C-47 “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber” (Round Canopy Parachuting Team-USA Foundation)

A complete restoration to bring 1943 charm to “Betsy’s Biscuit Bomber” was completed in mid-summer 2009 by the restoration crews at Estrella Warbirds Museum.

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Last assigned to the Israeli Air Force, this C-47B was originally delivered to the Air Transport Command at Roswell Army Air Field in New Mexico. In late September, it departed for England, arriving in early October. Available records indicate it was assigned to the 9th Air Force (later the Air Service Command of the United States Strategic Air Forces), specifically the 302nd Air Transport Wing and 27th Air Transport Group.

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The aircraft later served with the Belgian, French, and Israeli Air Forces before eventually making its way to Canada. After sitting idle for six years, the “Wonder Boys” of the restoration crew traveled to Canada, brought the aircraft back to life, and flew it home to Paso Robles. Prior to departing Canada, it had accumulated just 9,420 total flight hours.

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The aircraft was returned to flight status on August 1, 2009, and in June 2019, it returned to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of D-Day as part of “Daks Over Normandy.” This incredible journey was documented in the film Into Flight Once More, narrated by Gary Sinise.