The Only Flying Li 2 HA LIX in the World Soviet Built DC 3 A Flying Time Capsule at Bucharest

Step back in time and experience true aviation history in motion. This video captures the majestic HA-LIX, a fully restored Lisunov Li-2T — the only flying example of this Soviet-built Douglas DC-3 variant — as it performs during the VIAS 2024 Airshow at Băneasa International Airport, Bucharest, Romania.

Built in 1949, HA-LIX served under MALEV Hungarian Airlines and has since been lovingly restored by the Goldtimer Foundation. Now a flying museum, it showcases the elegance and strength of mid-20th-century aviation.

🛫 The footage features:

Pre-flight engine preparation, with ground crew manually rotating the props

Pilot greetings through the cockpit windows, proudly displaying the Hungarian and Romanian flags

A smooth takeoff and graceful low-altitude display

Soft landing and taxiing back with vintage charm

Its powerful radial engines, gleaming silver fuselage, and vintage MALEV livery take us back to an era where every flight was an adventure. It’s hard to believe this aircraft still soars — but it does, and in absolute style.

Don’t miss this tribute to aviation heritage and the enduring legacy of one of the most iconic airframes ever built.