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World War II icon graces

A legendary World War II aircraft caught the attention of locals when it arrived at Broome International Airport last week.

The Douglas DC3 American aircraft, operated by Air Nostalgia, was in town for a week bringing 20 passengers taking part in a tour around the country.

An iconic aircraft of its time, the DC3 is hailed as one of the best aviation inventions of the 20th century.

Since the war years, this particular aircraft has been magnificently restored and offers scenic flights around the country to aviation enthusiasts, providing a thrilling and nostalgic flying experience from the past.

Air Nostalgia chief pilot Alan Searle said the unique DC3 aircraft was originally designed to fly from one side of the US to the other.

The first flight, in 1935, proved to be a significant milestone in aviation history.

The popularity of the DC3 came from its reputation as being larger, faster, safer and more luxurious than previous planes.

They were widely used for transport, cargo hauling, staff transport, training and communications. Mr Searle said the Air Nostalgia aircraft started life with the Royal Australian Airforce in the 1940s and was operated for many years.

It made a number of trips to Japan during the Korean War, before it was sold and based at Essendon Airport in Melbourne where it was neglected for 10 years. It was eventually purchased and restored by Air Nostalgia Captain Bob Fisher.

Mr Searle said the DC3 was a “unique” aircraft.

“It was a brilliant design for the day,” he said.