Truly an iconic aircraft in the history of aviation is the Douglas DC-3. An aircraft that can honestly be said to have opened up air travel to everyone. It was developed in a time when air travel was for only the rich, and not exactly a comfortable experience. Previous aircraft were noisy, uncomfortable, and did not go very far between stops. The first truly modern all metal airliner was the Boeing 247, but thanks to its unfortunate design (a large wing spar protruding in the passenger compartment), it carried few passengers. The DC-1 fixed that and improvements let to the DC-2 and finally the larger DC-3.

With the start of WWII, civil DC transports were quickly snatched up by the military and a full military version, the C-47 was developed. Built in the thousands, such is the strength of the airframe, that many of these planes (the last of which was built in 1945) are still flying commercially and for the military.

That makes it a natural for Zenith Press' series of Haynes Owner's Workshop Manuals. Now you really cannot fully maintain and service the aircraft using just this book (at least I do not think so), but you do learn what it takes to fly and keep one operating.

The book is Britain based so you see the title 'DC-3 Dakota'. In the US it is called by most enthusiasts either a DC-3, C-47, or Dakota; mostly DC-3 or C-47. Adding to this, the majority of examples are based in the UK. We get a history of the aircraft, then a history of the RAF's ZA497, which has been in service for decades. First with the RAE and finally with the RAF Historic flight.

Then the book goes into the various systems of the aircraft and looks at the 1820 engines that are used to power it. All is accompanied by a lot of photos of these areas as well as drawings/blueprints. The book then goes into the viewpoints of the aircraft as seen by an owner, a pilot and an engineer. This includes what to look for in a used DC-3, how to operate the aircraft and then how to perform scheduled maintenance. This is finalized with a listing of extant (UK) airframes and the various RAF squadrons that flew the aircraft.

Containing over 300 images, mostly in full color, it all makes for an excellent detail book for the modeler and enthusiast alike. A super look at one of the most famous aircraft to ever take to the skies and a book I know you will find as fascinating as did I.

November 2011

 Review book courtesy of Zenith Press. Visit them to order this and other great books.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

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