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 celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Douglas DC-3's first flight (December 17, 1935) with a special weeklong broadcast series.
The series aims to honor the enduring legacy of the iconic "Gooney Bird" airplane, which remains relevant and in use today, and to recognize those who support and keep it flying.
Broadcasts will feature experts, including pilots, historians, and restorers, sharing their knowledge through live discussions and in-depth conversations, with scheduled sessions like "Transatlantic Tuesday" and "Throttle Thursday."

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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.