Douglas DC-3 C-47 C/N 12107 ZS-BXF 6821 6888

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C/N 12107

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The Dakota DC-3

C/N 12107

Built in Oklahoma City

29 November 1943 Delivered to USAAF as 42-92320

To RAF as FZ572

24 December 1943 accepted at Nassau and given SAAF 6821

31 January 1944 To 5 Wing Cairo

16 August 1948 To SAA as ZS-BXF Klapperkop

8 February 1971 To 44 Squadron as 6888

14 May 1991 To SAA Historic Flight as ZS-BXF

16 October 1993 first flight after restoration.

On 17 December 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, the 1903 Wright Flyer became the first powered, heavier-than-air machine to achieve controlled, sustained flight with a pilot aboard. With Orville Wright at the controls, the aeroplane took off from a launching rail and flew for 12 seconds and a distance of 37 meters (120 feet).

Thirty-two years later, to the day, on 17 December 1935, at Santa Monica, California, an aircraft, designed by Arthur Raymond, took to the skies. That aircraft was model number three of the Douglas Commercial Transports.

The venerable DC-3 has enjoyed an illustrious career with numerous South African operators. The South African Air Force was one of the World's largest operators of the DC-3 with over 80 examples. The first delivery to the SAAF having taken place in June 1943. The SAAF "Gooney Birds" took part in the Second World War ferrying troops and supplies and much later did duty in the Angolan war and the Namibian border campaign.

The Douglas DC-3 was one of the first aeroplanes to be put into service with most of the major airlines after World War Two, including South African Airways. After the end of hostilities in the Far East a number of SAAF C-47 "Dakota" aircraft were transferred to SAA to augment the Lockheed Lodestars with which SAA had started post-war services. The Dakotas were soundproofed and fitted out with 21 seats for airline service. The Dakota served with SAA for nearly a quarter of a century, providing reliable service on all the internal and regional sectors. When retired from SAA service the "Daks" were sold to the SAAF.

After her second spell with the South African Air Force ZS-BXF was again purchased by South African Airways and added to the Historic Flight fleet. She was restored to pristine condition and her fist post-restoration public outing was to the Vereeniging air show in October 1993.

Klapperkop is painted to represent the DC-3s that began service with South African Airways during the 1940s. Her main task nowadays is a leisurely one, taking passengers on low-level nostalgia trips. Specifically safaris throughout Southern Africa to exotic places like the Victoria Falls. Her Sunday flips are extremely popular giving passengers a low-level view of Johannesburg and its environs.

As a very warm and comfortable aeroplane, the DC-3 has always been at the forefront in the area of passenger comfort and this is evident when one steps on board “Klapperkop”. Durable, reliable, responsive, dependable – these are the traits that make the DC-3 one of the most respected and loved aircraft the world has ever known.

Contributed by John Austin-Williams
26 June 2009

C/N 12107

SAAF 6888

Suid Afrikaanse Lugmag

Photograph: Karel Zaayman

12107 ZS-BXF WILL BLUNT

C/N 12107

ZS-BXF

Aircraft was named Vasberade when in ministerial use

South African Arways

Orange Tail colour scheme

Photograph: Will Blunt

C/N 12107

ZS-BXF

South African Airways Historic Flight

At an Aviation Africa trade show.

Johannesburg International Airport

Mid 1990s

Photograph: Jacobus Saayman

C/N 12107

ZS-BXF

South African Historic Flight

Swartkop Air Force Base

25 July 2003

Photograph: Thomas Posch

12107 ZS-BXF emergency landing john miller

On 21 November 2003 ZS-BXF carried out a wheels-up forced landing on an open field 2 nautical miles east of Lanseria.
The aircraft was repaired.
Photograph: John Miller collection

The day ZS-BXF was test flown and re-delivered, 10 November 2006. All the people in the photograph worked on the rebuild.
Taken outside hangar 30 at Rand Airport. Her fist charter after the rebuild was over a year later on 14 November 2007.

Photograph: Brendan Odell