Today May 18, 2024 (EDT 09:30 EDT), five years after their successful mission in 2019, the D-Day Squadron – the American contingent of Douglas C-47 and DC-3 transports is expected to depart Waterbury-Oxford Airport (KOXC) in Oxford, Connecticut and head out across the North Atlantic along the original Blue Spruce route.  Once they complete the flight the fleet will participate in events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasions and 75th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.

For the occasion, FlightAware has created a special link to track the progress of the fleet.  FlightAware is an American multinational technology company that provides real-time, historical, and predictive flight tracking data and products. As of 2019, it is the world’s largest flight-tracking platform, with a network of over 32,000 ADS-B ground stations in 200 countries.

The aircraft which confirmed their participation as of November 10th commemorating Veterans and Remembrance Day are:

• C-47 “Placid Lassie” ( N74589) – Tunison Foundation – USA
• C-47 “That’s All, Brother” ( N47TB) – Commemorative Air Force Centex Wing – USA
• C-47 “ Screaming Eagle” (N150D) – Private Owner – USA
• R4D “ Ready 4 Duty” (151ZE) – Commemorative Air Force Dallas – Ft. Worth Wing – USA
• C-53 “Spirit of Douglas” (N8336C) – Private Owner – New Zealand
• Dc-3 ‘Western Airlines” (N33644) – Vintage Flying Machines

For today, the plan is for the aircraft to land at Presque Isle International Airport (KPQI) and remain overnight.  On Sunday, May 19th the airplanes will depart towards Canadian Forces Base Goose Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada where they will refuel and assess the weather conditions before commencing the Atlantic crossing. After Goose Bay, the D-Day Squadron airplanes will land at Narsarsuaq International Airport, Greenland (BGBW) (ETA May 20th), Reykjavik Domestic Airport, Iceland (RKV) (ETA May 21st), Glasgow-Prestwick Airport, Scotland (EGPK) (ETA May 22nd), and then finally North Weald Airfield (EGSX), Essex,  England.

Once the D-Day Squadron aircrews make their crossing over the Atlantic reaching the U.K. they’ll head direct to the historic North Weald airfield in Essex (around the last week of May). The aircraft will be welcomed by Keith and Aero Legends. From here, aircraft and aircrews will be attending several exciting events, organized by Aero Legends. Multiple events include an eclectic mix of ground shows, air shows, parachute drops, and unique opportunities to get up close to the aircraft. On May 31^st, spectators can watch the ground show as parachutists clamber aboard the aircraft and practice their drops.

To follow the D-Day Squadron live, click THIS LINK

Estimated Departure Time 09:30 EDT

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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