Need tips on flying the DC-3/C-47
- Thread starter Parkite
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Orange Anchor
New Member
No landings in the DC-3/C-47 but a few hours in it. You will find that those pedals on the floor turn a stubborn airplane into a nice machine. Rudder rudder rudder.
A few landings in the C-46 and I own a Swift. IF you get to big kicks on the rudders, you are more than likely well behind the airplane. You will learn more about wind and crosswinds in the upcoming summer than all the years prior.
With 10,000hrs in the -3, your friend is going to be a wealth of aviation knowledge, lore and war stories. Ozark was one of those regional carriers which blossomed with the -3. Be sure to keep a diary of your flights. You have been afforded a step back in time and you won't pass that way again.
Here are the thoughts of a few...
http://www.flyingmag.com/airwork/738/airventure-adventure-in-a-dc-3.html
http://www.centercomp.com/cgi-bin/dc3/stories?1901
this one is about a -3 in Ozark colors out of Bloomington..
http://www.douglasdc3.com/dc3compare/dc3compare.htm
Finally, remember Ozark spelled backwards is KRAZO! Ask your old buddy about the Ozark years.
gliderboy
Well-Known Member
Good for you! You're going to love it (and you'll be the envy of all your fellow pilots). Like you, I've just started flying a DC-3 from the right seat at a small part 135 cargo op. Only have a couple of hours in her: two takeoffs, one landing. But.....what an experience! After a lifetime spent dreaming of flying such a plane, to finally have the dream come true was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
First impressions? Much more docile and cumbersome than I had imagined (very unlike the smaller twins, which feel like hot-rods by comparison), but also much more `manly', if that's the right word. It takes a lot more muscle on the yoke and pedals than a light plane. The above articles are excellent, as is the other advice above.
Watch the old guy closely and learn from the master.
Grandeur is the word that best describes the experience.
First impressions? Much more docile and cumbersome than I had imagined (very unlike the smaller twins, which feel like hot-rods by comparison), but also much more `manly', if that's the right word. It takes a lot more muscle on the yoke and pedals than a light plane. The above articles are excellent, as is the other advice above.
Watch the old guy closely and learn from the master.
Grandeur is the word that best describes the experience.
nosehair
Well-Known Member
The very first take-off I did in a 3, I was sole manipulator, and the instructor told me to "Turn right to bla,bla,bla...", and I initiated rudder and aileron inputs but felt no movement. I freaked! I sincerely thought we had left the aileron and rudder clamps on those surfaces. Sweat! Then the instructor repeated the turn right command with a little body language suggesting 'use more muscle'. That was it. The dang thing took thigh muscle and forearm/bicep/shoulder muscle to crank in control input.
The first two or three flights, I was actually muscle-sore after the flight, but after a few more, I began to handle it with fingers and toes, and she became just like a big 'ol two-motor Cub.
The first two or three flights, I was actually muscle-sore after the flight, but after a few more, I began to handle it with fingers and toes, and she became just like a big 'ol two-motor Cub.
Orange Anchor
New Member
The first two or three flights, I was actually muscle-sore after the flight, but after a few more, I began to handle it with fingers and toes, and she became just like a big 'ol two-motor Cub.
...then you were working too hard. Feed the input in slowly and you will find a nice dance partner. Muscle it around and you will be the loser (looser for the internet geeks)
tlewis95
I drive planes
dont do it. youll probably crash and die.
instead, please give them my number, i will humbly volunteer myself to fly that scary, old plane so that you may live.
*yes, im very jealous!!!*
:yeahthat:
and before you crash and die, be sure to give them my number for an emergency contact.
