DC-3 Society Announces Dates and Program Details for Inaugural Operator Conference & Showcase
RIVERSIDE, CA | June 8, 2026 — Following D-Day commemorations honoring the generation that flew, maintained, and depended upon the legendary DC-3 and C-47, the DC-3 Society today announced the official dates and expanded program details for its inaugural DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase, taking place December 4–6, 2026, at Flabob Airport in Riverside, California.
The three-day gathering will bring together operators, maintainers, pilots, owners, educators, industry partners, aviation enthusiasts, and future generations of aviation leaders in a first-of-its-kind event dedicated specifically to the operational legacy and future stewardship of the world's most iconic transport aircraft.
The event will open on Friday, December 4, with the DC-3 Society Operator Conference, a dedicated forum for owners, operators, maintainers, pilots, and crew members focused on collaboration, knowledge sharing, maintenance best practices, training, airworthiness, and operational sustainability. Programming will include networking opportunities, educational discussions, a luncheon program, reception, and evening gathering designed to strengthen relationships across the global DC-3 community.
“The inaugural DC-3 Society Operators Conference & Showcase represents a defining moment for our organization and the global DC-3 community we serve." — Moreno Aguiari, founding Board Chair, DC-3 Society.
December 4–6, 2026 gathering at Flabob Airport will bring together operators, maintainers, pilots, educators, industry partners, and aviation enthusiasts for three days of collaboration, education, and celebration of the iconic DC-3.
On Saturday, December 5, and Sunday, December 6, the event will expand into a public aircraft showcase and aviation programming experience featuring DC-3 aircraft displays, aviation exhibits, youth-focused activities, educational programming, community engagement opportunities, and additional special events celebrating the aircraft's enduring impact on aviation history and culture.
“At Flabob, we have spent decades proving that aviation can change lives. Through education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, we have helped young people discover purpose, opportunity, and careers they never imagined possible. The DC-3 Society Operator Conference & Showcase represents that same spirit of stewardship and investment in future generations. While this event celebrates one of the most iconic aircraft in history, it is equally about preserving the knowledge, craftsmanship, and passion that keep these aircraft flying. We are proud to welcome this inaugural gathering to Flabob Airport and the Tom Wathen Center.” — Jon Goldenbaum, Trustee Chairman, Tom Wathen Center at Flabob Airport.
Hosted at historic Flabob Airport, one of America’s oldest continuously operating airports and home to EAA Chapter One, the event will serve as both a professional forum and a public celebration of aviation heritage.
Event registration and ticketing information will be announced soon. Additional details, programming updates, sponsorship opportunities, and participation information will be released through the DC-3 Society’s official channels. You can find more information about the DC-3 Society, membership and programs by visiting DC3Society.org
About the DC-3 Society
The DC-3 Society is the first type society of the DC-3, providing type-specific guidance for operating the DC-3 and its variants, including the C-47, to help maintain airworthiness so future generations can continue to see them fly. The Society also serves the legacy of veterans who flew, maintained, and relied upon the aircraft in conflicts ranging from World War II to the Vietnam War. Through annual flight and commemoration events, educational outreach, the Young Historian’s Program, museum partnerships, and collaborative initiatives, the Society continues to preserve history while inspiring future generations.
