Most modern flying DC-3 aircraft went through a comprehensive restoration process, usually from serving as 'C-47' variant during WWII. The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': DC-3 Airliner is no different; the fundamental aircraft basis was the C-47A; The VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': DC-3 Airliner is in a practice a 'restored' C-47A aircraft.
The C-47/DC-3 aircraft is being flown by its operators around the world for decades. While engine and aircraft performance are quite similar throughout the range (from being a C-47B during WWII, up to serving as an airliner in the 70's, or as a transportation/cargo workhorse nowadays)...each and every operator (given Air Force, Airline company etc..) drew the limitations and operational thresholds lines to fit their own maintenance capability. For this reason, there is a huge variety of DC-3 aircraft performance limitations, from Vne to engine power guidelines and settings for takeoff, cruise and other operations.
In the following pages, you can find several references that are based on the DC-3/C-47A aircraft, which were/are powered by the PW 1830-92 engine.
The various references may be in use for flying the VSKYLABS 'Test-Pilot': DC-3 Airliner aircraft. However, other references that may not exist in this manual may be in use as well.
COCKPIT PLACARDS - Power Table - Explanations:
- T/O - Maximum Takeoff power.
- ATO - Alternate Takeoff power - prefer this setting if possible (runway/weather considerations.
- METO - Power setting for initial climb, when the gears are up.
- CLIMB - Power setting for initial climb, up to 500 feet AGL.
- CRUISE/CLIMB - Normal cruise/climb power.
