The Douglas C-47 Skytrain flew for the first time 73 years ago today. Developed from the Douglas DC-3, the C-47 was the most widely-used transport of World War II. Douglass built over 10,000 Skytrains and every branch of the U.S. military and all the major allied powers operated it. The C-47 hauled cargo, dropped paratroops and even towed gliders. More than 1,000 Skytrains participated in the D-Day invasion. Unofficially known as “Gooney Bird,” General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the C-47 one of the four most important weapons of the war, along with the bazooka, the jeep and the atomic bomb. C-47s remained in active military service long after the end of World War II, playing a vital role in the 1948 Berlin Airlift and participating in the Korean and Vietnam wars.
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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.
MY First commercial airplane flight was in a North West Airlines,ORD/MSP, DC-3. Loved the plane to this day. Happy Birthday Old Girl………CTP
First saw one when I was a kid , back in the thirties, Had gold wheel covers