Every December, Fort Worth, TX, becomes a magical place with a Douglas C-49J taking passengers on a journey back in time to Christmas past. “Southern Cross,” the C-49J operated by Greatest Generation Aircraft, transforms into a festive time machine, taking passengers on Christmas light flights around the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Passengers are treated to fantastic views of light displays and nighttime views of downtown Fort Worth. The Christmas light flight tradition started over ten years ago and is continuing with the crew preparing for the upcoming 2025 season as we speak!
About the Aircraft
You have probably heard of a C-47 or a DC-3, but you may be wondering what a C-49J is…. When the United States got involved in WWII, the Douglas Company had several DC-3-type aircraft in production for various airlines. With the sudden need for more transport aircraft to enter military service, the government commissioned Douglas to reassign current aircraft on the production line as government transports. These examples of the DC-3 became known as the C-49. The C-49 was basically a DC-3 that was adopted by the U.S. government. Since the airframes were already mostly built up to airline standards, the C-49s had some major structural differences from the C-47s, which were originally intended for military service from the start. The main differences between a C-49 and a C-47 include: no cargo door, no cargo floor, no reinforced landing gear, no glider tow, and different powerplants. All C-49 models were powered by the Wright Cyclone 9 1820 engines, while the C-47 was powered by the Pratt & Whitney 1830. There were only 138 aircraft that received the C-49 designation, and 34 of those received the J. Today, our Southern Cross is the only remaining airworthy C-49J model in existence.
Originally intended for American Airlines, Southern Cross rolled off the Douglas assembly line in Santa Monica, CA, on November 14th, 1942, as SN6315 and was received by the Air Transport Command (43-1975). Although information from her service card is limited, we know that she flew with the Air Transport Command 6th Ferrying Group 1st Ferrying Squadron. The airframe was released from service in July 1944 and was acquired by Chicago & Southern Airways. C&S sent Southern Cross back to the Douglas “re-conversion” plant to be reconverted into a DC-3. One of the most prominent modifications recorded at that time was the relocation of the cabin door from the right side of the fuselage to the left. C&S merged with Delta Airlines in 1953, and that is when Southern Cross ended her commercial airline career and became a private aircraft with numerous owners both in the US and Mexico. Greatest Generation Aircraft acquired Southern Cross in 2003, and a full restoration was completed, including the installation of period-accurate radio room and navigator’s compartments.
The Christmas Light Flight Experience
Christmas light flights take off from Fort Worth’s Meacham Airport (FTW). Conveniently located only six miles from downtown Fort Worth, the airport serves as a perfect location to bring Christmas light and vintage aviation enthusiasts together. Flights take off from the FBO Modern Aviation, allowing for a warm, festive, and comfortable waiting area for passengers. Southern Cross’ cabin is decorated with Christmas lights, which creates an atmosphere like no other. The crew wears Santa hats and fully embodies the spirit, making this an unforgettable experience. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, but once the aircraft reaches a safe altitude, passengers are allowed to get up and walk around the cabin. The view of the C-49’s vintage cockpit illuminated in red lighting is unmatched! One of the main targets of the flight path is Interlochen, which is a DFW area neighborhood known for having extravagant light displays. Cars wait hours in traffic to get into the neighborhood to see light displays… but the best part is that Southern Cross does not have to wait in traffic! Our passengers get a first-class experience seeing light displays from above, including the traffic lights of all the cars waiting to get in! Passengers also get spectacular views of decorations in Downtown Fort Worth from around 1000 feet in the air.
The Christmas light fight tradition is very special to our Southern Cross crew. We take great pride and joy in being able to provide an experience like no other for our passengers! This is a magical experience, not only allowing for a flight on a very rare warbird but also a unique Christmas experience. Families return every year from near and far to continue a tradition and make new memories! Christmas light flights are also the largest fundraising event of the year for Greatest Generation Aircraft. It is thanks to our loyal Christmas light flight passengers that we get to keep Southern Cross in the air and continue our mission of honoring WWII history and our Veterans. 2025 flight experiences are now available for sale on our website at www.gga1.org/calendar. Reserve your spot today and start a new Christmas tradition with us! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
