The Perils of Flying in the Colombian Jungle

✈️DC-3 planes are the main mode of transport in the Colombian jungle, flying in treacherous weather conditions and landing on makeshift runways.

🌴The jungle below poses a greater danger than the storms above, with dense vegetation and no space for emergency landings.

💰The remote villages rely on the DC-3 planes to transport essential supplies, without which they would face isolation and food scarcity.

👥Miraflores, a town once controlled by drug traffickers, is now under heavy military presence due to its history with drug production and violence.

🚁The risk of cocaine trafficking is still present in the region, with numerous illicit cocaine labs hidden in the jungle.

How do the pilots navigate through the storms?

—The pilots rely on their experience, intuition, and judgment to navigate through the storms and find safe flight paths.

What is the main danger faced by the planes in the Colombian jungle?

—The main danger is the dense jungle below, which leaves no space for emergency landings and poses the risk of a fatal crash in case of a mechanical breakdown.

Why do the remote villages rely on the DC-3 planes?

—The remote villages heavily rely on the DC-3 planes to transport essential supplies, including food and other basic necessities, without which the villagers would face isolation and scarcity.

What is the current situation in Miraflores?

—Miraflores, once controlled by drug traffickers, is now under heavy military presence due to its history with drug production and violence.

Is cocaine still being produced in the Colombian jungle?

—Yes, cocaine production still exists in the region, with numerous illicit cocaine labs hidden in the jungle supply chain.

00:45Somewhere over Colombia, a DC-3 plane is caught in a violent storm above the Amazonian rainforest.

01:00The experienced pilot tries to navigate above the clouds but faces difficulties getting back on the right flight path.

02:52The jungle below poses a greater danger than the storms above, with no space for emergency landings and the risk of disappearing forever.

05:45The remote villages rely on the DC-3 planes for essential supplies, without which they would face isolation and food scarcity.

10:48Miraflores, once controlled by drug traffickers, now faces a heavy military presence due to its history with cocaine production and violence.

12:16DC-3 planes, over 70 years old, are still in operation, braving the treacherous conditions of flying in the Colombian jungle.

18:42The DC-3 planes face frequent mechanical problems, often requiring repairs on the ground before taking off again.

23:28The weight of the cargo and fuel is carefully managed, as each extra kilo can affect the plane's performance and fuel economy.