The Fly DC3 experience: what it is like to fly a vintage airliner
Recently two of our editors were lucky enough to go for a flight in the 80-year-old DC3 based in Ardmore, Auckland. Our team were also able to have a chat with Dakota captain Matt McLaughlin. Having flown on Betsy previously, and seeing it all across not only Auckland but the whole of New Zealand makes it a very fond aircraft in the New Zealand aviation community.
‘Betsy’ waiting for her next flight | Photo by: Noah Stohr-Waldren
The flight starts off with a short time on the ground before your flight, inside the WWII hangar that Fly DC3 calls home. The hangar was built back in World War 2 upon the request of the United States Air Force. Inside the hangar, you will get the chance to meet the flight crew for the DC3 and are served with some light snacks. Later you board the stunning aircraft and encounter its steep cabin, quite an exciting and rare aspect of aircraft nowadays. Stepping inside the aircraft feels like you are going back in time with the aircraft being fitted with first-class seats from an Air New Zealand Boeing 767.
After taking off you will embark on a scenic flight like no other around the Auckland Region catching a glimpse of the Auckland Sky Tower, Habour Bridge and a lot more which we will leave for you to look out for. In the hands of the highly experienced crew, you may be invited up into the cockpit during the flight to check out what the pilots get to see. This is an extremely cool aspect of the flight as it is an opportunity that no other airline will give you.
After arriving back at Ardmore Airport, there will be a chance to have a look around the aircraft and get some photos in front of the huge Pratt and Whitney ‘Wasp’ engines.
The cabin of ZK-DAK before a scenic flight around Auckland | Photo by: Noah Stohr-Waldren
‘Betsy’ is a 1944 built Douglas DC-3 produced in Oklahoma, United States of America. DC3s played a key role during World War 2 and have had a lasting impact on the airline industry. A large number of today’s DC3s were originally constructed at Douglas C47s and later converted into passenger-carrying DC3 aircraft, the Ardmore-based Dakota 46 was one of these aircraft. After WWII many Dakotas were sold to commercial airlines as war surplus. After flying with the United States Army Air Force, ZK-DAK was sold to Philippines Airlines and later was moved to New Zealand in 1987 where it has become a staple of New Zealand aviation.
“There aren’t many left in the world, so to be able to strap into her makes me feel incredibly lucky!”
The crew that operates the DC3 are amazing people and we are so thankful to have them to help maintain and fly this magnificent aeroplane. The experience is such a great way to get a feel of vintage aviation and experience flight how it was 80+ years ago.
ZK-DAK resting after a busy day of flying | Photo by: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Before our flight, our team had the privilege to speak to the captain of the DC3 and meet the crew in charge of keeping her airworthy. A key point to note is all of the Fly DC3 crew, from Groundies (ground staff) to Flight Attendants and Pilots, are all volunteers to keep the aircraft flying.
During our talk with the DC3 captain, we found an insight into flying the DC3 and also what led him to fly the large warbird. Matt started flying straight out of high school and joined the NZ Air Force for a while before joining Cathay Pacific for 28 fabulous years. Recently Matt joined Air New Zealand where he will hopefully climb the ranks to eventually instruct on the Boeing 787. Matt previously knew about the DC3 and was led to chief pilot Geoff Cooper through his neighbour. Matt handed in his CV to the airline and luckily he was given the keys and began flying with Dakota 46 at Ardmore. Matt began flying the DC3 back in 2019, unfortunately with lots of COVID-induced breaks, however, he got to the point where the lead pilot, Geoff promoted him to captain.
“The fact that it is still going is amazing, and we hope to keep it that way”
Captain Matt McLaughlin recalled his favourite part about the DC3 is how raw it is, with no modern computers there to help you fly, the aircraft really requires you to pay attention though, so you can’t blame a rough landing on anyone but yourself (although today’s landings were superb).
DAK 46 awaiting start up | Photo by: Jean-Luc Pels
During the whole experience, our team had an amazing time with the DC3 and we can highly recommend you check out Fly DC3, they have a great offering and all funds go to keep the Dakota flying!