Hundreds of Douglas Dakota airliners still fly , nearly 80 years after their introduction . Canada 's Maritime Airways offers scheduled passenger flights on occasion . DC-3s opened the door to profitable coast - to - coast airline service . The plane is about as near humans will get to growing wings . Nickamed ` ` ' Birds , '' the DC-3s are known for their rugged landing gear and airframes .
Hundreds of Douglas Dakota airliners still fly , nearly 80 years after their introduction . Canada 's Maritime Airways offers scheduled passenger flights on occasion . DC-3s opened the door to profitable coast - to - coast airline service . Nickamed ` ` ' Birds , '' the DC-3s are known for their rugged landing gear and airframes .