Southern DC3:

ZK-AMY is the only DC3 still flying in the South Island and one of only two left flying in New Zealand. The public of NZ are enjoying ZK-AMY as an icon of living history. Fly in her and relive for yourself the glory of travel in the golden age of flight. As one of the four pilots on the Trust Board, Dave Horsburgh says, “The Old Girl is not ready to retire - we’ll make her earn her keep for a long time yet”.

The DC3 is a legend around the world and nowhere more than in NZ. Since its first flight in 1935 the DC3 has continuously impressed with its reliability, safety and style, along with the ability to earn its way in a world of rapidly advancing technology.

ZK-AMY began life flying for the US Air Force in 1944, she flew Australia from top to bottom between 1947–1994 and most recently flew with Pionair and Vincent Aviation.

Yet, with just 18,000 hours logged against her airframe, she is literally the youngest airworthy DC3 in the Southern Hemisphere.

History of the DC3

1944 Built as C47A-Skytrain 42-92-93579 and delivered to the US Army Air Force (USSAF) on 9 June, 1944

1944 Assigned to the Pacific theatre of operations on 16th of June, 1944

1947 Went to the Australian Department of Civil Aviation (Melbourne), as VH-ASD, 20 March, 1947, in a survey role.

1950 It was registered VH-CAN on 9th of August, 1950, with the Australian Department of Civil Aviation.

1978 On 27th of October, 1978, it was sold to Paradak Ptv Ltd. of Melbourne and named 'Can-o-Bus'.

1978-1994 Changed ownership frequently and used throughout Australia on mostly chartered business.

1994 Registered as ZK-AMY by Vincent Aviation in Wellington, New Zealand

1998 Withdrawn from service and stored at Palmerston North, New Zealand

2001-2006 Christchurch's Pionair Adventures aquires the aircraft for charter work in 2001 and commences fundraising effort in 2006