A rich history

Travel through the years as we explore the Spirit of Douglas’ many adventures.

1942

Built at Douglas Aircraft, Santa Monica, CA

Rolled out as a C-53-DO, construction number 07313, ready to serve in WWII.

29 June 1942

Taken on strength with the USAAF

Taken on Strength/Charge with the United States Army Air Force with s/n 42-47371.

10 September 1942

Served with the RAF in India.

Taken on Strength/Charge with the Royal Air Force with s/n FJ712.

26 December 1942

Returned to USAAF

Joined the 1st Troop Carrier Squadron, 10th Air Force in the China-Burma-India theatre.

21 December 1945

De-Mobilised and sold

Left military service and sold into commercial use in India.

5 February 1946

Entered service in China

Operated with Central Air Transport Corporation in Beijing.

12 December 1949

Acquired by General Claire L. Chennault

Purchased by the legendary Flying Tigers commander, linking her to aviation lore.

19 December 1949

Registered to Civil Air Transport, Taipei

Re-registered N8336C and based in Taiwan, later moved to Hong Kong.

22 July 1953

Operated by Air Asia

Flown by Air Asia, a subsidiary of Air America, during the Cold War.

June 1955

Converted to DC-3-S1C3G

Upgraded with a VIP interior and performance kit by Executive Aircraft Services.

5 January 1956

New airworthiness certificate

Certified for civilian use after her conversion.

23 July 1962

Acquired by Mead Corporation

Flew corporate missions in Ohio, logging hundreds of hours with company pilot Michael Winblad.

3 December 1982

Donated to Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum

Retired to static display, preserving her as a piece of heritage.

1993

To Basler Flight Services, Oshkosh

Restored to airworthiness and repainted with the markings Billion Dollar One.

1994

Featured in Hollywood film

Appeared in the movie Richie Rich, adding a cinematic credit to her story.

5 July 1999

Re-registered as N943DJ

Operated as the Spirit of Enterprise, continuing her long civilian career.

27 July 2009

Flies at Oshkosh AirVenture

Showcased with new markings Spirit of Benovia.

16 September 2010

Reno Air Races appearance

Photographed at Reno, a celebrated event for classic aircraft.

June 2019

Crosses Atlantic for D-Day 75

Attended the Duxford D-Day show in the UK, reconnecting with her wartime legacy.

September 2023

Emerges as the Spirit of Douglas

Purchased by current owner and is reborn as Spirit of Douglas.

May 2024

D-Day 80

Crossed the Atlantic to join the Legacy Tour in celebration of D-Day 80

June 2024

Legacy Tour

Flies over the beaches of Normandy in formation with other Legacy Tour DC-3s and WWII fighter aircraft

September 2024

Atlantic Crossing

Crosses the Atlantic to return to base in Aurora, Oregon

August 2025

First Leg of the World Cruiser Tour

Crosses the Atlantic to Dole, France on the first leg of the World Cruiser Tour