The Douglas DC-3 did more than transform commercial air travel — it reshaped global transportation, military logistics, and the very economics of flight. Nearly nine decades after its first flight, the aircraft’s legacy remains as strong as ever, carried forward by the pilots, restorers, historians, and enthusiasts who continue to keep these icons in the air. That legacy will take center stage in Mid-August 2026 ( dates will be announced soon) at Flabob Airport (RIR), when DC-3s gather under the official banner of the DC-3 Society for the first Fly-In & Showcase of its kind. Set at one of Southern California’s most historic and community-driven airfields, the event will celebrate not only the aircraft itself, but the people dedicated to preserving its story.
Flabob Airport, long associated with vintage aircraft, skilled craftsmanship, and grassroots aviation culture, provides a fitting backdrop for what is intended to become an annual tradition. Owners, crews, historians, and admirers will come together to share stories, showcase aircraft, and honor one of the most influential designs in aviation history. While full event details are coming in March — including the program schedule, participating aircraft, and special activities — organizers are already focused on selecting a name that will define the gathering not just for this inaugural year, but for every year to follow.
The DC-3 Society is inviting its members to help create a title worthy of the aircraft’s enduring legacy. More than a fly-in, this event represents the beginning of a lasting tradition — one that honors the DC-3’s remarkable past while ensuring its presence in the skies, and in the public imagination, for generations to come. For more information, visit www.dc3society.org.
