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Flying Bulls DC-6 returns to US for first time in 68 years with North American tour

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AirlinesBy The Touch & Go EditorialPublished Jul 15, 10:15 PM2 min read

Flying Bulls DC-6 returns to US for first time in 68 years with North American tour

The restored 1958 Douglas DC-6 made its North American debut in New York ahead of appearing at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, showcasing vintage aviation heritage with Red Bull's Flying Bulls.

The gist

The Flying Bulls’ vintage DC-6 aircraft has flown back to the US for the first time in nearly seven decades to delight North American aviation fans.

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A classic aircraft built in 1958, the Douglas DC-6 operated by Red Bull’s Flying Bulls has embarked on a North American tour, marking its first visit to the United States in 68 years. The aircraft’s arrival at Westchester County Airport in White Plains, New York, serves as a precursor to its feature appearance at the annual EAA AirVenture Oshkosh event in Wisconsin, where it is expected to be a star attraction. This modern restoration effort revives the legacy of the DC-6 as a symbol of aviation's golden era.

The DC-6's journey across the Atlantic was accomplished in three extended flying legs, each approximately eight hours long. Flying Bulls CEO Eskil Amdal piloted the accompanying Lockheed P-38 Lightning, which took a different route with more stops. The transatlantic crossing was described as intense, emphasizing the mental resilience required to traverse open ocean in vintage aircraft with limited redundancy, particularly those originally designed as military planes.

This DC-6 has a rich and varied history, first serving with Jat Airways of Yugoslavia and later transporting Josip Tito, the former President of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Afterward, it was operated as a luxury aircraft for the head of state in Zambia before falling into neglect. Aviation entrepreneur Chris Schutte discovered the aircraft in Africa and initiated restoration efforts. The Flying Bulls acquired the DC-6 in 2020 and completed their comprehensive restoration in Salzburg, Austria, fitting the aircraft with modern avionics and a refurbished interior while preserving much of its original cockpit layout.

The Flying Bulls fleet, based out of Salzburg and comprising over 40 aircraft including business jets and warbirds, has long aspired to bring their vintage aircraft to the United States. This debut trip realizes a 15-year ambition, allowing North American audiences to experience a tangible piece of aviation history firsthand. The DC-6’s restoration included equipping it with two Garmin GTN 750 units and updated radios, improving navigation and communication while maintaining the aircraft's classic character.

At Westchester, invited guests, including media, experienced the DC-6’s first North American passenger flight. The cabin impressed with plush mid-century style, featuring blue leather seats, a bar area, and vintage decor including a sextant and period seating fabric. Crew members provided detailed safety briefings and onboard service replicated the stylish aviation experience of the 1950s, complemented by the signature Red Bull energy drink.

The flight path offered spectacular views flying south along the Hudson River with iconic New York City landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Freedom Tower, and Empire State Building in clear sight. Pilots shared nods of appreciation for the scenery, even pausing for a requested flyby performance before returning to the airport. Passengers were free to roam the spacious cabin during smooth cruise conditions, a rarity among modern airliners.

The DC-6 embodies a fusion of aviation heritage and modern operation, with a maximum takeoff weight exceeding 103,000 pounds and four Pratt & Whitney 2800 CB-3 engines delivering 2,000 horsepower each. Despite its vintage origins, it now combines original design with contemporary technology to safely fulfill its primary purpose: long-distance travel. This North American tour rekindles enthusiasm for classic aircraft and showcases the dedication required to maintain them flying today.

#flying bulls#douglas dc-6#vintage aircraft#red bull#north american tour#eaa airventure
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Frequently asked questions

What is significant about the Flying Bulls DC-6's visit to the United States?
It marks the first time in 68 years that the Flying Bulls' restored 1958 Douglas DC-6 has returned to the US, debuting on a North American tour ahead of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
What is the history of the Flying Bulls DC-6 aircraft?
Originally built in 1958, it served with Jat Airways, transported Yugoslavian President Josip Tito, was used by Zambia's head of state, then was abandoned before restoration by the Flying Bulls beginning in 2020.
What modern upgrades have been made to the DC-6 during its restoration?
The restoration preserved much of the original cockpit but added two Garmin GTN 750 navigation units, modern radios with 833 channel separation, and a refurbished interior to ensure safe and comfortable operation.

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