Douglas DC-3 (N22RB)

Beautiful plane! Very sad that it got destroyed.

Was in Key west in '94..........

Remember seeing some beautiful DC-3's at that time.

Great plane, great shoot. Congrats

I always wondered why the DC-3s are not more level on the ground as are most other aircraft. It's like an uphill climb from the rear to the front. Does someone have a brief answer ? There must be a reason.

S A D...

In answer to Dennis Stark's question. Number 1 it's a tail-dragger. Number 2 the main gear has to be high enough to keep the props a safe distance from the ground during take-off and landing.

Dennis - here is a link that may answer your question in more depth than Vinny's response, which is accurate.

https://www.flight-mechanic.com/landing-gear-types-landing-gear-arrangement/

Essentially, it's what was needed at the time since not every airstrip at the time of the design of the DC-3 was paved, as is commonplace nowadays. The "tail-dragger" design provided more stability in take-off and landing on uneven surfaces, since it pushed some of the center of gravity aft.

Is it my imagination or does Virgin Air use the same font as that at the tail?

My second commercial flight was on an Allegheny Airlines DC3 from Erie, PA to Newark Airport in 1956. Quite an exciting experience for a young boy!

South Florida Air Cargo still flies these everyday out of KOPF to the Bahamas.

This was our ride to KEYW as newlyweds on our honeymoon trip.

1942? ACTUALLY, Constructed as a C-53-DO by Douglas at Santa Monica, CA.

http://aerialvisuals.ca/AirframeDossier.php?Serial=76540
hate to see ol' bird go....maybe with enough money????