How to Catch a Flight on a 1943 World War II Plane Built in Santa Monica

From a press release:

The 13th Annual Wings Wheels & Rotors will be on Sunday, Oct. 26 and one of the highlights will be flights in a actual World War II military transport aircraft.

Flights will be offered in this vintage combat veteran at Los Alamitos Army Airfield during Wings Wheels & Rotors 2014.

D-Day Doll, a C-53D, the paratrooper version of the iconic Douglas Gooney Bird will be available for flights at WWRE. Step up an enjoy a once-in-a-life time opportunity with a trip in D-Day Doll.

A very rare chance to share a special piece of history. A time and place to feel a unique memorable experience with loved ones, veterans, friends, youth and those who want a moment of history........And bring your cameras...… Flights will cost $200 and will take about 20-30 minutes each trip.

Call Eddie Bently with the CAF at 714-353-4011 to book your flight.
Must be 12 or older.

D-Day Doll is assigned, maintained and operated at the Riverside Municipal Airport with the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force. As serial number # 42-68830, she was built in Santa Monica in July 1943, arrived in Europe in September 1943 and was used in training the 101st Airborne Division.

This aircraft actually flew three missions on D-Day and also dropped paratroopers in Operation MARKET GARDEN, supported operations during the Battle of The Bulge around Bastogne and flew during Operation Varsity in March 1945.

After the war she was surplus and became an airliner for several airlines before being donated to the Commemorative Air Force in Riverside.

The C-53D Sky Trooper has a basic crew of three: pilot,co-pilot and crew chief. When carrying paratroopers, the airborne unit will add a jump master.

D-Day Doll will be available for tours after landing and you can visit her PX and pick up toys, made to order “dog tags”, photos and other gifts.

The Inland Empire Wing of the CAF meets at the Riverside Airport on the second Wednesday of each month. See www. InlandEmpireCAF.com / www.caflnlandempirewing.org for more details about D-Day Doll and the Commemorate Air Force or call 951-354-7954 and Eddie Bentley at 714-353-4011 to reserve your seat on D-Day Doll, and for more information.