The DC-3 is considered one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. [Credit: Adobe Stock]
Key Takeaways:
The article recounts the author's journey as a female FAA inspector earning her DC-3 type rating and subsequently accumulating 25 years of experience flying the iconic "Gooney Bird."
Her training in Miami at Opa Locka Airport, guided by instructor Hector Villamar, involved memorable experiences with diverse classmates, including unique incidents like hurricane repairs and encounters with "narc agents."
The author reflects with deep nostalgia on her extensive time flying DC-3s across the country, the genuine characters she met, and expresses a longing to relive those cherished moments.
Recently, there have been emails from groups all over the country who have rescued DC-3s and, after years of work, gotten them flying. My friend Barry Schiff was bragging about being asked to fly the newly restored corporate Wrigley DC-3 to Catalina Island in California.
No freighter, that one!
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Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.
![The DC-3 is considered one of the most iconic aircraft in aviation history. [Credit: Adobe Stock]](https://www.flyingmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FLY0326_3.3-Unusual-Attitudes-e1773840690827.jpeg)
