Flying in style

A surprise opportunity to take a quick spin around Shelbyville

In 1937, the year my father was born, a DC-3 designated Flagship Detroit began operation for American Airlines. At a time when air travel was a luxury, it carried a number of elite passengers, such as Babe Ruth. The aircraft was one of the few of its type not converted for military service, but it frequently carried Eleanor Roosevelt on her travels. She liked the seat right next to the door, making it easy for her to be the last to board and the first to exit. Because it was not in military service and still had its commercial livery, it frequently appeared in American Airlines advertising in the 1940s.

About 17 years ago, the Flagship Detroit Foundation, spearheaded by Shelbyville pilot George Dennis, purchased the plane and began a loving and complete restoration. Because of the Shelbyville connection, the plane spends part of the year based at Shelbyville Municipal Airport. It travels around the country, appearing at various events and offering flights in return for a membership in the not-for-profit foundation. It is the oldest DC-3 in the world that is still flying.

I wrote several things about the plane when I was with the Times-Gazette.

Today, the airport hosted Aviation Day. It’s more of an open house than an air show; various…