CAL CENTRAL AIRLINES
I flew with my brothers on Cal Central Airlines between Burbank and San Francisco many times in the 1950's . The hour flight was free from any concern--other than crashing, of course. There were no inspections--you just climbed aboard.
I loved the DC 3.
The Electra replaced the DC 3. My one flight on an Electra was just weeks after one of them crashed, but it didn't bother this 9 year old kid-
-I was flying!
The Lockheed L-188 Electra is an American turboprop airliner built by Lockheed. First flown in 1957, it was the first large turboprop airliner built in the United States. Initial sales were good, but after two fatal crashes that led to expensive modifications to fix a design defect, no more were ordered. However, with its unique, high power-to-weight ratio, huge propellers and very short wings (resulting in the majority of the wingspan being enveloped in propwash), large Fowler flaps which significantly increased effective wing area when extended, and four-engined design, the airplane had airfield performance capabilities unmatched by many jet transport aircraft even today—particularly on short runways and high field elevations. The type was soon replaced by turbojets and many were modified as freighters; the type is still used in various roles into the 21st century.The air frame was also used as the basis for the Lockheed P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft. From Here.
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