Delta's Ship 41 used to be a freight hauler in the carribean, if I am not mistaken. It was apparently pretty rotted out, and the current DC-3 in Atlanta is, basically, Ship 41 in data plate only. The aircraft was purchased and completely torn down and rebuilt to airworthy standards by technical operations personnel.

I am completely unfamiliar with the AA DC-3. However, it would be really neat to see this aircraft given the same treatment as Delta's, if at all possible. Especially given AA's long and prideful history. Heck- I'd volunteer to work on the thing! It's neat to be a part of a company with as deep of roots as American's. Who knows- maybe once we get this airline thing put together, some good stuff can be done to shed light on our past. I'd like to be a part of that...............

I am familiar with both airplanes and would disagree mildly with how both have been described in this thread. Delta Ship 41 certainly went through an unbelievable restoration process, but to say that most of what survived of the original was the data plate is an extreme exaggeration. You are correct about Ship 41 being a Caribbean freight dog, but most of the labor to restore Ship 41 was volunteer.

The DC-3 in the CR Smith museum is the Flagship Knoxville. The airplane is not restored to the degree of Ship 41, but it is not rundown by any means. Flagship Knoxville was the 49th DC-3 AA took delivery of, so it was in the middle of the order with AA taking 94.

I have the privilege of being one of the crew members of the Flagship Detroit which is the oldest flying DC-3. It was delivered to AA on March 2, 1937. We take FSD to air shows year round so check our website and we may end up someplace where you can see her. Since you say you would volunteer to work on Flagship Knoxville, we can give you that opportunity on the Detroit.

Welcome to Flagship Detroit WebQuarters !

Different airplane. It was the Flagship Detroit that was used as a sprayer and you can no longer smell the malathion.

Awesome! Thank you, kindly, for the information. I've seen Ship 41 at the DAL museum (went over there to see it when I was at ASA), but I have yet to see Flagship Knoxville.

I saw Flagship Detroit while it was at KFFC. I believe it was having a jug replaced on it, as it had a an exhaust issue that stranded it there. Beautiful aircraft though- very nicely done!

There are two Piedmont DC-3s. Piedmont bought one that never flew for them and restored it flying status for airshows. US Air sold it. Carolinas Air Museum bought it and flew it to airshows for a while, but think it is static in CLT now because of the cost. The other one actually flew for PI and is being restored at the NC Transportation museum.

My Dad started with PI in 1968 as an agent and loved the airline business. Thought about taking him to the CR Smith Museum but will probably check it out on an overnight first.