FS2004 American Overseas Airlines DC-3 N90908

Delve into this specialized American Overseas Airlines repaint of the Douglas DC-3, expertly crafted for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. This rendition features registration number N90908, reflecting its historical significance during the post-war era and the Berlin Airlift. The repaint for this freeware base model is the work of Dale DeLuca, and it captures the classic airline’s unique design while incorporating as many authentic details as possible within the default aircraft’s texture limitations. You will need the freeware base model from the Fly Away Simulation library to use this add-on.

Historical Background on N90908 & American Overseas Airlines

American Overseas Airlines (abbreviated as AOA) operated two Douglas DC-3s, including registration N90908, from 1946 to 1950. These aircraft provided essential passenger transport, and they were later integrated into Pan American World Airways (commonly known as Pan Am). Interestingly, N90908 played an active role in airlift operations to Berlin-Tempelhof during the Berlin Airlift from 1948 to 1949. The real-world DC-3 itself, introduced in the 1930s, showcased amenities such as cabin heat and onboard lavatories with running water, which was impressive for its time. Its capability to operate efficiently made it popular among airlines seeking long-range and financially viable passenger operations.

Key Visual Elements in the Repaint

This livery reproduces various markings of American Overseas Airlines, including a stylized logo and period-authentic color scheme. However, because the default DC-3 model in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 employs a shared texture format for the wings and rudder, there are minor inaccuracies on one side where logos and registration numbers appear reversed. Apart from that, the placement of striping, fuselage text, and tail identification aligns closely with historical references for this aircraft.

Installation Procedure

1. Extract the dc3aoa.zip file into any temporary directory.
2. Navigate to your “Flight Simulator 9/Aircraft/Douglas_DC3” folder and duplicate the existing texture folder.
3. Rename your new folder to texture.aoa (without quotes).
4. Inside the unzipped package, locate the single bitmap file named Douglas_DC3_1_T.bmp and move it into your newly created texture.aoa folder, overwriting any existing file of the same name.
5. Create a backup copy of the AIRCRAFT.CFG file found in your “Douglas_DC3” folder.
6. Using a text editor, open the original AIRCRAFT.CFG and paste the code below directly beneath your last [fltsim.xxx] entry:

[fltsim.xxx] (....change this number to the next in sequence)
title=Douglas DC-3 American Overseas Airlines
sim=Douglas_DC3
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=aoa
kb_checklists=Douglas_DC3_check
kb_reference=Douglas_DC3_ref
atc_id=N90908
atc_id_color=0xffffffff
ui_manufacturer=Douglas
ui_type="DC-3"
ui_variation= American Overseas Airlines
description=="The Douglas DC-3 revolutionized air transportation and airline service during the 1930s and 1940s. It was a luxury airliner that boasted cabin heat and running water in its on-board lavatory. With the right balance of efficiency, range, speed, and payload, the DC-3 was the first aircraft to earn a profit for its owners just by carrying passengers. The hero of early airlines, a handful of DC-3s are still at work today."

When finished, save the file. Your new American Overseas Airlines DC-3 will then be accessible in the aircraft selection list within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004. Enjoy flying this classic repaint by Dale DeLuca and explore the enduring legacy of the Douglas DC-3 in virtual skies.