Thousands of aviation enthusiasts looked skyward July 21, 2026, as five Douglas DC-3 aircraft took to the skies in a Missing Man Formation during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, marking the culmination of the worldwide celebration of the Douglas DC-3’s 90th anniversary.
More than an air show performance, the formation served as a tribute to the generations of military veterans, airline crews, maintainers, and aviation pioneers whose lives were forever connected to the iconic DC-3 and its military counterpart, the C-47 Skytrain, according to officials with the DC-3 Society.
Throughout the week, the DC-3 flightline has remained one of AirVenture’s most popular attractions, drawing thousands of visitors eager to step aboard the airplanes, meet the crews, and experience these remarkable aircraft firsthand, officials added.
“The response we’ve witnessed throughout AirVenture so far has been extraordinary,” said Moreno Aguiari, Board Chair of the DC-3 Society. “These aircraft are more than historic airplanes — they’re flying museums. Watching people of every generation stop what they’re doing to hear those engines, share memories, and witness our Missing Man Formation reminds us why preserving these aircraft is so important. Their story is far from over.”
The DC-3 Society will hold its first-ever DC-3 Society Operators Conference & Showcase Dec. 4–6, 2026, at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California.
The three-day event will begin on Friday, Dec. 4, with participating aircraft arrivals, conference registration, networking opportunities, exhibit setup, and a welcome gathering for operators, sponsors, exhibitors, and invited guests. Saturday, Dec. 5, serves as the centerpiece of the weekend, featuring the inaugural DC-3 Society Operators Conference for registered attendees while the public is welcome to the Aircraft Showcase, offering a rare opportunity to experience these historic aircraft up close and engage with the crews, organizations, and volunteers dedicated to preserving them. The event concludes on Sunday, Dec. 6, with a half-day public Aircraft Showcase before participating aircraft depart for home.
For more information: DC3Society.org
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