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D. Peter Maus[_2_] · August 20th 13, 06:33 AM posted to rec.radio.shortwave

On 8/18/13 14:10 , wrote:
C-47(actually a DC-3) must be the most reliable plane in existence. They are still being used today in several countries . It is an amazing piece of machinery.

Many of the radial engines used for C-47's are no longer serviceable
for civilian use, and are limited to public use, which does not require
the stringent standards of civilian service maintenance schedules.

A good number of the C-47's still flying have been converted to turbo
prop engines. They are eerily quiet when flying overhead.

My experience with that aircraft came in the late 60's when Northwest
was flying DC-3's and I was a passenger from Minneapolis to Huron
South Dakota. Those twin 9 cylinder Wright Cyclones were astonishingly
loud in the cabin, and the aircraft was very rough flying. I didn't stop
hurling until two hours after we landed. Like early V-tail Bonanza's,
the DC-3 would fishtail in straight and level flight. It was like riding
in the back of a 63 Galaxy on the interstate.

Finger lickin' unpleasant.

But still, one of the most historically significant aircraft ever built.