Eight Douglas DC-3s and C-47s gathered in Mount Pleasant, Texas, for a weekend of flying, aerial photography and time with the crews who keep these historic transports in the air. Mid-America Flight Museum hosted the gathering at Glover Field, with a public display at nearby Mount Pleasant Regional Airport on Saturday, September 19. The museum’s C-47, Sky King, was already at Glover Field when visiting aircraft began arriving Thursday evening. More followed on Friday morning. By the end of the arrivals, the lineup included Western Air Lines, Ready 4 Duty, That’s All Brother, Wacky Wabbit and Flagship Detroit, along with DC-3s operated by Vaerus Jet Sales and Aerometal International. The Flagship Detroit Foundation describes its aircraft as the oldest DC-3 still flying. FLAGSHIP DETROIT FOUNDATION
The Mid-America Flight Museum hosted the gathering at Glover Field (XS70), its grass airstrip near Mount Pleasant, Texas. Extended to nearly 7,000 feet, the runway provided a setting for DC-3 and C-47 operations throughout the weekend. The museum’s B-25 served as a photo ship for aerial photography, while ground transportation helped crews travel between the airfield and their accommodations. Founded in 2013 by Texas businessman and aviation enthusiast Scott Glover, the Mid-America Flight Museum maintains a flying collection that gives visitors a close look at historic aircraft and the people who keep them operating. Its C-47 Sky King was among the aircraft at the gathering; the museum’s C-41 remained in Ohio while work on its new interior continued.
Aerometal International’s aircraft, N18121, made the trip from Aurora, Oregon, with Paul Bazeley and his crew. Three of the transports flew on Friday for formation practice and an aerial photo session. With temperatures exceeding 100°F, crews and volunteers also spent much of the afternoon in Scott Glover’s air-conditioned hangar, catching up and exchanging stories. Flying resumed later in the day, and Glover and other pilots offered helicopter rides as evening approached.
Saturday began early as the transports departed Glover Field for another air-to-air photography session. Photographer Jack Fleetwood worked from the museum’s B-25 photo ship, an aircraft that had previously served Tallmantz Aviation in film work. The DC-3s and C-47s then assembled at Mount Pleasant Regional Airport, where visitors could see the aircraft up close, tour several of them and explore the museum’s collection. Some operators also offered flights. The museum had designated Saturday’s airport activities as the public portion of the gathering. Mid America Flight Musuem
The weekend offered plenty to see beyond the Douglas transports. Helicopters, Kelly Mahon’s Piper Cub and Waco INF, and other visiting aircraft were at Glover Field, while a Gee Bee Q.E.D. and Waco SRE could be seen in Glover’s hangar. Several DC-3s departed Saturday afternoon; the remaining aircraft left Sunday morning. Crews and volunteers came together for a final dinner at the hangar on Saturday evening.
For those on site, the close views of the transports operating from the grass strip were a highlight. Just as memorable was the chance for crews, volunteers, and friends to spend time together. Credit for a well-run and welcoming gathering goes to Glover, Mahon, the Mid-America Flight Museum team, the volunteers, and every participating crew.
The next major gathering for the DC-3 community is the DC-3 Society Operators Conference & Showcase, scheduled for December 4–6 at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. The program is set to include sessions for operators and maintainers, aircraft displays, and public activities. DC-3 Society
