I think Melvyn’s remark was based on fact.
The FAA apparently analysed a number of high-hour DC-3 airframes and came to the conclusion that so long as they meet all airworthiness requirements, ie no corrosion, undue wear, damage etc, the main components of the aeroplane showed no sign of fatigue life issues, therefore there are no hourly, cycle or age-related limits.
The aircraft is of course, unpressurised, which cuts out a number of significant cyclical stresses – and it is built like a brick outhouse!
Regarding the barrell roll. I am sure that ‘Skybolt’ will be able to confirm this, but I believe the pilot will have had to satisfy the display organisers of his safety to display the aeroplane in that manner.
However while a leisurely barrel roll on a Sunday afternoon might be a low-G manouevre – I am pretty sure a few pilots here will testify that a tight display roll is rather more high energy. I will leave it the wisdom of others to discuss whether this roll was appropriate or not.
Certainly the spirited C-47 display at FL was both approved ahead of the show as part of the Display Authorisation process and I am sure it fully met the high standards set by RIAT’s flying standards committee. Otherwise they wouldn’t have allowed it to happen on successive days!
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