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Douglass DC 7B Factoids

• The Douglas DC-7 was an American transport aircraft built by the Douglas Aircraft Company from 1953 to 1958. It was the last major piston engine powered transport made by Douglas, coming just a few years before the advent of jet aircraft such as the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8. The DC-7 was the A380 of the 1950s.

• Beginning in 1953, the  DC-7  flew the first non-stop east-coast-to-west-coast service in the country. American inaugurated this service. This plane could also fly New York to Europe nonstop.

• Total of 338 built but was only in frontline service from 1953 until 1958. It is considered, along with the Constellation, the ultimate airliner of the Age of Golden Aviation.

• Has 5,000 mile range.

• This DC-7B (N836D) serial number 45345/928, originally delivered to Eastern Airlines in January 1958.  Operated by EAL and several flying clubs for less than 10 years before being parked at the St. Paul, MN airport.  It flew for Miami based Eastern until mid 1960s.

• The airplane was made ready to ferry during May-August of 2004. With an overnight stop in Atlanta, it arrived in Miami to begin the restoration process. The original interior and hat racks were removed, and placed into long-term storage. They will be available for re-installation come the day the airplane is put on permanent static display. Over 65% of the original aluminum skin, outer wing panels, engines, have been repaired or replaced. A full paint scheme and new interior was completed for the first official Open House in December, of 2008. The airplane has now (March 22, 2010) received the necessary FAA exemption to begin carrying passengers for compensation. This is a wonderful program initiated by the FAA to allow historically significant aircraft to raise funds for its own preservation. It was personally certified for flight by Randy Babbit, head of the FAA

• First flight after restoration was July 4, 2010. Since then it has been used as the showcase aircraft in the new ABC series, Pan Am; flown with celebrities such as Sully Sullenberger and John Travolta.

• This is the world’s only flying 1950s classic 4 engine piston airliner carrying passengers

• Airplane has traveled to distant places such as St. Marteen, San Juan, Oshkosh, Detroit Thunder over Michigan, and New York.

Historical and Statistical Information:

DC3 / DC7 / A380 Comparison Statistics