The DC-3 Trust
The DC-3 Trust is thrilled to launch the conservation project of the iconic aeroplane; the DC-3/C47 B Aircraft ZK-AZL, located in the Agricultural Heritage Museum at Mystery Creek Events Centre. The legendary Ossie James gifted the historic aircraft to the museum in 1974. Ossie, who passed in 2007, was the first president of the NZ Fieldays Society and pioneer of the aviation and agricultural industries. Ossie championed innovation in the farming sector, being the first to convert a plane into a top-dresser, the DC-3.
Ossie James
The iconic aeroplane
The DC-3 aeroplane was originally used to train pilots in the Royal New Zealand Airforce and was once used to carry the Queens luggage around New Zealand. The DC-3 was purchased from the Royal NZ Airforce by Ossie James on the 14th of May, 1954. Renamed the Highland Duster, the aeroplane made its first commercial flights on the 3rd of December, 1955. Ossie James’ company, James Aviation was the very first in New Zealand to convert a plane into a top-dresser and the DC-3 Dakota was the very first plane to be converted.
The aircraft retired from work in 1974 after 9959 hours of topdressing work, spreading around 100 tons of fertiliser a day. The aeroplane was gifted to the Agricultural Heritage Museum in October 1974 where it has been on display for 36 years at Mystery Creek Events Centre.
The DC-3 Trust
The DC-3 Trust was created to ensure the legacy of Ossie James lives on. The volunteer group is dedicated to conserving the DC-3 aircraft and are passionate about preserving the New Zealand aviation and farming history. Members include Lynette James (Ossie James’s daughter), John Gallagher, Dr Jenny Cave, Chris Louoni, Wayne Green and Terry Harpe.
The Conservation Project
The official launch of the conservation project is set to take place on the 15th of November at the Agricultural Heritage Museum at Mystery Creek Events Centre. Around 200 aviation and agricultural enthusiasts will be invited to attend the function to celebrate the initiation of the project. The launch could not take place on a better day as the 15th of November also marks Ossie James’s birthday.
An independent expert was employed to assess the condition of the aeroplane. It is evident from the report that a conservation project is vital to combat corrosion and to protect the aircraft. The conservation project will transform the DC-3 back to its original form by repairing the damaged skin, inserting a new floor, upgrading the cockpit, painting the exterior original colours, replacing the windows, supporting the wings and many other elements that will ensure the aeroplane is preserved.
The most crucial part of the conservation project is to erect a roof over the plane before any work is implemented. This will ensure the aircraft does not suffer any further weather damage once preservation is underway.
The 2-3 year project needs more financial help to get the project off the ground. $36,000 has been donated through the Lottery Grants Funding and another $17,000 has been gifted from the James family.
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