Dc3: Southern Skies Pioneer

The story of the Douglas DC-3/Dakota in New Zealand. First introduced during World War II, the aircraft became a vital part of the RNZAF fleet. It carried everything from spare parts and mail to food and ex-POWs and was involved in fighting in the Solomon Islands.

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First built in the 1930s, the Douglas DC-3/Dakota was an adpatable aircraft that filled a variety of roles: military transport (as a gunship, glider tug and air ambulance), commercial travel, freighter transport and even topdressing. This book tells the story of the DC-3 in New Zealand. First introduced during World War II, the aircraft became a vital part of the RNZAF fleet. It carried everything from spare parts and mail to food and ex-POWs and was involved in fighting in the Solomon Islands and support of New Zealand fighter bomber squadrons and flying boat squadrons. The DC-3 was the mainstay of New Zealand's commercial air services, for both passengers and freight, from the late 1940s until the mid-1960s, and embodies many nostalgic memories for generations of New Zealanders. It has carried VIPs, including Queen Elizabeth II. It also has had a key role in rural areas as a topdressing aircraft. Today, it makes regular appearances in warbirds displays and in tourism enterprises.