Spirit of Douglas

21/06/2026

It is with deep sadness that we post this tribute to Geoffrey Thomas, a friend and mentor to all of us involved in the Spirit of Douglas project, who we lost in June 2026, at the age of 74. Geoffrey touched all of our lives, his passion in Donald Douglas and our Spirit of Douglas project were infectious. The depth of his aviation knowledge second to none. Geoffrey’s logbook may be closed but his legacy and influence on this project will endure.
Fly easy, Geoffrey. The skies are yours.

For the full video tribute, from Captain Richard de Crespigny, Mark Stewart, Duncan Robb and Richard Godfrey, see the link in our bio

18/06/2026

Flight Log: While Spirit of Douglas is back in the hangar for a few weeks, we have an update from custodian Mark Stewart on Spirit’s time in New Zealand so far.

Read the full Tour Update on spiritofdouglas.org

🔗Link in bio

13/06/2026

Shared Story submitted by Beverley Letchford in Christchurch, New Zealand.

I first flew in a DC-3 (unaccompanied) age 10 from Christchurch to Gisborne via Wellington and Napier in 1953 and again in 1954. I have loved flying ever since. I was born in 1942 making me the same age as the Spirit of Douglas. The DC-3 I flew on in this picture is Pūtaitai, named after a native New Zealand duck characterised by its wide, flat bill. That is me standing in front of the wing.

Do you have a memory to share? Submit your story and photos via the form on our website.

Go to spiritofdouglas.org > The Story > Shared Stories (the link is also in our bio above)

This is a growing collection of memories, photographs and moments shared by the global community who’ve experienced the DC-3, whether on the ground, in the air or across generations. From first flights to lifelong connections, each story featured here adds another layer to Spirit’s legacy.Have a...

12/06/2026

Since beginning our World Tour, we’ve received so many incredible DC-3 stories and precious memories from followers. To continue to preserve the rich history of the DC-3, we’ve added a new page to our website called “Shared Stories”.
A digital library if you wish.

Shared stories is a growing collection of memories, photographs and moments shared by the global community who’ve experienced the DC-3, whether on the ground, in the air or across generations. From first flights to lifelong connections, each story featured here adds another layer to Spirit’s legacy.

Do you have a memory to share? Submit your story and photos via the form on our website.

Go to spiritofdouglas.org > The Story > Shared Stories (the link is also in our bio above)

10/06/2026

Throughout May we took to the skies once again with Spirit's newly installed engine. We stayed local to Christchurch and its surrounds of the South Island. The beauty of the New Zealand landscapes delivered, as they always do. Here is a snapshot from our flights, straight from the camera roll of our custodian Mark Stewart.

09/06/2026

The story behind the Spirit of Douglas logo...

The traditional motto of Clan Douglas is:"Jamais Arrière"

Meaning: "Never Behind"
The motto reflects the Douglas family's reputation for leading from the front in battle and public life. It conveys courage, loyalty, and a determination not to lag behind others in duty or achievement.

Why is it in French?
Many Scottish noble families adopted mottos in French during the medieval period because:
✨After the Norman Conquest, Norman French became the language of the aristocracy throughout much of Britain.
✨French was the language of chivalry, heraldry, diplomacy and the royal courts of medieval Europe.
✨ The Douglas family rose to prominence during a period when French was widely used by the nobility of both Scotland and England.
✨ Many Scottish clan and noble mottos therefore remained in French long after everyday speech had returned to Scots and English.
✨Some historians also note that the Douglas family strong connections with France through the longstanding alliance between Scotland and France known as the Auld Alliance.

For the Spirit of Douglas project, the motto is often interpreted as a fitting expression of the pioneering spirit of aviation: always leading, never following, and never left behind.

04/06/2026

Today we remember and honour our dear friend and Spirit of Douglas team member, Geoffrey Thomas, who sadly passed away on June 3rd.

Geoffrey was an aviation legend, an extraordinary journalist and storyteller and a passionate advocate for the DC-3 and aviation history. As co-author of the Spirit of Douglas book, he brought immense knowledge, passion and heart to this project and to everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

His contribution to aviation and to our team was immense. He will be deeply missed by us all. Our thoughts are with his family during this incredibly sad time.

30/05/2026

A break in our usual programming to wish Happy Birthday to a close friend of the Spirit of Douglas team Tish Ballagh. Tish wrote this beautiful poem as a tribute to the Spirit of Douglas. ❤️

28/05/2026

Left engine checks complete