Notes from the Dak

By Malcolm Uhlman, Greenwood Military Aviation Museum      First flown on 17 December 1933 at Clover Field in Santa Monica, California, the Douglas DC-3 is arguably one of the most successful aircraft ever built. The RCAF acquired its first examples of the Dakota in 1943 and was used in various theatres including Canada, Europe and South East Asia. After World War II many RCAF Dakotas were passed on to Trans Canada Airlines. The Dakota was the main RCAF post war transport until the arrival of more modern types like the CC-119 Boxcar, Northstar and Cosmo. In addition to the transport role the post war Dakota was operated in other roles including Search and Rescue, target tug and as an airborne navigation trainer for CF-104 Starfighter pilots. Aircraft configured for the role were given unique names like Dolly's Folly and Pinocchio. A total of 169 Dakota aircraft served in the post war RCAF with 76 remaining in service in 1969. In 1989 the last nine Dakotas were replaced by the CC/CT-142 Dash 8. (Information courtesy Bob Hurst www.RCAF.com)

Much exciting progress to report from the Dakota Restoration Project being undertaken by the museum‘s team of volunteers at 10 Hangar! October saw the cosmetic restoration of the twin Pratt and Whitney R1830 engines completed and mounted on the wing box. The two props were then stripped and repainted with their installation now complete. Engine cowlings are being cleaned and painted ready for installation. November saw the mounting of the rudder which is now sheathed with aluminum replacing the old fabric covered surfaces. The horizontal stabilizer is now ready for assembly.     Doc McKeil, Eric Welin, Brian Troniak and Bill Flinn prepare the starboard engine for mounting on the wing box.       Chuck Calder installing starboard prop.

A major problem is being addressed on the port wing. Starlings had found a hole in the skin and made nests between the ribs. Bird droppings being extremely caustic to aluminum, caused a lot of corrosion in this area. This is being descaled, some stringers are being replaced and new external skin is being readied. The Dak crew consists of team leader Eric Welin, Chuck Calder, Bill Flinn, Russell Keddy, Bob McElman, Doc McKeil, Dave Richards and Brian Troniak.       The cockpit crew is hard at work detailing gauges and switches etc. bringing the cockpit back to original condition. The laborious task of the paint stripping is on going. As you can imagine, lots of square footage is presented by the Dak and environmental concerns must be addressed making this process one of the most difficult and time consuming.

Doc McKeil and team leader Eric Welin installing aluminum panels on flaps replacing fabric.