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A unique opportunity to see and photograph one of the rarest surviving members of the Douglas DC-3 family with engines running!
Douglas C-41A N341A, known as “Hap-Penstance”, is not simply another restored DC-3. It is the only aircraft of its particular type ever built: a specially configured 10-seat military VIP transport ordered in 1938 and delivered to the United States Army Air Corps as serial 40-0070 in September 1939.
Now based at Halfpenny Green following its return to flight in 2026, its polished aluminium finish and distinctive pre-war lines make it an exceptional photographic subject.
This event is a separate opportunity running alongside the already advertised full day shoot with this aircraft on the same day. (see https://www.coapwings.com/product/c-41a-halfpenny if you would prefer an all day event ticket allowing you access to the event in its entirety, shooting the aircraft across three different era's with accurate period reenactors over 8 hours).
The chance to see and capture the engine runs is based on arriving at the airfield anytime after 1630hrs (no earlier) to be registered, starting shooting at 1700hrs and staying with us until the end of the day's event.
During this period the aircraft will run up its engines around dusk and will be in its 1960's executive transport guise, supported by re-enactors in appropriate passenger and crew clothing, additionally there will be the opportunity to get shots with no people all in the shots. This timing should allow us to combine the polished metal aircraft with softer autumn light and, as daylight falls and more atmospheric images around the airfield.
Photography is scheduled to conclude at approximately 19:00.
A full itinerary will be provided closer to the event but at present we are hoping to operate on the day to a broadly similar timeline to this:
1960s executive transport (1630hrs-1900hrs)
The aircraft will be presented as an executive transport, supported by re-enactors in appropriate 1960s business, passenger and crew clothing. The later timing should allow us to combine the polished metal aircraft with softer autumn light and, as daylight falls, more atmospheric images around the airfield.
Photography is scheduled to conclude at approximately 19:00.
Sunday 18 October 2026
Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport
Crab Lane, Bobbington, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY7 5DY
Event times
The event runs from 17:00 until 19:00.
Final arrival arrangements, parking instructions and the meeting point will be provided to ticket holders before the event.
Ticket price
Tickets cost £40 per person.
Places will be limited to protect the quality of the photography and allow participants a reasonable opportunity to work at each position.
Photography programme
The intention is to provide a mixture of clean aircraft images, wider scenes and more detailed story-led compositions involving passengers and crew.
Aircraft presentation
N341A is a historic, operational aircraft. Its participation, positioning and any aircraft movements will remain subject to serviceability, weather, airfield operations and the instructions of its owners and crew.
An engine run, cockpit access or flight activity should not be assumed unless subsequently confirmed by COAP. The “air travel scene” with renectors WILL still be taking place during the engine run, but there will definitely be angles that will have zero people in them as the actors/photographers will be at a safe distance.
The engine will take place at an unknown time around sunset into twilight, and this totally depends on the weather and light on the day.
Suggested lenses
A useful full-frame selection would include:
24–70mm for full-aircraft views and groups of re-enactors
70–200mm for portraits, details and compressed perspectives
16–35mm for close, dramatic angles where access permits
A fast 35mm, 50mm or 85mm prime for portraits and lower-light photography
For APS-C cameras, a general-purpose zoom starting at approximately 16–18mm, supported by a 55–250mm or 70–300mm lens, should cover most situations.
Tripods and low-light photography
A tripod or monopod is recommended for the later stages of the event. October daylight will fall during the final session, and slower shutter speeds may be required.
Please ensure that tripod legs and camera bags do not obstruct other photographers or create a hazard around the aircraft.
Supplementary lighting and free-standing flash equipment must not be placed near the aircraft without permission.
Weather and clothing
This is primarily an outdoor event taking place in mid-October. Participants should be prepared for cool, damp or changeable weather.
Warm layered clothing, waterproof footwear and protection for camera equipment are strongly recommended. A small folding stool may be useful during breaks, provided it does not obstruct the working area.
Food and refreshments
Onsite at Halfpenny Green there is the excellent AMELIA'S BAR & RESTAURANT which will be open from 9am-5pm. The event does not provide access until 1630, so participants should plan to bring sufficient food, water and refreshments. Short breaks will be incorporated where practical, but the photographic programme may be adjusted to take advantage of particularly good light or weather.
Fitness and accessibility
Participants should expect to remain on their feet for extended periods and to move between different positions around the aircraft. Airfield surfaces may include concrete, tarmac, grass and uneven ground.
Anyone with limited mobility should contact COAP before booking to discuss their requirements.
Historical recreation
The scenes will reflect the appearance and atmosphere of the period rather than reproduce a single documented flight.
Important disclaimer
All aircraft participation, re-enactors, props, positioning and planned scenes remain subject to availability, serviceability, weather and operational requirements.
COAP and the aircraft team will make every reasonable effort to deliver the advertised programme, but safety and the protection of this unique historic aircraft will always take priority.
