Watch the Beautifully Restored WWII-Era Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor Take Flight
Wingspan Adventures & Flight / YouTube
Flying with History
The Beechcraft C-45 Expeditor, a twin-engine transport used during World War II, was once assigned to Lieutenant General Ira C. Eaker. As a key figure in American air operations in Europe, General Eaker helped shape the strategy of daylight bombing campaigns. While he managed missions from the command center, the C-45 was his transport between airfields. The aircraft on display today, named Yellow Belly, has been fully restored to its wartime condition by the Commemorative Air Force.
Its bright yellow underside made it easy to spot from the ground, a typical feature of training and command aircraft of the time. The rest of the plane is painted in olive and tan camouflage to match original patterns. The sound of the Pratt & Whitney Wasp Junior engines draws attention as soon as the plane begins to taxi. The crowd’s interest grows quickly, and people gather near the ramp for a closer look.
Living History in Flight
Throughout the day, many visitors, including families and older veterans, boarded Yellow Belly for a short flight. Watching their reactions after landing showed how meaningful the experience was. The aircraft now serves a new purpose, flying at airshows and historical events as part of the CAF’s educational mission. Maintained by volunteers, the plane helps keep stories from the war alive.
When it was finally my turn to fly, I met the pilot, Greg, who has been flying this aircraft since the 1980s. He was friendly and clearly knowledgeable. I felt like a kid again, as excited as the first time I flew in a small Cessna. I had even brought my own headset, which caused a small mix-up before takeoff, but it gave me a good laugh afterward.
Takeoff and the View from Above
Once we were off the ground, I watched the world drop away through the same cockpit windows that once carried American generals across wartime Europe. The engine sounds, the turns, and the steady climb brought the past to life. I filmed as much as I could, trying to capture the feeling.
As we landed and the engines quieted, I sat still, thinking about where I had just been. Flying in Yellow Belly wasn’t just exciting—it was a rare chance to connect with the past in a very real way.
Keep going for the video below:
