How to keep DC-3s flying in Europe on Air Transport Operations?
Just a few thoughts whilst conceding I am not having to write out the cheques.
Cabin PA system: Frankly, many have had such systems and I am somewhat surprised that this was not done years ago. Many good systems are available and surely the UK CAA could facilitate the wiring approval in a spirit of co-operation?
WX Radar: Request an exemption and restrict operations to VFR and/or IFR only in conditions of no forecast icing. Not so easy in Europe I admit. (I don't know whether UK machines have airframe de-icing boots?) Otherwise examine the types of WX radar that are fitted to many lighter types. It does not have to be in nose.
PAX escape slide: Well that is just plain silly and for the sake of a few cms, an exemption would surely not be unreasonable. In any case the old Dak is likely to be on its belly. However, a solution might be to construct a simple slide which lies flat on floor and sort of rolls out and down. Would not have to be very large. But I guess it would have to be approved...more money.
Performance: Am out of touch re. current EU required single-engine take-off segment situation, but if you keep the weight down to about 25,000 lbs, the DC-3 should have no problem in the first and second segment; particularly in the low density altitudes that usually prevail in UK.
Was there something else? Am working straight off top-of-head down here in New Zealand where the NZ CAA have approved a C-47 and a PBY-5A Catalina for Air Transport ops.
Cheers from dakota67.