Spirit of Harbour Grace
Spirit of Harbour Grace
History
The Douglas Aircraft Corporation developed a prototype aircraft, the DC-1, in 1931. The DC-2, a new and more advanced aircraft, was developed and went into service in 1932. The DC-3, the model of the Spirit of Harbour Grace, went into commercial service in 1935. The DC-3 is considered “as the aircraft that changed the world,” with more than 11, 000 of its type produced in the United States alone.
The Spirit of Harbour Grace was manufactured in 1943 by the Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California, on charge to the United States Air Force. The aircraft served in North Africa until the end of World War II, when it was purchased by Resort Airlines in the United States. Later it was purchased by Leeward Aeronautical Service Lake Central Airlines, where it was used as a C47 cargo aircraft. In 1951 Quebec Air purchased the plane, modifying it as a DC-3 Douglas.
In 1977 Roger Pike, a native of Harbour Grace, bought the aircraft. Pike used the airplane to transport food and dairy products from Stephenville to Goose Bay under private registration. In 1983 Pike acquired ownership of Labrador Airways Ltd. The DC-3 was then based out of Goose Bay, transporting mail and cargo. The aircraft was retired in 1988 and restored close to its original condition.
The wingspan of the Spirit of Harbour Grace is 95 feet, with a total length of 64 feet, five inches long, and standing at a height of 16 feet, 5 1/2 inches. The aircraft weighs 26,200 pounds and contains two Pratt and Whitney R-1830 engines, which allow the plane to fly at 135 kts, or 150 mph.
In 1993 the Spirit of Harbour Grace was donated to the town by the Pike family. This historic landmark now stands at Riverhead, Harbour Grace, forever commemorating the town’s rich past in aviation.
Roger Pike sincerely wishes that Harbour Grace will always receive the rightful recognition for its part in the history of international aviation.
Location: GPS Coordinates: 47.671999, -53.256456
Street Address: Harvey St, Harbour Grace, NL Video: Arrival of the Spirit of Harbour Grace (1993)