DC-3 Society Takes Flight as the First Dedicated Type Club
The renowned Douglas DC-3, a significant figure in aviation history, now has a type club of its own. An important step in maintaining and conserving the operational history of this famous aircraft has been taken with the official separation of the DC-3 Society from the Tunison Foundation.
The DC-3 Society is committed to providing type-specific operational guidance for the DC-3 and its variants, including the C-47, ensuring these aircraft remain airworthy for future generations to witness in flight. With an estimated 150 DC-3s still in service today, the aircraft continues to play a vital role in Part 91 operations, cargo and freight transport, pest control, missionary flights, and humanitarian missions. Thanks to its exceptional versatility, load capacity, and short-field performance, the DC-3 remains a go-to aircraft for disaster relief operations, delivering aid and supplies where modern aircraft struggle to operate.
Beyond operational support, the society also honours the legacy of veterans who flew and maintained the DC-3 in historic conflicts from World War II to the Vietnam War. Through education and outreach programmes, including the Young Historian’s Programme, annual flight events, and collaborations with aviation museums, the society is ensuring that the legacy of the DC-3 and its role in shaping global aviation remains alive.
“With the DC-3 Society, we have a platform for the younger generation to help tell the stories of the Greatest Generation veterans who are too humble to call themselves heroes,” said Henry Simpson, UK-based pilot and founding member of the Young Historian’s Programme.
To commemorate the 90th anniversary of the DC-3’s maiden flight, the DC-3 Society has planned a series of events across the U.S. and Europe in 2025, featuring live broadcasts and in-person gatherings for members.
“We’re excited about the future of the DC-3 Society, especially in today’s aviation climate. Having a structured organisation focused on the interests and needs of DC-3 operators is critical,” said Eric Zipkin, Tunison Foundation board president and chief pilot of the 2019 and 2024 D-Day Squadron missions in Europe.
With the DC-3 Society now overseeing the D-Day Squadron’s educational programs and platforms, the D-Day Squadron will refocus its efforts on large-scale flying commemorations for the DC-3, ensuring that this timeless aircraft remains in the skies for years to come.
The DC-3 Society's essential role in conserving one of aviation's most iconic aircraft is recognised by Brookfield Aviation International. The DC-3 exemplifies the engineering prowess and versatility that still shape contemporary aviation. In order to guarantee that both vintage and modern aircraft continue to influence the aviation industry for many years to come, Brookfield supports projects that connect aviation's past, present, and future.
