The Douglas DC-3 has, over time, become known as one of the greatest aircraft ever designed and built. This airplane revolutionized air transport in the 30's and 40's. In 1944 alone there were over 4800 built with a total of more than 13,000 built during its production years. An estimated 400 are still in use.
Jim was well acquainted with this aircraft and a special assignment arose in 1941 around the delivery of three DC-3's to Hawaii. This was to be the longest over water flight the DC-3 ever attempted. Since this was a high-profile event, it wouldn't do for Douglas Aircraft to be embarrassed by a catastrophe while attempting the feat. This is why Jim was selected as the skipper of the DC-3 named Mauna Loa. This was an indication of his stature within Douglas. The two other DC-3's were called Haleakala and Waialeale.
Entries in Jim's log beginning August 20th describe preparations for the trans-Pacific delivery of these planes to Inter-Island Airways (to become Hawaiian Airlines in October). The range of an unmodified DC-3 was about 1,000 miles. To make this trip the fuselage was filled with fuel tanks. Compass issues and radio bearing checks were also noted.
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On the evening of August 27th Jim raised the landing gear of DC-3 certificate #33606 at Oakland, CA and headed West to Hawaii, in formation, with two other DC 3's.
There was a fair amount of pre-flight media about this event such that a crowd of about 1000 people gathered at Rodgers Field Honolulu to watch their arrival.
Approaching Rodgers from Diamond Head - A record was set on this flight.
Before they left - Jim is second from the left (above) and after they arrived - front row right (below)
As usual, Jim's log entry was simple and to the point.
This was also a big deal for Pratt & Whitney
A well deserved post-flight party for all involved - In left photo Jim is back left
This 1950's image is of DC-3 certificate # 33606 while in service with Hawaiian. This is the same plane that Jim skippered across the Pacific in the record breaking run of 1941. |
