I flew the DC-3 or in my case the C-47 for a year in Vietnam which was designated the EC-47 for our electronic recon mission. After nearly 900 hours in the ‘Goon’ I have nothing but fond feelings toward the ‘Grand Ol’ Lady’ even after nearly ground looping it on my final mission. She is a sweet handling aircraft but highly demanding especially during landing in a crosswind. If you’re not paying attention she’ll get away from you in a heart beat. The tail wheel lock is the key to an uneventful takeoff and landing, also after touchdown try keep the tail flying as long as possible it just makes directional control during rollout so much easier. With it’s long swept wing she is eager to fly on takeoff just allow the tail to start flying on it’s own without any large control inputs
Tom Helwick’s
Livingston, Montana
11 Likes