Himmelfahrtskommando DC-3? Gibt PRÜFER Klaus das OK zum Abflug? | Morlock Motors
Video from the channel Kabel Eins about Douglas DC-3, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 28:30. Language: German. Video type: Documentary.
What it's about
Episode of the television programme "Morlock Motors" following the preparation of a DC-3 belonging to Michael Manousakis, damaged by a storm at Mendig, to carry his team and equipment to a treasure hunt on a Greek island. The team has two weeks to repair it, pass a test flight and obtain an inspector's approval.
Historical context
The aircraft, which the programme calls "Rosinenbomber," is a 1944 DC-3; according to those running it, finding unused parts for it is practically impossible. The spare parts, including a control surface, an aileron and a wingtip, arrived by container from Thailand a month late.
Key facts
The new parts had to be adapted to the old wing, which had to be re-riveted, re-covered with fabric and repainted. The inspector, authorised for US-registered aircraft, found several defects and wanted to fly the test flight himself, which was postponed several times. The last obstacle was the aileron hinge joints, bent by the storm: the aviation museum in Hermeskeil, 130 km away, allowed them to be removed from its exhibited DC-3, and the inspector himself fitted them. After one last night of work, the test flight went off without incident, with engines, pressures and temperatures all in order, and the aircraft was given the green light to load up and set off for Crete, while part of the team transported an inflatable boat by road and ferry.