DC-3 Society Celebrates 90 Years of the ‘Gooney Bird’

Weeklong broadcast series will honor the iconic taildragger’s maiden flight and lasting aviation legacy.

Meg Godlewski

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 09:35 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

A pair of Douglas DC-3s in flight [Credit: DC-3 Society Facebook]

Key Takeaways:

The DC-3 Society is commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Douglas DC-3's first flight on December 17, 1935, with a special weeklong broadcast series.
The series features discussions with experts, pilots, and historians about the iconic aircraft's legacy, including its transatlantic flights and contemporary operation.
Key events include "Transatlantic Tuesday" (Dec 16), a private film screening ("Wings of Legacy" on Dec 17), and "Throttle Thursday" (Dec 18) focusing on flying and maintaining the DC-3.
The Tuesday and Thursday broadcast sessions will be livestreamed on the DC-3 Society’s Facebook page and Zoom platform.

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On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made their first powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, and those 12 seconds changed the world. But did you know that just 32 years later, on the same day in 1935, the Douglas DC-3 made its first flight?

The DC-3 Society, an organization dedicated to protecting and honoring the legacy of the airplane nicknamed the “Gooney Bird,” plans to mark the 90th anniversary this month with a special weeklong broadcast series honoring the famous airplane that is still used today.