Twenty one DC-3s amass over AirVenture Monday (July 26) afternoon.

Twenty one DC-3s shook the skies over AirVenture Monday afternoon (July26) as part of a mass arrival and demonstration. The flight was part of the largest gathering of DC-3s since World War II with approximately 35 DC-3 aircraft parked on the grounds so far. The dramatic arrival during the Showcase was a perfect prelude to tomorrow's (Tuesday) "Max-Effort Day" on Tuesday, July 27, which will include formation flights and aerial displays from all DC-3 aircraft that wish to be flown that day. That includes groups of the aircraft type in both airline and military configurations, plus others.

Among other highlights of the weeklong DC-3 celebration:

• A very special DC-3 / C-47 reunion evening at Theater in the Woods, hosted by David Hartman and including special guest Jim Douglas, son of DC-3 designer Donald Douglas;
• "Salute to Veterans" activities in cooperation with Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to include re-enactor displays and personal appearances by WWII veterans of "Easy Company" (known from the HBO series "Band of Brothers");
• Air Show programs throughout the week to include a parade of classic airliners, a unique heritage flight that pairs the C-47 with the modern C-17 Globemaster;
• An appearance by the aircraft and stars of hit Canadian reality TV series "Ice Pilots", still operating the DC-3 in daily passenger service;
• DC-3 movie screenings, including the John Wayne classic "Island in the Sky" at the outdoor Fly-In Movie Theater;
• Numerous public forums related to the people, history and operations of the DC-3;
• A major week-long effort by the EAA Timeless Voices of Aviation team to capture and preserve the video oral histories of all people connected with the DC-3.
• An exclusive DC-3 community cookout hosted by Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, which refurbishes DC-3s from its base at Wittman Regional Airport for continued use at locations around the world;
• A luncheon on Wednesday, July 28, in the EAA AirVenture Museum Founders' Wing for anyone who has even been connected with the DC-3, including pilots, mechanics, flight crew, veterans, etc. (Registration details will be forthcoming)