The American Airlines Flagship Detroit
The Flagship Detroit was manufactured in early 1937 and American Airlines accepted delivery of the Detroit on March 2, 1937. The airplane was designated as a Douglas DC-3-G102, serial number 1920 and given the registration number of NC17334. It was the twenty-fourth DC-3 in American’s fleet which eventually totaled eighty-four aircraft. American Airlines flew the Detroit in regular passenger service until 1947 at which time it was sold. Since the airplane was not conscripted into military service during World War II, American used this airplane for a considerable amount of print advertising during the early 1940’s. Since the Army Air Corps did not have a dedicated airplane for the President during this time, the Detroit had the distinction of carrying First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt on several occasions. She always sat in the same seat (the rear seat on the right side, just forward of the entry door) because, it has been said, she always wanted to be the last person boarded and the first person deplaned.
The Flagship Detroit Foundation located the Detroit in Bridgewater, Virginia and purchased the airplane in August of 2004 from K and K Aircraft. 
At that time she looked a lot different than she does today. She had been operating as an aerial spray plane, with spray booms under each wing and a utilitarian interior devoid of seating. Eighteen months of very hard work by a multitude of dedicated volunteers restored NC17334 to her former self. That work continues on a rigorous schedule, with continuous improvements being added to the restoration.
The Detroit was ready for her first public appearance at the Ft.Smith, AR airshow in April, 2006. Since that time the Detroit has attended events and airshows all across the country, ranging from Seattle to Key West, and San Diego to Boston. On average, the airplane makes twenty five appearances annually. The Flagship Detroit is currently the oldest DC-3 in the world that is still flying, but don’t worry, our mechanics keep her in excellent condition, and she only looks half her age. We hope to see you at one of our upcoming events.
