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Which airplane became the standard commercial airliner by the late 1930s?

The Douglas DC-3 became the era's airline workhorse.

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  1. Douglas DC-3 ✔
  2. Boeing 707
  3. Lockheed Constellation

Why: The DC-3 combined useful range with room for passengers or freight. Airlines could operate it more practically than many earlier designs.

Huh, didn't know that: In the mid 1930s its rivals included the Boeing 247 and the earlier Douglas DC-2.

The dad joke
Why was the DC-3 good at its job? It always carried its weight.
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References

Answer: Douglas DC-3. The DC-3 combined useful range with room for passengers or freight. Airlines could operate it more practically than many earlier designs.

  1. Journey of Flight Teacher's Guide, chapter 3 www.gocivilairpatrol.com/media/cms/2nd_edition_Teachers_Guide_5D3166D76F9B1.pdf
    the DC-3, which became the standard commercial airliner by the late 1930s
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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