On July 22, the Odyssey DC-3 returned to the skies above the Okanagan for two confidence flights, 40 years after the historic aircraft carried the spirit of Expo 86 around the world.
The flight marked a meaningful milestone for the aircraft and the KF Aerospace team that has worked carefully to return it to flying condition. It also offered a rare sight for the community as the 90-year-old DC-3 flew once again over its Okanagan home.
In 1986, the Odyssey DC-3 travelled through 28 countries and 55 cities, logging more than 280 flight hours as it shared Canada’s Expo 86 story with the world. The journey began following a ceremonial flypast at the Abbotsford International Airshow, making the team’s planned return to Abbotsford this summer especially significant.
Following the July 22 confidence flight, a routine post-flight inspection identified a component issue in the aircraft. Unfortunately, this means the Odyssey DC-3 will not be able to make its planned return to the Abbotsford International Airshow.
While the aircraft will remain in Kelowna, its successful confidence flight remains an extraordinary milestone and a proud moment for everyone involved in preserving its legacy.
Visitors can experience the Odyssey story at the KF Centre for Excellence through a permanent exhibit and a special screening of the documentary Odyssey 86 – 90 Years of the DC-3.
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