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C-54

Douglas C-54

The DC-3, like all aircraft, should be “flown by the numbers.” To get from one airport to another the pilot must takeoff at the proper speed, climb and descend at established rates and airspeed, maintain desired headings and altitudes, navigate from one airport to another, perhaps perform an instrument approach to an airport, and land in a variety of wind and runway-surface conditions. 

A typical flight has seven segments: 

  • Pre-Takeoff
  • Takeoff
  • Climb
  • Cruise
  • Descent
  • Approach
  • Landing

Always taxi the DC-3 with the yoke pulled back full, this will keep the tail wheel firmly on the ground.


PhaseRPMMP
Take-Off270048″
Climb235036″
Cruise205030″
Descend1205020″
Descend2170018″
Take-Off

Take-Off

Full Power setting for One Minute Max then reduce to Climb power setting

  • Pitch Trim: +3°
  • Flaps: Zero Degrees (Fully retracted) unless short-field takeoff, then half-flaps
  • Lock the tail wheel when lined up on the runway (Don’t forget to unlock it before landing!)
  • Power Settings: Full Throttle, High RPM
  • Mixture: Auto Rich
  • Rotate: 84 kts

Phase

Prop RPM

MP

Take-off

2700

48”

Climb

2350

36”

Cruise

2050

30”

Descend 1

2050

20”

Descend 2

1700

18”