Douglas DC-3 Airplane

In Girl in the Glass, James and Declan fly from Washington, D.C., to Denver, Colorado, aboard a DC-3. Although Declan worries about flight safety, the DC-3 was known for its reliability and performance.

DC-3, or Douglas Commercial 3, is considered one of the most important and influential aircraft in aviation history.  It ushered in the era of dependable long-distance air travel and was the first plane to operate profitably as a passenger-only plane and without government subsidies.  

Introduced in 1936, by 1939 the DC-3 was responsible for 90% of the world's airline traffic. The DC-3’s robust design and ease of maintenance also made it a favorite of pilots, and during WW II, the plane was modified to serve as a military transport aircraft, supporting the war effort.

In July 1936, President Roosevelt recognized the DC-3 with the Collier Trophy, remarking, “This airplane, by reason of its high speed, economy, and quiet passenger comfort, has been generally adopted by transport lines throughout the United States. Its merit has been further recognized by its adoption abroad, and its influence on foreign design is already apparent.