Flying the DC-4 Skymaster in South Africa
![Flying the DC-4 Skymaster in South Africa](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-48-800x534.jpg)
Step aboard an era when flying was an elegant affair...
Powered by four Pratt & Whitney R2000 radial piston engines, ZS-AUB and ZS-BMH are two of the very few passenger-licensed Douglas DC-4 Skymasters operating in the world today and are great favourites among aviation enthusiasts and travelling public.
The aircraft seat 50 passengers each, in a Business Class configuration. The Classic Airliner charter business provides a product and service which is unique as passengers are treated to unforgettable fun-filled adventures combined with the charm and elegance of first-class classic airline travel from a bygone era provided by personnel who are fanatical about the well-being and comfort of their passengers.
Recently, I made a trip to South Africa just to fly on the DC-4 classic! It is certainly an attraction with its own right!
I have two perfect DC-4 flight in September 2016 from Johannesburg Rand Airport to the Africa Airspace and Defense Show (AAD) show in Waterkloof Air Force Base and back.
Date: 17 Sep 2016
Departure time 7am
Johannesburg Rand Airport to Waterkloof AFB
Flying time: Scheduled 10 minutes, Actual 30 minutes at 8,000 feet, speed 165 knots
Video
Both DC-4 (ZS-AUB and ZS-BMH) is on the ramp at Rand Airport that morning ready for flights to Waterkloof AFB.
![south-africa-dc4-35](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-35-800x534.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-36](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-36-800x534.jpg)
Another classic DC-3 Dakota is also on the ramp being prepared for flight to Waterkloof AFB.
![south-africa-dc4-37](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-37-800x533.jpg)
Interior of the DC-4, feature 50 Business Class seats.
![south-africa-dc4-15](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-15-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-16](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-16-800x450.jpg)
Ceiling fan nozzle
![south-africa-dc4-02](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-02-800x450.jpg)
Window with curtain, very nostalgic...
The four Pratt & Whitney R2000 radial piston engines came to live one by one, with lovely low bass sounds.....
![south-africa-dc4-03](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-03-800x450.jpg)
The DC-4 1009 was produced at the Douglas Aircraft Company plant at Santa Monica, California.
The aircraft was subsequently donated to the SAA Museum Society at the end of 2007.
I was sited in the first row, which offer great engine and wing view.
Please see the video for the amazing Prop sounds of the DC-4 Skymaster.
![south-africa-dc4-04](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-04-800x450.jpg)
We were cruising fairly low given Johannesburg is over 5,000 feet above sea level, our flight cruising level was only at 8,000 feet.
![south-africa-dc4-05](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-05-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-07](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-07-800x450.jpg)
Full flight plus 1 infant onboard.
![south-africa-dc4-06](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-06-800x450.jpg)
Over the suburbs before arriving at Waterkloof AFB.
![south-africa-dc4-08](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-08-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-09](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-09-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-10](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-10-800x450.jpg)
A quick look at the rear before deplane
![south-africa-dc4-14](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-14-800x450.jpg)
2 Toilets at the back.
![south-africa-dc4-11](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-11-800x450.jpg)
Toilets have been re-modeled.
![south-africa-dc4-12](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-12-450x800.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-13](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-13-450x800.jpg)
The DC-4 is powered by four Pratt & Whitney R2000 radial piston engines.
![south-africa-dc4-17](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-17-800x450.jpg)
Cockpit of ZS-AUB
![south-africa-dc4-18](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-18-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-19](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-19-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-20](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-20-800x450.jpg)
After a day spent at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Airshow, we fly back to Rand Airport at 3:30pm
Waterkloof AFB to Johannesburg Rand Airport
Flying time: About 20 minutes include a spectacular low level (200 feet) fly pass after takeoff...
Video
![south-africa-dc4-21](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-21-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-22](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-22-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-23](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-23-800x450.jpg)
We did a close circuit after takeoff and then flew past the Waterkloof AFB at 200 feet!
It was really spectacular onboard! (See the Video)
![south-africa-dc4-24](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-24-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-25](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-25-800x450.jpg)
During our flight, we caught up with another DC-3 in mid-air!
![south-africa-dc4-26](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-26-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-27](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-27-800x450.jpg)
The rest of the flight was spent looking at many amazing villas and mansions of North Johannesburg suburbs.
Little did I know it was so green looking down, I was told that Johannesburg was built in a forest.
![south-africa-dc4-28](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-28-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-29](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-29-800x450.jpg)
The weather has cleared up in Johannesburg and we have a fabulous landing.
Our DC-4 parked facing the original 1920 Rand Airport Terminal, which was constructed as the main airport for Jo'burg.
![south-africa-dc4-31](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-31-800x450.jpg)
African sun with Orange Tail!
![south-africa-dc4-30](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-30-800x450.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-32](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-32-450x800.jpg)
A photo with SAA Museum volunteer and my good friend Joppie and Samuel.
![south-africa-dc4-33](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-33-800x450.jpg)
"Outeniqua" in all her glory form sitting on the ramp!
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-AUB](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-42-800x533.jpg)
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-AUB "Outeniqua"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-41-800x533.jpg)
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-AUB "Outeniqua"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-43-800x533.jpg)
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-AUB "Outeniqua"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-44-800x533.jpg)
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-AUB "Outeniqua"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-45-800x533.jpg)
Meanwhile, her sistership "Lebombo" has arrived few minutes after us.
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-BMH "Lebombo"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-40-800x533.jpg)
The 2 amazing last DC-4 Skymaster together under South Africa Sun...
![DC-4 Skymaster ZS-BMH "Lebombo"](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-46-800x533.jpg)
![south-africa-dc4-47](https://samchui.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/South-Africa-DC4-47-800x534.jpg)
Summary
"Jets are for kids, propliners are the real deal!" I can honestly say this is quite true after 2 wonderful flights on the DC-4 Skymaster. The prop sounds are like music to ears. The flight are very comfortable, stable and resembles another flying era bygone. I wholeheartly recommend the DC-4 flight to anyone who haven't done it!
Video
Recommendation:
South African Airways Museum at Rand Airport has an amazing collection of aircraft operated by SAA include B747-SP, B747-200, B737-200, Junkers 52, Lockheed Starliners, Lockheed Lodestar, de Havilland Dove. They also feature a great display hall section and simulators. It is my top recommendation for a visit if you're in Johannesburg area.