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As a result of the Berlin Airlift, many new improvements and progression in aviation began to take flight specifically with the military. Lots of strategic and specific planning was put into the airlift. Despite the fact that many doubted the airlift would have the capability to keep the people alive, it was the longest airlift in history. It was incredible particularly through the The C-47 and many other cargo military planes were necessary to deliver coal, flour, food, gas, oil, candy, cars, etc. was tremendously used during the World War II and assisted the allies. It benefited the United States in transporting food and supplies. This was especially important in the blockade in delivering thousands of tons of food to West Berlin.
In late July of 1948, three years after World War II ended, one pilot Gail Halvorsen made history for his generous acts to the children in West Berlin. While filming planes landing, he noticed a group of appreciative kids begging for candy behind a barbed wire fence at Tempelhof airport. He gave a kid a piece of bubble gum promising to return with more. Halavorsen was intrigued with the kid's manners and politeness. Furthermore he was inspired, and began dropping chocolate bars and all kinds of candy in parachutes to the kids on the ground. In order to get the kids attention, he had to violently rock the wings which gave him the second nickname "Uncle Wiggly Wings." When Gail's acts went viral, thousands of people in the United States donated candy bars and chocolates to give to the kids in West Germany.
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The Douglas C-47's, also known as the Skytrains, were used a lot during this time because they were the most efficient for carrying and transporting cargo. However they were a burden because of the wear and condition from World War II. These planes required numerous hours of maintence and required a big run way. Just about the only people fond of these models were the crew members unloading the supplies because the cargo planes were low to the ground. This allowed quick unloading time, less fatigue, and less damaged goods (Miller 22).
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