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The Way To The Stars; Flying The DC-7CF

C

casey jones

Charter Member
I admire the DC-3, DC-4, DC-6, L749, but most of all to me there is nothing like the Douglas DC-7C, With Cal Classic's DC-7C, and Mr Ken Mitchell's DC-7 panel it is a match made in the stars. I am a dummy when compared to the real pilots here, but I try to use my limited knowledege only in what I read. The DC-6 (I fly the X-112A) was most likely the best of the Douglas piston airliners, fast, very smooth and responsive to the controls, and popular with the public. The L749 is a very complecated airplane to fly and operate. Then we come to the DC-7C Seven Seas, Douglas changed the wing design, and this may have given it more speed, but for me takeoffs are a white knuckle affair..it is a step up progress with moving the flaps up a click at a time and watching the airspeed which must move to at least 150 knots before more lift can be realized. Ihe other night I was making a instrument night approach into Victorville Airport California, as I descended through the pitch black of midnight, I had a difficult time in adjusting my auto pilot which is above the panel and is not at all lighted, this is the only problem I know of for Mr Mitchell's DC-7 panel, But landing the DC-7CF at night can be a real hand full for me...but in the end it is a great wonderful airplane.


Cheers

Casey
 
Hi Casey,

I am glad one of our Connies made your list. We do have a very friendly competition with Tom over at CC to bring the closest possible simulation of these magnificent airplanes from Lockheed and Douglas to the flying public.
It is definitely safe to say that our Connies are much improved in many aspects thanks to his generosity.
The Seven Seas or Dc7C and the L-1649A were the pinnacle of piston power. Replaced by boring but efficient, fast and high flying jets.
They are by default more challenging to fly correctly than their replacements. Too complicated for some, but in my opinion well worth the effort.
Since I have never personally flown either of them I used my connections in the aviation world here in the US to find pilots that were lucky enough to do so to get a sense of what it was like.
My friend Joe who flew everything American Airlines ever had in their fleet was one of the pilots I grilled for information. He still considers the 7C his favorite airplane. Of course he did not fly Connie :)
:ernae:

Stefan
 
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