End of an Icon - Removal of the Fantasy of Flight DC3

Jonathan Wayne Andress Co-founder of Studio61 Productions Unveils an Exclusive Documentary on the Challenging Removal of the Fantasy of Flight DC-3, famously known as the I-4 Icon.
Being part of the "End of an Icon" was a remarkable experience. Like many others, I will miss seeing it on the roadside. However, I'm excited to have had the opportunity to share the story of its removal and answer many questions people had, rather than letting it vanish into the great unknown.
The Fantasy of Flight DC-3, acquired in 1995 by esteemed aviation enthusiast Kermit Weeks, has
captivated the public for nearly three decades. Initially appearing to the public as a downed plane, it drew
widespread attention and numerous 911 calls from concerned passersby. Its recent relocation signifies not
only the end of an era but also an engineering feat filled with significant obstacles.
Studio61 Productions' nearly 13-minute documentary provides an unparalleled glimpse into the
painstaking process of moving this iconic aircraft. The film includes an exclusive interview with Kermit
Weeks and a detailed account of the various hurdles encountered, from logistical challenges to
unexpected mishaps. The documentary offers a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the dedication
and expertise required to accomplish this daunting task.
Kermit Weeks is a legendary figure in the aviation community, known for his extensive contributions to
aviation preservation and aerobatic competition. Born on July 14, 1953, Weeks has competed in
aerobatics, designed aircraft, and devoted his life to restoring historic planes. His involvement in the
DC-3's relocation adds immense value to the documentary, as his insights and expertise offer a deeper
understanding of the complexities involved.
Weeks' passion for aviation began in his youth, building and flying model aircraft. Over the years, he
amassed a significant collection of vintage aircraft, eventually founding the Weeks Air Museum and
Fantasy of Flight. His dedication to preserving aviation history has earned him numerous accolades,
including induction into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame and being named a "Living Legend of Aviation."

[@cindicarpinelli4893]

I'm 65 years old. I am literally crying. The "DAKOTA," (as called in the British Air Force) as I always called the DC-3, is my favorite plane of all time's. It is the most beautiful and iconic plane ever built. When you see one you know right away what it is. All the planes today look the same to me. My dad was in the Korean War. He loved planes. When we were kids, he took us to every air show. He passed that love to me. I have traveled several 100 miles to attend air shows. My dad lived in Clermont, FL. I drove past the plane for many years on my way to Clermont. He loved going to the museum. He always promised to take me, but we never made it😢. When the man guiding the plane said," she's flying", it gave me goosebumps! The area that I live in has them as part of their mosquito spraying fleet. You can hear them coming a mile away. I love to watch them fly over, even though it's night when they fly over it's still wonderful to see and hear them. Since my dad passed, I haven't been back up that way in a few years. I'm so glad that I got to see her in all her glory. There are less than 200 of these left. Thank you for sharing this story. (Sorry for the long post but I just wanted you to know how much the "Dakota" meant to me)

[@MartintheTinman]

Both names are technically correct but both aircraft are not the same internally. The DC-3 is an airliner that has armchair style seating. The Dakota is a Freight aircraft it has no seats or canvas seats along the airframe that can be folded up. Some Dakotas have a double door on the port side too

[@robinoconnor1203]

I am a big DC3/C47 fan, arguably the best aircraft ever. I felt sad when they said its flying. I wonder back on July 1st 1933, the date of the first DC1 flight, did they ever think a version of the aircraft that would go on to do so much, would still be flying in 100 years time? Its only 9 years away.

[@douglasdixon524]

My father was a United States Army Air Corps pilot during WWII. He flew the C-47 in the (CBI) China, Burma, India over the "hump" which were the Himalayan Mountains. He flew for National Airlines out of Miami after the war. I'm glad the C-47 got my dad over those mountains so many times.

[@KB10GL]

@@MartintheTinman The Dakota was the British name for the Military C47, which was the freight version of the DC3, which is a civilian Airliner. C47/Dakota aircraft normally had the double door on the port/left side, however, there were a few that were built to order with the doors on the starboard/right side. Many civilian, pre war DC3's were pressed into military service, however they did not become C47's, unless they underwent a major structural conversion, but were used for other duties with the standard airliner/passenger door.

[@jimtiller3567]

In my opinion it is the best airplane ever built i remember this plane off the side of the interstate forever and yes it is a true icon in avation history ​@@robinoconnor1203

[@VRTRedStage]

Even in her decayed state she is still a beautiful aircraft. Touching to hear “she’s flying” when she was pulled free.

[@JonathanWayneAndress]

Thats my favorite part.

[@jimtiller3567]

I think it will fly once again and I certainly hope so it deserves that chance

[@chantheman7653]

I had a chance to meet Kermit Weeks years ago and I have never meet anyone with as much passion as he does for aviation.

[@nathanmeece9794]

Old girl not giving up without a fight. Love the old DC3. I flew on a C47 when I worked for the North Carolina Forest Service back in 1977

[@lucesainte-marie9017]

I’m 71 years. I smile with a lot of nostalgia. My father was once General Manager of our little town’s airport (Rimouski 5151-1-Q208), part of the Québecair airline. I think I was 6 or 7 the first time I got in a DC-3, then there was the F-27 a little later. I was too young to understand anything about anything but I remember the pilot crew and my father laughing at my genuine “It’s like a XMas tree” as my eyes wide opened stared at the night time instrument lights. I don’t remember which plane deserved this OUMF of joy. All I know is I fell utterly in love with the DC-3. In the end of ‘90s, I had a last chance to fly on a DC-3 from Québec to the beautiful and now UNESCO Anticosti Island in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. She had been acquired and successfully operated by the Cri First Nation. Now, thanks to internet, I can follow the history of many DC-3 being restored and flying with their proud crews and numerous volunteers. I wish I had the chance to sit once in the copilot seat. At night. ❤

[@FloridianCaesar]

It nearly brought me to tears to see it gone. I'd see it every time we went to Tampas from Orlando to see family. In a way, the plane felt like family. RIP Douglas DC-3

[@user-iq6wz4wv4u]

It breaks my heart knowing that the old girl will never fly again.

[@misterwhipple2870]

The Old Girl flew her last mission more than 30 years ago.

[@jimtiller3567]

I don't know about that I think it has a good chance of flying again one day

[@misterwhipple2870]

@@jimtiller3567 Yes, if you rebuild every single part. But to do that, you'd have to rebuild every single part. Why not just start the Douglas assembly line up again?

[@erickricharson5196]

It looks like it so badly wants to reach for the sky's again. That plane belongs in the air

[@0v3r8k7]

That DC3 was what always let me know I've made it back home from road trips 😢😢. Can't wait to experience her up close🎉

[@bxpress6507]

I'm with ya..she was always an indicator to me heading to Kennedy space center..almost like a halfway point marker😊 the dinosaurs were also part of the visual markers along with the DC-3..now it's just the big Mickey ears left..btw..there was once a constellation sitting next to the DC-3 for a short while before it was taken away

[@markcraig4341]

Sad these museums leave these priceless peace’s of history out to rot as road signs an other bs

[@itsaboutfam]

Bits of my childhood memories of living in central Florida are slowly disappearing and I cannot feel anything but sadness as they go. I don't know how many times I have seen the plane through the years and going back and forth from Orlando to Tampa. I remember seeing it in its original position nose down and with the skydiver hanging. All you can do is feel nostalgic as the memories come to your head. This was a great video and it was bittersweet seeing it lifted and hearing the guy say "She's flying" . I will have to take the family and visit the museum sometime soon, I have always wanted to visit.

[@jakelesnake]

What's crazy is we got to enjoy the last of the 70's & 80s attractions while getting to bask in the lry of the 90s boom in Orlando, but only around 2010-2016 did this stuff start to go away completely. Considering the pandemic was 2020 and the COVID time warp makes it feel like it's still 2021 which makes our loss of childhood memories feel even more recent. Mystery fun house, splendid China, Xanadu: home of the future, skull kingdom, wet n wild and so many others just deleted from the landscape.

[@servico100]

Recalling Santa Claus hanging there. Thank you Mr. Weeks for the memories.

[@1Greenworth]

Awesome mini documentary! A roadside attraction as the kids were growing, it will be sad to no longer see it there but the memories will be there. Thank you for making this great little film.

[@Roland8879]

A DC3 just flew over my house landing on 09 at Victoria BC. Got a quick picture, the engine noise alerted me. My first flight was in a Trans Canada Airlines Pennfield NB to Montreal 1948.

[@servico100]

Me too, Dartmouth NS Montreal QC 1948

[@SPak-rt2gb]

Combination of errors! Kermit seemed to be quarterbacking the whole project. Let these guys do their job. Nice mini documentary

[@leeroyholloway4277]

All that was missing was 3 monkeys and a football.

[@misterwhipple2870]

He's the World's Richest Hippie! He can't resist! I know it's his plane, but I would leave to the Professionals that I paid ten thousand bucks to do the job. I would have said "just tell me when it's done!" and left them to it.

[@VBeingMom]

I’ve been driving that route for over 20 years My kids always got so excited when they saw the plane. They are all grown now, but I still look for it when I go past. I am so happy to know the plane is still around and not on a scrap heap.

[@ryanscussel5220]

Thank you for sharing! You did a great job with this mini documentary.

[@hanyoukimura]

This is a beautifully made video. I have loved aviation since I was kid. It's one of my earliest passions and still is to this day. Watching lift off of the pedestal, as the music swells and one of the people working on the removal remarks. "She's flying." It's funny how an inanimate object can strike such an emotional cord. One more time, old girl...

[@NW2300]

I remember visiting Fantasy of Flight a few times when it was open to the public with my grandparents. Always enjoyed it, lot of memories including meeting Kermit a few times. I'm sure I have pictures of the visits somewhere lol. Good times, great memories! Would love to see it again and take a walk down memory lane

[@cheryllpringle9831]

Sad end for a great old bird.

[@elbeaurume]

Well done, gentlemen. Mr. Kermit, you are a wonderful story teller! You might consider a new career! Your passion for that beautiful plane kept me riveted! (To be honest, I even kinda teared up when she took her very last flight with the crane!) Blessings to you all!

[@Cruiser777]

Great job Mr weeks too bad that I moved out of Florida to a drier climate Arizona keep up the good work i n restoring these wonderful historical airplanes❤

[@brianmola711]

I saw her for the first time ever in 2021 when I was driving from Orlando to, ironically enough, Sun ‘N Fun for my first ever visit to that air show. It was only once and brief, but it turned into a memory of a life time. Truly saddened to see this.

[@BradM766]

Kermit hasn’t had much “going on” in 20 years. Fantasy of flight has so much potential and it’s quite sad it isn’t utilized more for locals, tourists, and kids to experience. I spent my 13th birthday there and flew in the biplane back when they offered that. Now it’s a ghost town.

[@pilotgeorge2000]

Yep. When I was 13 or 14, I got to talk to Kermit in his workshop while visiting. Inspired me to go get an A&P and become an aerospace engineer. It's a shame that Kermit was never able to see the tangible effect he's had on kids and killed the whole program

[@leeroyholloway4277]

Given that there's only a finite number of people interested in aviation it's no wonder the attraction keeps failing. I just like to see some projects get finished and flying. If I had those kinds of resources, that's what I'd focus on.

[@brian5o]

Thank you very much for making this. I love snd miss that plane. I can’t wait to watch.

[@JonathanWayneAndress]

You are very welcome! When I was told about ti I knew it had to be made!

[@vanim8]

That DC-3 was what brought me and my family to the Fantasy of Flight 20 years ago. We passed it each time we took our kids to the Orlando destinations from our home in Jacksonville. Finally as a lifelong airplane nut I took the family there because of this icon on the highway. The museum MUST find another iconic I-4 aircraft to display and attract visitors. The old axiom in marketing is - "What happens when you don't advertise?... Nothing."

[@DrumMenace]

You wouldn't have passed it travelling from Jax to Orlando, as it was further south of Orlando. You would pass it on I4 travelling from Orlando to Tampa.

[@lights_camera_coffee]

I’d watched Kermit’s videos here and there for a few years but had no idea where he was located. This spring I was visiting FL and driving down the road I saw the DC-3 and instantly recognized it. Glad I got a chance to see it

[@NipseyEternal99]

One of Polk county icon landmarks, Im going to miss it been driving through i4 since I was 18 and I'm 50 now

[@blakkween]

I’m definitely going to miss seeing that marvel. Thank you for the beautiful story. ❤️

[@michellewhatley5038]

as someone born and raised here in Florida just 30 minutes away from fantasy of flight this is emotional to see so glad it was made into a documentary can't wait to see what comes next ❤

[@philmessenger4655]

This makes me so sad. I always got a chuckle from the guy dangling in his shrouds

[@smgill2282]

I took my 13 year old son to fantasy if flight a couple weeks ago! Loved it

[@keithw7542]

I really miss the plane! It was a landmark on our travels!

[@seandoole6504]

We have an Argus at the museum at 19 Wing Comox. They had planned to tow the aircraft to a hangar so it could be refinished and put back on display. When we went to lift it off the mounting we discovered that the plane had suffered a lot of structural corrosion and a wing started to collapse just from the pressure of the rigging. The DC3 in the same air park is more ambulatory, but it is still sad to see how these planes seem to just dissolve over time.

[@garypic4083]

LOVE this place, been there 3 times back in it Glory days breaks my heart to see it now

[@billthomas9065]

I will miss this iconic road mark, a whole bunch more than those dinosaurs further down the road. Worked my whole life in aviation and have visited here and Tamiami well before. Sad to see one of these beauties fade away, but you really allowed so many to get a glimpse of the past.

[@KMTV3806]

Oh man I am 40 years old and I can remember riding with my daddy in his big truck back in the 90s going down i-4 and seeing that old DC-3 with look like a man jumped out of it or hanging on to it lol when I seen this video I could not help but to cry my dad would stop on the side of the interstate so we could look at that old DC-3 and take pictures with a camera LOL not a phone it breaks my heart to see it go but like the old saying goes all good things must come to an end. I just wished I could have seen it one more time with my mom and my dad all three of us together before she passed away she rode with us one time and my dad played a real bad trick by telling her look look look look that plane crashed and there's a man hanging off of it!!!!! 😂😂😂😂 Daddy got into a lot of trouble!!! 😅😅😅 Did not mean to write a book but it is good to reflect on memories especially the good ones I hope another plane goes up in its place it was called by the truckers if you didnt know the I-4 big plane marker that's what they called it on the CB Radio if anything was going on on i-4 and I said it's right beside the big plane marker you knew exactly where they were talking about!! Lol

[@alsardari892]

Thanks for the video I saw it all the time going between Tampa and Orlando. I miss the Lockheed Constellation that was out there too a few years in Lufthansa livery.

[@leehwhiz]

As many of us who passed by her many days over the past years it's sad to see her gone. I hope that she'll live on as a museum piece that will get the care and respect she so deserves.

[@NoleYakin]

Went to the mustangs and mustangs car/air show years ago what a great museum

[@APilotsHome]

Very well filmed. Really appreciate the work you did putting this video together. Cheers!

[@patrickshaw8595]

In the mid 60's my Dad the A&P came home and said he couldn't believe C-47s with electric gatling guns sticking out the pilot's side of the plane were called Puff The Magic Dragon and they were like an Ace in the Hole when it came to thwarting night time attacks on remote American outposts. He mused and said "Well it doesn't matter how slow it is, or how low it flies - it can stay in the air all-damn-night if need be and carry 6,000 pounds of guns and ammo . . . the old Goonie Bird kicking ass and taking clock numbers! "

[@Gamble661]

My first flying job way way back in the late 70's was flying DC-3's, logged about 500 hours of PIC time in them. Great airplane, slower than hell by today's standards but solid, it would never let you down. I try to visit FOF whenever I'm in FLA, it's one of my happy places, and I miss seeing that old 3 out there next to Route 4.

[@InMyBrz]

What an iconic airplane we all drove by every day for years ! Sure looks like it's deteriorated pretty badly over all those years. Glad nobody got hurt when the gear collapsed Kermit certainly has his thing going on there at FOF Best of luck for your future ideas for the location, sounds like a new adventure Sure could make a lot of CocaCola cans out of her !

[@Blazeoptimus]

I’ve past this aircraft on the interstate many times. I’m sad to see it go, although it’s long past due. Love fantasy of flight!

[@richardschindler8822]

As sad it is not to see it along the highway any longer, it’ll be nice to be able to visit it at the museum.

[@larryscott3982]

I saw a DC-3 flying just today. HGR airport. Maryland.

[@blacksquirrel4008]

Ahh, going to miss her

[@sailordude2094]

Thanks for the history, I love your museum! I remember seeing it off of I-4 with the pilot mannequin on it. How come you didn't show that pic, just talked about it?

[@jasondolliver2482]

Hell the place is never even open

[@thatairplaneguy]

It’s been closed for years while he works on his next dream.

[@DROB3]

Removing it! That is like the great pyramid! It is an Icon!

[@phillipzx3754]

At least the "props" didn't get bent from the drop. 🙂 I was yelling at my monitor as I watched this fiasco about to happen. They left no way for the aircraft to turn/pivot once they tied off to both of the front gear legs. Glad nobody was injured.

[@andrewmacdonald4833]

Wonderful aircraft...glad she isn't heading for the scrapper...

[@bobmorrison5636]

Back in early 70s i went to visit my dad in Oklahoma. We flew from boston to st Louis on 737 i think ...but from there to ft smith Arkansas it was on a dc3 (frontier airlines) felt like i was inside a bumble bee. But it was a comfortable aircraft

[@SteamCrane]

Beautiful video.

[@KB10GL]

Of course, being so close to a salt air environment, it's no surprise that the unprotected alloy structure has suffered heavy corrosion.

[@HM2SGT]

10:30 *Ford should pay you to use this footage!*

[@GBACH1]

Wow I was there once took the bi plane rides loved that place so sad

[@pickleman40]

There is absolutely no excuse for leaving a plane like that completely un sheltered for years without any maintenance and expect it to be fine. Sorry but "Fantasy Flight" demonstrated incompetence and negligence in this affair, They had a priceless artifact and they treated it like an Irish cocaine addict who keeps old rotting cars in their front yard. This organization completely failed at their duty and should feel ashamed.

[@paulw4310]

It's been a while since I've driven by. I admittedly try to avoid I-4 whenever possible, but I'm sorry to see that the iconic 3 isn't there any longer.

[@ronniefnd]

Shame it's gone. Seening that old bird akways meant i only had 10 m minutes left until i was home.

[@brendonschilling160]

Will it be rebuilt is the question.

[@porkchop955]

Look past the old paint and 25 years of dirt and the silhouette of a grand old plane is revealed.

[@bigtiny3857]

Her last few moments in the air.

[@laurensnieuwland4657]

She ought to get a Basler rebuild...

[@ironmike7160]

I wander what happened to it ? I've been here 22 years. I live 25 min from it.

[@johnchapman3446]

Put the Connie out there..... it will attract attention

[@unclejoe8279]

The combination of errors was one truck pulled forward and the other pulled backward.

[@robertbrouillette6767]

As tough and simple as these planes were built, that plane could be rebuilt, pass FAA airworthiness tests and fly again.

[@jamesmunoz3225]

So now I know why in FSX the DC3 is on its nose! As long as someone is flying in Microsoft’s FSX they can go to the “ the Greatest” and see it still on its nose!

[@zeppelinkiddy]

Was $$$ the reason the reason Fantasy of Flight didn't, as as a bare minimum, keep it painted, secure doors and windows, and inspect the tie downs? A real shame it was allowed to become a rundown derelict, as passing drivers watched this Grand Old Lady deteriorate through the years. In contrast, Google the raised and pylon mounted DC3 outside the Douglas Museum it Santa Monica Airport.

[@judsonmoore1655]

They talk about it like it was a natural deterioration. It looks this way because they didn’t take care of it. There are DC-3s still flying, a bare minimum of TLC would have done wonders.

[@richardcomerford1828]

How about putting the Connie in its place?

[@RailPreserver2K]

So is the plane being preserved in a museum?

[@TheMysterian]

Are you going to replace it something else ? if so what are you considering

[@jasonbrown4610]

With all your money, why the hell did you let it get into that state in the first place!??

[@davidstumer3360]

I agree he should be ashamed of himself.

[@pilotgeorge2000]

Because it's literally just a scrap airframe. He has other priorities lol

[@JustATeenageRailfan]

What’s going to happen to it now?

[@alanlyscars37]

Will the old girl be restored?

[@robertmunoz7543]

Not sure why it was moved if it's on private property?😳 Jman

[@alyciamarrison2916]

Is it going to be stripped for restorable parts or is it just to be scraped now?

[@clydeholiday5907]

Very sad

[@jmguevarajordan]

Sad history

[@snchilders]

What? No gear pins?

[@ethanspaziani1070]

.... Sad

[@judsonmoore1655]

Please do everyone a favour and not touch anymore vintage aircraft.

[@user-yj4ks7sk8h]

This man has done more for vintage aviation than virtually anyone else. Sit down.

[@MrJeep75]

If thats a real dc3 preaty rare most our c47 or c53

[@coldsamon]

N4797H Constructed as a C-47B-1-DK. In 1944 Transferred to RAF. Plenty more information on this aircraft available online.

[@stephenqueen7686]

Hey I know a guy who knows a guy named Jimmy who could make key chains out of it.its a very lucrative business. I could have flown it out of there.thats why they call me the Bad Agent Super pilot

[@coldsamon]

No! Keep Jimmy away from this one!

[@skibud85]

Amateurs in action, use some common sense!

[@martinwest8374]

A lovely aircraft and always one of my favourites. I flew in the one belonging to Chatham Airlines, New Zealand, just back in January when it was at the Whanganui Vintage Weekend. They don't all finish up on the scrapheap.... kzbin.info_Yu56xHWv04

[@matthewjames4334]

Can we not destroy/scrap the aircraft that our 17-18-19 year old kids jumped out of at 5am on the 6th of june 1944 over France…

[@pilotmiami1]

Bravo.thenks. go ahead

[@jeffb3487]

I remember this plane as well