Flight of the Connie: the Star of America

[srgalahad]

"This is the story of a Connie that no one wanted, a plane that was abandoned and mothballed numerous times throughout its history. While it has had a generally-tragic existence, with just a few bright spots sprinkled in, this is an adventure that continues to unfold. In fact, in 2014, this plane will begin a new chapter as it again returns to the skies.

The staff of the National Airline History Museum (http://www.airlinehistory.org/) (formally SAC) is working hard to have everything in place for the Star of America to return to the skies in early 2014 in preparation for an event they’ve dubbed “The Flight of the Connie (http://www.flightoftheconnie.org/)” on April 15, 2014.

April 15, 2014 is of particular importance because this its the 70th anniversary of the first Constellation’s inaugural cross-country flight. This flight, piloted by Howard Hughes, set a world speed record while traveling from Burbank, California to Washington, DC in just under seven hours, half the time of other planes of the day."

http://www.airlinereporter.com/2013/11/flight-of-the-connie-the-incredible-story-of-the-star-of-america/

[GypsyBaron]

I have a special place in my heart for Connies, having served with VX-8 for
a couple of years and was a crewman on the C-121J's of Project Jenny.

I may have to see if I can arrange to be there for the return to the air
of that Constellation and hear the roar of those R-3350's again! :)

Paul

[Bushpounder]

I come from a TWA family. This is a terrific organization.

Don

[n4gix]

I was eight years old and remember fondly a round trip flight from KMIA to KSFO to visit family. The luxury of having real food served on china plates, and linen napkins was something I’ll never forget. That trip was my first and last trip on a Super Connie, as all my flights since have been on jet aircraft instead of PROP(er) aircraft! :victorious:

[Skyhawk_310R]

Normally, the last of something is a lot better than folks at the time appreciated. The Connie was the last of the great piston engine airliners. It just had the misfortune to come along nearly the exact time the jet powered airliners emerged and took passenger air travel to the next level.

Ken

[Willy]

About a dozen years ago, that particular Connie was at an airshow in Texarkana where I was living at the time. Me, Mrs Willy and the kids all went on her for a look around. We didn't get to go for a ride, but it's something I'll never forget either. It was a lot smaller on the inside than I thought it would be. But it also started my interest in Constellations.