restaurant.
We have selected some of the finest accommodation in NZ, but where possible, in keeping with the style and period of the DC3. Always with ensuite facilities we have chosen smaller rather than large hotels.
All included, and we have decided to have a minibus travel in parallel with the plane in case of weather that would make the journey unsafe or unpleasant, thus preventing disruption to the schedule.
Consult the insert / website for the current dates and prices – fuel being a large component of this air cruise there can be changes during a season. However once a deposit is received, the price is guaranteed. To make a reservation a deposit of 25% is required, with the balance being due no later than 30 days before Day 1.Cancellation Fees :
It is recommended that each participate take out a travel insurance policy to cover both cancellation fees and possible medical costs.

THE TOUR IN DETAILS – 14 Days

1

Auckland

Arrival in the economic capital of the country. Depending on individual arrival times, visit of the waterfront and the Kelly Tarlton Underwater world, the town centre and university area, the historic district of Parnell and an overview from Mt Eden. As time permits, a visit to the Motat museum of Transport and Technology will enable enthusiasts to see some great old planes including the only remaining Short Solent IV gradually being restored.

2

Rotorua 1 hr.

A relatively short flight to Rotorua, possibly with a detour to overfly volcanic White Island. Rotorua is the heart of both the North Island Maori community and the wild geothermal activity as well as the hometown of Jean Batten, the first person to fly from England to New Zealand in 1936.

3

Rotorua 0 hr.

Visits here include various geo-thermal sites such as Whakarewarewa and its geysers, and Waiotapu with its rainbow of colours, the Agrodome (sheep show for a bit of light entertainment), the mighty Huka Falls and NZ’s largest lake, Taupo. A Maori traditional dinner (hangi) and concert to top off the day.

4

Wellington 2h.

Flying over the 15 lakes of the Rotorua region, lake Taupo the 3 volcanoes of the centre of the North Island provide an impressive backdrop on the route to the capital. A possible visit to the Southward Car Museum – a great collection, followed by a visit of the capitals highlights – the beehive parliament, the cable car, Mt Victoria for a great view.

5

Blenheim 0.5h.

A fairly short but very picturesque flight out of Wellington, across Cook Strait, and the Marlborough Sounds to then reach Blenheim. Not only is this one of NZ’s top wine growing areas but it has a the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre, a superb WW1 museum that is a must.

6

Cook/Twizel 2h.

Onwards to the centre of the island with the highest peak, Mt Cook at 3754 and the chain of mountains known as the Southern Alps. The park visitor centre is full of information and for those keen, a walk in the national park over to the Tasman Glacier or Kea Point

7

Wanaka 1hr.

A mixture of glacial and rainwater lakes provides contrasting colours, against a relatively dry landscape on the eastern side of the mountain ranges. The hydro-electric activity is omnipresent, between canals and dams, before reaching greener pastures around the southern lakes. Wanaka is the home of the famous biennial Warbirds over Wanaka show and has an excellent little museum. Delightfully nestled between the lake, mountains and river, Wanaka is one of the most picturesque stopovers.

8

Te Anau 1h.

Overflying lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Wakatipu, Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland National Park, the largest in the country and of course the famous fjords.

9

Te Anau 0h.

10

Hokitika 1.5h.

11

Nelson 1h.

12

Nelson 0h.

13

Napier 3h.

14

Auckland 1h.

Total of 14 hours of flying very approximately

NOTE:
This tour may also fly in the opposite direction originating in Christchurch. Whereas every effort will be made to maintain the programme as described, as with all old planes, participants should be aware that both weather and technical issues can give an element of adventure to an air cruise. A minibus will follow the route as an alternative in case of unavoidable air delays and will also be an option for those wanting to do some of the route by land from time to time. There may also be minor alterations to the route and programme in order to take advantage of weather, special events and other opportunities that arise.