NZ3546, better known as Betsy, is a 1944 Oklahoma-built Douglas DC-3, fixed-wing propeller driven aircraft whose speed and range revolutionised air transport in the 1930s and 1940s.
DC3's played a key role during World War 2 and have had a lasting impact on the airline industry. A total of 16,079 DC3s were produced, with more than 400 still in commercial service as recently as 1998.
Image: DC3 - Photo by Gavin Conroy
Betsy is one of only a handful of DC-3s in the world still certified for civil aviation.
In 1987, Betsy began a new life in New Zealand, when she was purchased by a group of our New Zealand Warbird pilots and friends.
For many years the DC3 was painted in the D-Day colours used by the Royal Air Force during World War 2 – olive green on the upper surfaces and eggshell blue below. In 2007, the DC3 was repainted to represent the aircraft “NZ3546” from No.42 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. NZ3546 was one of the last two DC3s in the RNZAF service.
Betsy and her crew will be offering one-hour scenic flights over the weekend of the show. Book at the show or to avoid possible disappointment you can book in advance.
Image: DC3 - Photo by Gavin Conroy
About Yealands Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
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