As we go into AIRFEST 2010 this weekend at the Chicago-Rockford International Airport, I wanted to post a picture of one of my favorite aircraft.

 

This is a Douglas DC-3 that is in the aviation section of the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.  The picture originally didn't turn out because of a bad setting on my camera, but with the help of some software, I was able to lighten it a bit.

 

The plane only holds up to 31 passengers, but revolutionized long distance flight as it only took three fueling stops to go from coast-to-coast in around 16 hours.  Some folks make fun its looks, however, I like the Art Deco design and it has the most streamlined appearance of any commercial aircraft in its day.  It was also the most rugged and reliable, and there are many still flying today.

 

There was a military version of the DC-3 that carried cargo and paratroopers, and my Dad jumped out of one during his time in the Korean War.