"Flagship Detroit" at Spirit of St. Louis Air Show 2024. AA launched the Chicago-NY DC-3 service on 25 Jun 1936, becoming a leading US airline with it. This aircraft was built in early 1937 and delivered on March 2 as the 24th DC-3 to join the AA fleet at Phoenix. It had the distinction of flying First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt several times. In 1947 AA sold the DC-3 which changed hands many times over 34 years, finally ending up as an aerial sprayer. Capt. George Dennis and the Flagship Detroit Foundation bought the DC-3 in 2004. The aircraft now wears its historically correct paint scheme.

Constructed for and delivered to American Airlines in 1937 this is one of the oldest DC-3s around. Its last commercial use was as an agricultural sprayer for K&K Aircraft from 1985 until 2004 out of Bridgewater (VA). The aircraft was eventually bought by the Flagship Detroit Foundation in early 2005 who's aim it was to restore the DC-3 to its former glory. By the time this picture was taken the aircraft already recieved its origional American Airlines colours but still missing one engine.

Outside the AA Maintenance Base.

DC-3 "Flagship Detroit" was kept busy all day during the event flying passengers on sightseeing flights.

The Flagship Detroit arrives at busy Vancouver International. The oldest flying DC-3.

Aircraft manufactured in 1937.

Very pretty airplane indeed....compare this with the photo I took of her (as N17334) on December 28, 2002 at Bridgewater, VA.

Another of K and K Aircraft's retired DC-3 sprayers stored at Bridgewater, VA. Beautifully restored in period American Airlines colors as "Flagship Detroit." Airworthy in 2017 and an active participant in the US airshow circuit.

Later to N17734