SerpApi.Org
The DC-3 Society, Oxford, CT, capped the Douglas DC-3’s 90th anniversary celebration at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 with a five-aircraft Missing Man Formation while announcing plans for its inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase later this year. The commemorative flight took place Tuesday over Wittman Regional Airport, where five Douglas DC-3s flew in formation to honor the aircraft’s legacy and the military veterans, airline crews, mechanics, and aviation pioneers associated with the DC-3 and its military counterpart, the C-47 Skytrain. Throughout AirVenture, the DC-3 display has attracted thousands of visitors, offering opportunities to tour the aircraft, meet the crews, and learn about the type’s enduring role in commercial and military aviation.
“The response we’ve witnessed throughout AirVenture so far has been extraordinary,” said Moreno Aguiari, board chair of the DC-3 Society and the Founder of Vintage Aviation News. “These aircraft are more than historic airplanes-they’re flying museums. Watching people of every generation stop what they’re doing to hear those engines, share memories, and witness our Missing Man Formation reminds us why preserving these aircraft is so important. Their story is far from over.” Building on the anniversary celebration, the society also unveiled artwork for its first DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase, scheduled for Dec. 4-6 at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. Created in collaboration with Django Studios, the artwork will represent the inaugural gathering of DC-3 operators, restorers, owners, and aviation enthusiasts.
The inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase will run Dec. 4-6 at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California. Friday’s (Dec. 4) schedule includes aircraft arrivals, registration, exhibit setup, networking opportunities, and a welcome gathering for participants. On Saturday (Dec 6), registered attendees will take part in the Operators Conference while the public can explore the aircraft showcase and aviation programming. The weekend concludes Sunday with a final public showcase before participating aircraft depart. Registration for operators, exhibitors, sponsors, media, and attendees opens in late August, with additional announcements on participating aircraft, speakers, conference sessions, and other programming expected ahead of the event. The DC-3 Society is also organizing a media flight during AirVenture that will allow credentialed journalists to photograph and document the aircraft in flight and in formation as part of its efforts to promote the continued preservation and operation of the nearly 90-year-old aircraft type. For more information and to support the DC-3 Society, click on this link: www.dc3society.org.
