The world's oldest flying DC-3 takes off from New York JFK

The Editor of AirlinesAndDestinations.com was privileged to be invited on a special flight on July 18, 2012 of the world's oldest Douglas DC-3 from New York JFK, flying over New York City. The flight was performed in honor of Azriel (Al) 'Blackie' Blackman, who was commemorating the 70th anniversary of his working as a maintenance technician and crew chief for American Airlines and its forebears. Mr. Blackman is thought to be the world's longest-serving aviation employee. The aircraft was built in 1937 specifically for American Airlines and was named 'Flagship Detroit'. Registered NC17334, it was the 45th DC-3 of about 640 built before Douglas stopped producing the civilian version in favor of the military C-47 in 1942 -- the same year Mr. Blackman began working at American Airlines forebear American Export. 'Flagship Detroit' was purchased many years later while serving as a crop-sprayer in Bridgewater, Virginia by the Flagship Detroit Foundation, an organization founded by former senior American Airlines pilots. The aircraft and the organization are based at Forth Worth's Alliance Airport.

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