Douglas Corporation DC-3 VH-EAP

This Douglas C-47 formerly flew with the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II prior to being handed over to Qantas Empire Airways in 1948 and registered as VH-EAP. It can be identified as a former military aircraft by its large cargo door which, along with other modifications, made C-47s somewhat different to civilian Douglas DC-3s built earlier for airlines.
Developed from the earlier DC-1 and DC-2, the DC-3 revolutionised air travel in the 1930s. It was relatively fast, reliable and able to carry up to 28 passengers in comfort. Despite its success, Qantas did not begin to operate the DC-3/C-47 until 1945 when military C-47s became available in large numbers.

After service with Qantas in New Guinea, VH-EAP was sold in 1960 but continued to fly in New Guinea. In 1981 it returned to Australia and was flown by Bush Pilots Airways (later Air Queensland). There were a number of other owners and last flew in January 1993. VH-EAP was later obtained by the Qantas Founders Museum, dismantled, transported to Longreach and repainted in its original Qantas Empire Airways colours by retired and serving Qantas staff.

Nearly 11,000 DC-3s and C-47s were built between 1936 and 1945 and many remained in service with smaller airlines into the 1980s. Some are still flying.

Aircraft kindly donated by John Darcy Williams of Cambridge, Tasmania.