‘Last Time’ DC-3 Mass Flight Planned for AirVenture’10

The world’s largest reunion organization of Douglas DC-3s since World War II, dubbed “The Last Time,” is one step closer with the appointment of eight industry experts to assist in the planning for the historic and world record setting formation flight. Participating vintage aircraft will assemble at the Whiteside County Airport in Rock Falls, Ill., over a three-day period and then depart on July 26 to fly as group to Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wis., for EAA AirVenture 2010. More than 50 DC-3s and C-47s, the military designation for the venerable taildraggers, are expected to arrive and be parked at AirVenture grounds during the subsequent weeklong celebration.

Since the sheer size of this mass flight requires much collaboration, communication and planning, eight pilot consultants have been brought in to help: Mike Filucci, Terry Calloway, Jim Goolsby, Dave McGirt, Ken Terry, Sherman Smoot, Pat McGinn, and Jon Goldenbaum. Together, these individuals represent more than 163,000 hours of combined flight experience. Filucci will be the lead consultant.

Due to the age of these aircraft, it is likely that this effort will be “The Last Time” that it will be possible to observe such a flight of this magnitude. The 75th anniversary of the Douglas DC-3 will also be celebrated at AirVenture by the people associated with the legendary DC-3 and C-47.