DC-3 takes passengers on trip back in time

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A DC-3 that will be showcased in the Air and Water Show this weekend is taking passengers on a trip back in time. The plane first flew passengers out of Chicago back in 1937.

In the 1930's this was the new frontier. As people replaced mail, passenger air service was born. The DC-3 led the way.

Zane Lemon is part of the Flagship Detroit Foundation, a group of former pilots who found, restored, and now fly this plane as a reminder of aviation's earliest - albeit bumpy - days.

"You didn't have the luxury of flying higher for smoother air, you didn't have radar to get around storms. At night, there was a lot of nervousness about that," said Lemon.

This little plane grabbed the attention of those flying the big boys at O'Hare on Friday. As she raced down the runway and climbed into the sky, the people on board were transported back in time.

"It's a little louder, bumpier, but it's fun," said Pam Grzenia, American Airlines employee.

"You really get to feel the flying aspect of it," said George Eschevarria, American Airlines employee.

Nowadays people complain about cramped seats, but Ruben and I are getting to know each other a lot better in this tight fit. That's because back in the 1930's the average passenger weighed just 130 pounds.

This particular DC-3 originally flew the Chicago-New York run. This weekend, she comes home.