We had the pleasure of starting from scratch on the flight deck of this 1937 Douglas DC-3A model. She was delivered off the assembly line to Eastern Airlines by none other than Eddie Rickenbacker, and thus began her enduring service operating for many different airlines and private owners. She is one of the highest-time DC-3s in the world, with over 91,500 hours. Taxiing alone has taken her the equivalent of 10 times round the world. Accordingly, her flight deck was in need of attention by the time she landed with her current owner.

Accomplishing this task required the removal and replacement of all upholstery, side panels, carpet, headliner, and instrument panel. We designed and installed new leather and suede sidewalls and headliner, all diamond-stitched to lend a classic look. We also made new historically accurate genuine leather seat cushions. The instrument panel was replaced with a grey crinkle finish powder coat, which demonstrably enhances instrument visibility. Small details elevate the look, such as the brass trim strip retaining nuts below the windshield. The result is a refreshed and functional flight deck, which in turn enhances safety of flight.

In progress, with the new instrument panel, but old seats:

New leather seats:

Complete flight deck view of the finished cockpit (weather strip with brass nuts, diamond-stitched headliner):

Stay tuned for more InteriorWorks projects with this spectacular DC-3!