ZK-DAK, second NZ DC-3 sold overseas to Australia
DC-3, registered as ZK-DAK has now been sold across the ditch to Darwin, Australia. The aircraft currently has an issue with its engines but will soon head to Australia to join ZK-AWP, which has also been sold recently.
ZK-DAK sitting on the apron at Ardmore Airport | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Eventually, the DC-3 will make the journey to Australia to fly for Gooney Bird Adventures in Darwin flying alongside Air Chathams’ old DC-3 ZK-AWP. Though it is confirmed that the Dakota will leave the country, it is still unclear when this will actually be due to the aircraft having ongoing issues with one of its engines.
Once in Darwin, it will begin operating scenic passenger flights around Darwin city and the wider area allowing aviation enthusiasts to get a taste of what flying was like in the past.
The aircraft was built in 1944 and began life flying with the USAF operating from U.S. bases around the world. It then flew for several small airlines in the south pacific before it eventually ended up in New Zealand where it had been flying ever since 1987.
In 2006, it was repainted to represent the Royal New Zealand Air Force as NZ3546. It has been in this livery ever since but it’s unclear if Gooney Bird Adventures will repaint the classic Dakota on arrival in Australia.
Dakota 46 taking off from Ardmore for a scenic flight | Photo: Noah Stohr-Waldren
Since the announcement for her sale, there have been rumors that DAK will occasionally fly back to NZ for airshows. However, this is unlikely as the fuel bill alone for crossing the Tasman would make this difficult.
Earlier this year, Oceania Aviation Insider was able to talk to CEO and pilot of FlyDC3 NZ, Matt McLaughlin about his favourite memory from flying the iconic plane.
He said “It is just an honor and a privilege to have flown this beautiful 81-year-old WWII-vintage aircraft. How lucky I am to have a DC3 in my logbook! Of course, being entrusted with the responsibility of Command on ZK-DAK is a highlight for me. Also, it has been an absolute pleasure to operate as one of the volunteers of Fly DC3 NZ with the wonderful crew who made every flight so special and memorable for our customers: from our loadsheet people, committee members, to our ground staff, cabin crew, pilots, and of course the hard working, professional, and selfless Geoff and Jess Cooper.”
Gratefully, I have flown on ZK-DAK numerous times, with each flight being just as special thanks to the beautiful aircraft, the incredible crew and everything in between. So, thanks to the team at FlyDC3 for keeping the aircraft flying for as long as possible and I hope it still has many years of meaningful flying ahead.