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What is the oldest operational aircraft????

tommieboy

tommieboy

SOH-CM-2025
Seems that the last Martin Mars (The Hawaii Mars manufactured in 1946) may have flown its last operational fire fighting mission this year, and my be permanently retired. Which got me thinking, what is the oldest operational aircraft in the world? More specifically, aircraft that are still available for charter, for the transportation of personnel and / or cargo. I'm not interested in the aircraft that are flown at airshows only.

Tommy
 
DC-3,Piper Cub Ford Tri Motor...All bets off at Airshows However..Or Try OLD RHINEBECK..Their Air Stock....Now Thats OLD!..And they Fly ,Making a living!<label for="rb_iconid_24">
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If you're talking strictly Part 135 operations, then I'd concur with Vin and Tommy about the DC-3.

I would say the next closest would probably be the Grumman Goose, but I think all of the ones on the West Coast that were in service have now been retired. There might also be a Widgeon or two still around in Alaska somewhere, hauling the freight. Ooooh, what about the Norsemans in Red Lake?

From there, it's gotta be the Beaver and the Swineboat (the Otter)!! :p:

View attachment 92722
 
The DH Rapide could also be a contender as there are still a few that take paying customers on joy rides and not necessarily just at air shows.
 
guess it depends how you difine operational, if its ..

It still works! - then by no question is the Bleriot XI at old warden from 1909 which still flys

Still works, and gives rides to paying customers/shifts cargo - then it'd very likely be one of the many DC3s in the world!

Still in the country's Airforce - then it'd prolly be something in the RAF Memorial flight, as there still all on the RAF books!
 
"Operational"

Being a military sort of guy, I think of the term "operational" as applying to military aircraft engaged in day to day ops and as far as " US Military" aircraft go, the B-52 has the C-130 beat by a year: 1952 v. 1953.

Both of 'em have fought or supported just about everything between then and now and both are projected to fly for decades to come.
 
Jagdflieger said:
Being a military sort of guy, I think of the term "operational" as applying to military aircraft engaged in day to day ops and as far as " US Military" aircraft go, the B-52 has the C-130 beat by a year: 1952 v. 1953.

Both of 'em have fought or supported just about everything between then and now and both are projected to fly for decades to come.
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Wow, I think we all forget how old the B-52 design is. I guess it does carry cargo; it just doesn't bring it back home....:icon_eek:

Tommy
 
about Coulsons Martin Mars,,,i dont know its status..but i know that their C-130Q is tanked,wrapped and ready,waiting for USFS and i suppose FAA approval at McClellan in Sacramento as of last Monday afternoon..and i believe its still there waiting.
 
Lufthanza has a Ju-52 in its fleet for ceremonial duties, but I'm pretty sure it isn't used for actual commercial operations. This one is the oldest still airworthy, built in 1936.

However, there are apparently three other Ju-52's engaged in active commercial duty carrying passengers for scenic flights in Switzerland. That company has a fourth that has since been placed on static display.

Man, talk about a reason to vacation in Switzerland! That would be a plum opportunity.

Ken
 
While not the oldest by a long shot, I'm currently flying a 1943 Boeing Stearman on Part 135 commercial ops doing scenic flights.

It's a tough life , but ya gotta do it :jump:

Pete.
 
The RAF still operate a Harvard IIB at Boscombe Down. Been in continual military service for 69 years!

Martin
 
Hey All,

And never forget the longest serving aircraft in any branch of the US military is the Canadian Dehavilland Beaver - two of which are still in operation at the US Naval Test Pilot School in Pautuxent Maryland. As we say in Canada - you can't lick our beavers! :icon_lol:

-Ed-
 
Ah yes, the old U-6 Beaver or the DHC-2 Beaver in civilian cloths.

Early in my career I flew in the U-6 more than a few times. I even got to fly one once or twice with a sympathetic pilot.

I never got to fly in its stable mate the U-1 Otter, but there are lots of updated and turbopropped Harbor Air DHC-3 Otters flying in the Puget Sound Area around the Orcas Islands and over the Strait's of San Juan around Victoria Island. Harbor Air also operates the piston powered Beavers as well as the later Twin Otters.
 
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