Continental takes nostalgic flight

To celebrate its tenth anniversary of operations in Belize and other Central American countries, this morning Continental Airlines made four nostalgic flights around the country in their vintage DC-3 aircraft. Hyacinth Latchman was on board.

It’s an aircraft we don’t normally see in the sky anymore, but however, the DC-3 boasts more than sixty years of aviation fame. Continental Airlines first acquired this aircraft that we flew in today in May of 1989 and it was restored with the Continental Airlines corporate identity and colors. Pilot Jim Minor, who has been flying with Continental for over forty years, told us about his experiences flying the DC-3.

Jim Minor, Pilot DC-3

“Well being an airline pilot is wonderful and flying a modern jet aircraft is very gratifying. But it is very gratifying in flying this aircraft which I started my career in. Because in the late 1930’s and the late 1940’s it was the 747 of its day. Every major airline owned DC-3’s. And, so I am happy flying it.

I have never had any emergencies to speak of over the years other than some engine problems. The DC-3 is probably one of the safest aircraft in the world.”

Flight Attendant Carmen Franks says she prefers working on the DC-3 because it brings the past to life.

Carmen Franks, Flight Attendant

“The difference working on a DC-3 is it’s almost sixty years old. We get to wear the uniforms from the forties and fifties. And, we play the music when the passengers board so it’s like we go back into time.”

Those who made the trip today were a bit nervous since the plane is much older than many of us, but the friendly crew made passengers feel very secure aboard the aircraft.

Q: “Were you frightened when you first stepped in?”

Victoria Daniels, Passenger

“Actually yes, however, as the crew instructed us you know as to put on your safety belts stuff like that, I actually enjoy it better than the flight Continental have flying into Belize right now. It’s very safe, it was really great and the trip was really nice.”

Hyacinth Latchman

“Although it’s not as big as the planes we are used to these days; our flight on the Continental DC-3 was comfortable and exciting. Hyacinth Latchman for News Five.”

Continental is the second largest airline to serve South America and the Caribbean. Continental has two daily direct non-stop flights from Belize to Houston, Texas.