Following D-Day commemorations honoring the generation that flew, maintained, and depended upon the legendary DC-3 and C-47, the DC-3 Society will hold its inaugural Operator Conference & Showcase at Flabob Airport (KRIR) in Riverside, California.
Slated for Dec. 4-6, 2026, the three-day gathering will bring together operators, maintainers, pilots, owners, educators, industry partners, aviation enthusiasts, and future generations of aviation leaders in a first-of-its-kind event dedicated specifically to the operational legacy and future stewardship of the world’s most iconic transport aircraft, according to society officials.
The event will open on Friday, Dec. 4, with the DC-3 Society Operator Conference, a forum for owners, operators, maintainers, pilots, and crew members focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, maintenance best practices, training, airworthiness, and operational sustainability.
On Saturday, Dec. 5, and Sunday, Dec. 6, the event will expand into a public aircraft showcase and aviation programming experience featuring DC-3 aircraft displays, aviation exhibits, youth-focused activities, educational programming, and additional special events celebrating the aircraft’s enduring impact on aviation history and culture, according to organizers.
“At Flabob, we have spent decades proving that aviation can change lives,” said Jon Goldenbaum, Trustee Chairman of the Tom Wathen Center at Flabob Airport. “Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we have helped young people discover purpose, opportunity, and careers they never imagined possible. The DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase represents that same spirit of stewardship and investment in future generations. While this event celebrates one of the most iconic aircraft in history, it is equally about preserving the knowledge, craftsmanship, and passion that keep these aircraft flying. We are proud to welcome this inaugural gathering to Flabob Airport and the Tom Wathen Center.”
For more information: DC3Society.org
Lawrence. These beauties and the love of them crosses international boundaries and I wish I were able to travel there but alas too old, etc. It thrills me to see them still flying. From Canada.
Hello and good morning, Reading the press release on the DC-3s To Gather at Flabob, Calf. sent chill’s down my back what a wonderful event. When hearing and seeing these machines work in aviation is quite inspiring how this plane helped win the battles of tyranny. I remember my father telling our family how they performed. From combat over Europe to the WACS flying out for target practice from Otis Field US Army Base MA. But that was decades ago. Today we have many different project series models still up and running. What a magnificent compliment we get to see.