1945 Originally owned by the
United States Army, started its life with the military as 45-1108, a C-47B.
October 1945
Delivered to the USAF.
March 1946
It was put in the care of the RFC
(Reconstruction Finance Corp., US Storage body formed to dispose of government surplus
materials April 1946
With just 35.5 Hrs, the aircraft was flown
to Mineola, NY where all military equipment was removed and the aircraft was repainted in
civilian colors. It was immediately sold to a gentleman who wanted to start
an airline, but unfortunately, it never took off.
April/May 1946
Jack Losse, the Chief Pilot
for Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) found the DC-3. He jumped a the
opportunity to buy this military aircraft. After it was purchased, he
had it converted to a company DC-3 by Aero Trades, Inc. located in Long
Island. The DC-3 entered the into civilian registration as NC54542 and
became the corporate aircraft for CBS.
1948
CBS sold the aircraft with
only 550 hours
December 1966
The DC-3 was re-registered as
N280M and flew for Outboard and Marine Manufacturing Company (OMC) of
Milwaukee, WI from December of 1966 to March 1977.
1977
OMC donated the DC-3 to the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) of
Franklin, WI. During this time, it was re-registered again as N54542.
The DC-3 flew Headquarters personnel, EAA merchandise and later gave scenic
rides in Oshkosh, WI.
Approx. 1988
EAA sold aircraft to Mike Suzuki of
California Air Tours (CAT) in Burbank, CA. The ferry pilot on that trip was Dan Reid, a
longtime Basler DC-3 pilot.
1989-1991
CAT was in the business of taking Japanese
tourists to visit the Grand Canyon from Burbank airport, daily, using Cessna 402’s
and Navajos. After lots of paperwork taking about a year, the FAA granted permission for
CAT to use the DC-3 in Part 135 (Air Charter) operation. Aircraft carried thousands of
tourists on trips to the Grand Canyon, 30 per plane-load. Walter Brubaker was copilot with
Captain Reid for both the certification proving runs and daily revenue ops
April 1995 – August 2003
Era Classic Airlines, an FAA
Part 121 Airline, purchased the aircraft in 1995 with approximately 16,500 flying hours
and renamed it “Spirit of Alaska.” Era
took visitors back in time of nostalgic flightseeing tours in Southcentral Alaska. The Air
Hostess was outfitted in 1940’s garb all the way down to seamed stockings and white
gloves. Big Band and swing music played in the background, champagne was served, and
1940’s news headlines were read over the PA system.
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