Aviation Memorabilia Newsletter

Spirit of Harbour Grace

Douglas DC-3 -  c/n 6179 - registration CF-QBI manufactured in 1943 by Douglas Aircraft Corporation in Santa Monica, California as a C-47 for the United States Military.

The C-47 Skytrain model was a modified version of the very successful and reliable DC-3, first flown in 1935. The United States Army Air Forces used it in North Africa in 1943-1945.

The DC-3 revolutionized passenger air travel and is universally recognized as one of the most significant aircraft ever made! Pilots of DC-3's - and aviation buffs worldwide comment, "The only replacement for a DC-3 is another DC-3."

Flying in Newfoundland and Labrador

This plane was modified as a passenger DC-3 in 1951 for a Canadian company. Roger W. Pike purchased the aircraft in 1977 and used CF-QBI to transport food products from Stephenville to
Goose Bay.

In 1983 Pike acquired Labrador Airways Limited and based CF-QBI in Goose Bay to transport mail and cargo. Pilots who flew CF-QBI many hours in our provincial skies included Captain Don Beavers.

See also:

www.flickr.com photo by Reinhard Zinabold

www.airport-data.com/aircraft/CF-QBI.html

Photos below posted on Facebook by John Gilchrist, June 17, 2022