TransNorthern Aviation, Anchorage, AK

Alaska is home to many unique aircraft and operators, and TransNorthern Aviation is no exception. Based at Ted Stevens International, Anchorage, TransNorthern specialise in passenger and freight charters throughout Alaska, using a variety of aircraft, including a Beech 99, Fairchild Metro, and some of the last remaining operational Super DC-3s. In particular, TransNorthern specialise in carrying groups to their network of remote lodges, for hunting, fishing and general sightseeing. The main reason for our visit was to view and photograph the company's Super DC-3s - they currently operate 3 of the upgraded DC-3s, termed DC-3S (or C-117D in military parlance), and all 3 were present during our visit.

The first of these was N30TN, a historic aircraft, as it is a genuine DC-3S, rather than an ex-military C-117D. It was originally ordered by American Airlines in 1940, but was never delivered and joined the USAAF as a C-50 (as the ex-airline models were referred to in the Air Force). It was released by the Air Force in 1944, and finally joined American Airlines. Subsequently, it returned to Douglas in 1949 and became the second aircraft converted to Super DC-3 (DC-3S) standard.

It was re-registered N30000 and retained as a demonstrator by Douglas. After its period of being a demonstrator, it passed through a large number of operators, including a period in Mexico as XB-NIW for Banco Mercantil & Supermercado SA, as a corporate transport. It went on to fly for a series of other corporate users in the US, with a series of identities, and was also caught ’drug-running’ by the US Drug Enforcement Agency several times! It eventually ended up with the City Council of Beaufort County, SC, who used it for spraying insecticide, for mosquito control. It was purchased by TransNorthern in 2004, to replace a similar aircraft which departed to the Caribbean, and currently carries their red, white and blue colour scheme.

Next up was N851M, an aircraft which began life in the military, as a R4D-8 with the US Navy, later being redesignated VC-117D. It was delivered in 1951, and served until 1973. After storage at Davis Monthan AFB, between 1976-7, it left the military, and went through a variety of civilian operators, including a time used for mosquito spraying, before ending up in Alaska in the Spring of 2007. Currently, it is under restoration, which will include a refurbished interior.

The third aircraft is N28TN, which began life as a C-47A with the USAAF, serial 42-24345. It later transferred to the US Navy as an R4D-5 (serial 39080). When Douglas initially offered the DC-3S to the airlines, it became a commercial failure, as the market was saturated with ex-military C-47/DC-3 aircraft, and most airlines could not justify the extra cost of the upgraded version. The US Navy came to the rescue for Douglas, and ordered a number of conversions, and 39080 became one of these aircraft, becoming an R4D-8 or later a C-117D.

After leaving the service, the aircraft eventually ended up in Canada, with Carl Millard, hauling car parts from Ontario. After Millards ceased trading in the early 1990s, the aircraft passed to Kenn Borek Air in Calgary, flying tourists to the Arctic. It was replaced by a Turbo DC-3 in 2006, and acquired by TransNorthern, and still wears its distinctive Kenn Borek colours.

Adjacent to the Super DC-3s was a standard DC-3, belonging to Bush Air Cargo. It was delivered to the USAAF as a C-47 in 1944, before passing to the US Navy, before leaving the service in 1946. After countless operators, and identities, it ended up with Bush Air Cargo. It is unusual as it is equipped with skis - apparently the skis are put to use with landings on snow and frozen lakes being performed.

TransNorthern are yet another company in Alaska operating classic aircraft and finding a niche for themselves. Once again, we were given a very friendly welcome, and great tour, and even t-shirts! Many thanks to all at TransNorthern, especially Jason for the excellent tour.

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