Restoration First Flight

After eight years of restoration, The MacArthur Bataan Constellation has her first flight in Chino, CA.
Stewart Dawson - Pilot
Steve Hinton - Co-Pilot
Jeff Whitesell - Engineer
‪@EAA‬ ‪@eaawarbirdsofamerica4074‬ ‪@planesoffame‬ ‪@LockheedMartin‬ ‪@LewisAirLegends‬
Captured by: Jordan Orsak/Jordan O Films
The MacArthur Bataan Constellation is a dedicated Air Legends Foundation aircraft.

[@kmeades43]

Too see a connie so pristine and beautiful just makes me so emotional. Well done all.

[@Chilly_Billy]

There are few things more beautiful than an airborne Connie. You all have done a great service in bringing this important example back into its domain.

[@robertp.7090]

I agree, it's breathtakingly beautiful.

[@6Sally5]

I actually can’t come up with anything that is more beautiful!

[@FunsongsMusicByPeterRahill]

Yep - she's the TOP SUPERMODEL of them all.

[@robertovalls]

Wow what a beauty, thank you!

[@a.n.7863]

My first flight was in a Constellation across the Atlantic. I wish I could remember it but I was only 7 months old. Dad was a C-119 pilot stationed in England when I was born and it was the family’s return flight to the US in 1957.

[@55Reever]

What a proud day. That aircraft has so much history. Thank you, Rod Lewis and Steve Hinton and all the people that helped in this restoration.

[@MsSasha4444]

This was my first flight as a young boy, and I have been in love ever since. Thank you for the great memories!

[@samburkes7552]

Have always loved this aircraft! Growing up on L.I, NY, used to see these unique, iconic planes , in either TWA, Eastern, or USAF livery flying over my hometown of Hempstead!! The Air Force C-69s flew in/out of Mitchel Field, then an active pre-SAC air base there just to east of us..They had a sound, timbre, all their own, with those Wright R3350's churning out that power!! Sam Burkes, fmr pilot, aviation enthusiast.

[@ironbomb6753]

@@samburkes7552 you're a lucky man. 👍

[@josephhradil86]

One of the most beautiful aircraft ever.

[@christophrufle9303]

The most beautiful trimot ever!❤

[@ironbomb6753]

I'm in complete agreement ❤️

[@navelriver]

Indeed! I consider the Constellation the most beautiful airplane ever!

[@3dprinter_3]

You all are wrong. The Mig 21 is the most beautiful plane ever. Put your melancholy minds to the side and pick a real airplane.

[@josephhradil86]

@@3dprinter_3 I’ll never like that pushed in cone nose. Personal preference I guess.

[@trainstrains1]

It would be a joy to see this aircraft and the restored Qantas Connie flying side by side.

[@DigbyOdel-et3xx]

The most beautiful propeller driven airliner ever made. 👍

[@3dprinter_3]

You are wrong pal. Either you are oblivious or you haven't seen other planes. This isn't the most beautiful airplanes out there.

[@DigbyOdel-et3xx]

@@3dprinter_3 I called the Connie the most beautiful PROPELLER driven AIRLINER ever made.🤔

[@Shoprestorationthe]

Ignore the childish troll. For me, the B-17 is the most beautiful plane ever made. But Connie is certainly a top five candidate.

[@3dprinter_3]

@@Shoprestorationthe how is the TU 95 not the most beautiful plane ever made? Stop thinking of only the Connie and expand your thoughts

[@parislikesliners]

@@3dprinter_3A TU-95 doesn’t compare to a Constellation or B-17 😂

[@swingandsweat5099]

The most beautiful aircraft ever designed. A work of beauty and gracefulness.

[@armcchargues8623]

Two of the most beautiful pieces of machinery ever built...the Connie and the Mustang. Nothing like watching a big radial cough, belch flame and come to life. My Dad was a USAF heavy mechanic, qualified on 3350's and 4360's for many years.

[@NoTaboos]

Concorde.

[@americanpatriot2422]

Beautiful aircraft.

[@louischadaris5909]

What a magnificent example of craftsmanship. She is a true work of art. So beautiful and elegant.

[@jorgeblanco6708]

Beautiful to see a plane like that restored! The music was spot on.

[@davejones4295]

Magnificent! Thanks to all concerned who had a hand in restoring this bird; to the Planes of Fame who purchased this historic aircraft a VERY long time ago and preserved it, to Fighter Rebuilders who took on the enormous task at restoring the aircraft after the ferry flight and to lastly to Rod Lewis who bit the bullet and funded it. Looks fantastic in the air and will be a sight to see at Oshkosh 2023!

[@PacificAirwave144]

Oh gosh...what a beautiful airplane!

[@justinfuller8803]

A very beautiful airplane. Glad she has taken to the skies once more.

[@edwinbest9256]

What a beautiful bird! It’s still as impressive as anything out there today. Thanks to everyone who helped restore her 👍

[@arailway8809]

I consider the profile view of the Constellation to be one of the purtiest planes ever built. Nice work!

[@johnevers3531]

Saw this bird sitting in a fenced lot on Ft Rucker years ago, she looked like hell, The Army stuck it in a corner to let it rot! Thank you for saving this beautiful bird!

[@BrjanBuckmaster]

I’ve always loved the elegant lines of the Constellation!

[@950gege7]

Beautiful plane .👍

[@oxigenarian9763]

Such a beautiful aircraft. The Connie is the pinnacle of airborne elegance...

[@duanepierson4375]

Just WOW! Just a beautiful job. Both by Lockhead in the beginning and this team now.

[@pooryorick831]

There's no mistaking that curved frame. Beautiful aircraft. I wish I'd had the chance to fly on one.

[@japaneseseaweed2891]

saw this flying overhead, I couldn't believe my eyes. it was absolutely beautiful.

[@charlesmoore456]

There is nothing in the sky more beautiful than a polished Connie.

[@robertgolden1080]

A very majestic airplane. Nothing beats flying history. Fantastic work. Excellent video.

[@RevMikeBlack]

I think the Constellation may well be the most beautiful airplane ever to fly. No other plane has those elegant lines. Excellent restoration!

[@jimwinchester339]

It's the prop-countepart to the 747. Queen of the sky in her era.

[@Shoprestorationthe]

The 747 is arguably the best looking of the “modern” era.. as far as passenger jets go. But it has nothing on Connie.

[@gregchamberlain3276]

I miss working on those Super Connie's so much. 552 AEW&C wing McClellan AFB California. Reciprocating Engine Specialist. 43251 SSgt Chamberlain. Hats off to all who brought her back to Life. Cheers

[@NoTaboos]

This is not a Super Connie.

[@umartra7452]

If they held a beauty contest for vintage aircraft this babe would take home the prize with many others not far behind!

[@prieten49]

That has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft designs ever.

[@jaymerodriguez5263]

Wow. I saw this bird overfly my house near March with the P-51 in tow back on the 4th! The Connie is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed and this is an incredible restoration. The sound of those engines is incomparable.

[@gigispen9815]

My first plane to ever fly on was a TWA Connie in the early 60's. I can remember to this day those roaring engines and the beautiful curves of that lovely plane. what a sight to behold. Nice job guys.

[@pauleyplay]

Same here Where did the time go ?

[@Dr.Pepper001]

​@@pauleyplay-- I flew on one in 1959 from New York to Frankfort, Germany. We stopped in Dublin to refuel.

[@davidmessenger7538]

@@Dr.Pepper001 I flew in one in 1959 from New York to Wheelus AFB in Tripoli, Libya via The Azores for fuel. We had an engine fire about 2 hours from Wheelus so the Air Force sent a couple of F100s out to meet us and watch the remainder of our flight after the prop was feathered and the on-board fire extinguishers put out the fire. To me, it felt like I was flying on some kind of a space ship! Beautiful airplane!

[@pauleyplay]

@@Dr.Pepper001 What a memory ! DC to ST louis Cant conpare to your experience !

[@tzazarizona2676]

Me too my first flight was on an Eastern airline Connie, 1959. Never forgot it.

[@billdennis2993]

Hall and Kelly would be proud of this amazing restoration of their AC design.

[@roncarguy72]

She didn't even rotate. She just JUMPED off the runway. So Beautiful!

[@hantafees]

The most magnificent airplane ever produced in aviation’s history. Its design and beautiful lithe silhouette bespeaks American ingenuity that dominates aviation and all technology fields in the world.

[@turkey0165]

My 1st flight was on one just like this with tip tanks August 1959 . Still? The most beautiful plane ever created by man!

[@shannonchurchill4556]

I live in Corona a few short minutes south of Chino airport where this was restored and I've been ecstatic seeing her fly over my house several times in the last few days.

[@goring19]

Same here. I live in Temescal Valley between Corona and Lake Elsinore and the Connie has been traveling up and down the 15 fwy almost every day. Omg it's beautiful and a wonderful sound from the R-3350s

[@australianoutlander6679]

I live 5 minutes drive from a fully restored Connie here in Australia…she’s beautiful ❤

[@joichiroSaiba-i7j]

A very majestic airplane. Nothing beats flying history. Fantastic work. Excellent video.. One of the most beautiful aircraft ever..

[@kobusdutoitbosman6240]

Absolutely magnificent and top notch : what a fantastic effort and achievement YES ‘job well done’ ‼️‼️‼️👊🔥🥂

[@weldmachine]

What an Amazing looking Airplane. Time to Enjoy all your hard work. All the best to you 👍👍

[@robertlafnear7034]

That is Metal Art at it's best........ Beautiful & Awesome.🤗👍👍👍👍.

[@martinpennock9430]

Just magnificent! What a beautiful aircraft. God bless all those who made this moment possible.

[@av8tore71]

Had the honor once meeting Mr. Steve Hinton at Courtesy Aircraft. Awesome man & terrific pilot

[@panetrain]

Congrats to your entire team. That Connie is now the most beautiful aircraft flying today. Lockheed really had some great designers back in those days.

[@daanvos194]

Should try to build a new airliner

[@MadJack_I_]

The sound of the engines is an attitude, the plane itself is a declaration of beauty.

[@robertlassiter907]

To me, this is the most elegant aircraft to ever fly.

[@Grossman2868]

So beautiful! I remember polishing our DC 3 to that level of shine, hours and hours of work just on the restoration of the metal, great job from one polisher to another!

[@306champion]

Connie, the beautiful lady of the sky. None so beautiful ever since.

[@ToddHendry]

Congratulations, great to have 2 of them flying again

[@dalelusby5925]

I saw it fly over my field in Northern CA this week. Such a wonderful sounding plane. Great job!!!

[@valter_vava74]

What an iconic piece of machinery! Hats off to everyone involved in this project...

[@baptistlion4060]

Incredible the amount of work to get the most elegant piece of aviation history in the sky's again!

[@Tonetwisters]

Probably the most beautiful aircraft to ever fly ...

[@MBCGRS]

What an absolute beauty... Well done to all involved... Keep em flying...

[@stevek8829]

OMG Wow! The most magnificent aircraft ever. Thank you guys.

[@thomasjacques5286]

So soothing to watch that graceful machine take to the sky.

[@richard1472]

She didn't even rotate. She just lifted straight off the ground. And hardly any flair on landing. Outstanding aircraft. Thank you all for doing this.

[@turkey0165]

Reason for no flare is the aircraft was light on weight and fuel!

[@NoTaboos]

FLARE

[@medic53067]

@@NoTaboos😂 she had plenty of flair, but didn’t need to flare on approach!

[@spamcan777]

Absolutely stunning! Well done everybody 👋

[@samharper4289]

Wow! What a beauty!! Nicely done y'all!!! ❤

[@joemoore4027]

I've spent over 50+ years working all aspects of aviation and the Connie is still the most beautiful aircraft designed, tall, sleek with slender lines, perfect.

[@MetalMania3DTV-TAS-AUS]

Absolutely beautiful, New Subscribers and we hit the bell 🔔 watching From Tasmania Australia 🇦🇺 🇦🇺 🤝 🇺🇲 🇺🇲 😊😎👍 The Real Down Under 😊🇦🇺

[@michaelevans205]

Twenty five or so years ago I saw the gorgeous MATS Connie when she visited the UK. Beautiful, beautiful aeroplane. The only time I've seen a Constellation in flight. This stunning aircraft brings back memories! Incredible job.....words fail.

[@revvluvv]

one of the most beautiful planes ever created

[@David-mz3or]

AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✅✅✅✅✅

[@999dallas999]

Connie's are so cool. Well done. That is a plane I'd pay $$$ to take a ride in.

[@thomasmixson7064]

In mid 1960's I flew 1st Class from Amarillo via Albuquerque enroute back home to San Diego. The beautiful TWA was in her last days, and it seemed a bit small after 707's. In Albuquerque, a show streamed from TV's on the still recent assassination of JFK, but someone informed me the pilot needed me back on board so he get out of there before approaching thunderstorms. I knew this flight would be special, so I tried to soak up everything I could sense or feel. In the evening departure from Albuquerque, the pinnacle piston airliners climbed through the darkening clouds & storms with ease as the four engines blew small blue flames from its exhaust. .

[@paulratzlaff2935]

I wanted to hear the engines ; wished the music had been turned lower! Beautiful Bird !!

[@Dan.d649]

This is what it's all about. A beautiful Connie comes back to life. She looks so precious, and sounds like she was flying during the good "old" days. She really is a beautiful looking airplane right now. I wonder if they have rides available that you can buy just to get a feel and experience a flight on this beauty. They've done such a wonderful job getting her to look so shiny, and to make her fly like she did before. Excellent job boys!!!!

[@l.a3234]

The most beautiful aircraft of the US history and.. in the world!

[@normanfawley7379]

Crikey ! What a beauty ! Simply magnificent !

[@MachTuck]

What a magnificent job!! Just pristine!! better than new!

[@hazardhawk8750]

Two greats! The Connie and the Mustang flying chase. Well done!!!

[@micah3209]

Truly a beautiful airplane. Thanks to everyone involved in restoring her.

[@dmitriymazanik6766]

Great job! The airplane is a REAL BEAUTY!

[@andyteitge6079]

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. What a beautiful aeroplane, and what a magnificent achievement!

[@bjornmclir5015]

What a beautiful aircraft. Congrats to everyone who worked hard to make her fly. My mom was lucky enough as a little girl to ride from london to new york on a constellation.

[@cesargarza6984]

THE most beautiful aircraft of all time

[@michaelswartz4528]

What a gorgeous piece of art!

[@arnoldwitt4774]

Fantastic! Another airworthy piece of history.👍

[@MWR-lg9qp]

That airplane is one of a handful of craft which are truly works of art.

[@TommyFresh521]

Absolutely breathtaking! What an incredible airplane!

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL PLANE. A PIECE OF AMERICAN HISTORY AND A COMPLIMENT TO ALL WHO CREATED IT AND THE PILOTS THAT FLEW THEM.

[@DarrenB988]

Congratulations on such a fine restoration 🙂

[@FURAX69]

The most beautiful plane in the world❤

[@jibeco]

Subscribed. What a job. What a Bird. What a Team. 2 thumbs up. Thanks.

[@SeadogCVA41hal3]

The greatest and most beautiful aircraft ever created. Steve Hinton, the greatest Aviator ever. Representing the greatest era known to man

[@bahoonies]

What a gorgeous aircraft and such a beautiful restoration. I remember as a small boy in 1958 being taken to Dublin Airport to meet my aunt returning from abroad and watching an Aer Lingus constellation take off for New York. I am 70 years old now but that wonderful memory is still fresh, all the more so for watching this excellent video.

[@bnln1939]

Brings back memories. As a 9 year old I flew on a MATS flight on a Connie from Charleston SC. to Albrook AFB. Panama. All the seats faced the rear.

[@watkinsharp8756]

What a great accomplishment! Congratulations

[@sidefx996]

Good grief that's jaw-droppingly beautiful. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of work that went into that. Amazing how it somehow still looks "futuristic" even today. Just amazing. Thank you.

[@richardlydenberg2636]

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL AIRCRAFT !! thank you !

[@cliffnelson1174]

What a magnificent and beautiful Lady....I am 70 and all my life I always had a Love of these Connie's....just superb...I would love to take a hop in one before I go to the great truck stop in the sky

[@cmtedanielbarros]

Beast. For me the most beautiful aircraft ever. Fly like a majesty. Incredible. Amazing work. Congrats

[@citibear57]

The 747 may be the 'modern' queen of the skies, but the Constellation reigned for many years before it. What a fantastic restoration! Congratulations, and 'thank you' to everyone involved with this beautiful bird!

[@gregorygaunt9353]

A plane like that makes her own beautiful music. And hello to Steve Hinton.

[@SpeedyCotton55]

Thank you to those who made this possible. Tears in my eyes.

[@joeblow5037]

The pinnacle of the radial engine transport. thanks!!!

[@fettlerjohn3419]

Glorious achievement folks ✨

[@williamstone4334]

The most beautiful plane.

[@Starman2319]

Breathtaking job, guys.

[@jayblair3207]

Live on the approach end into Chino Airport. Was absolutely stunned to see a Constellation fly over my house. Beautiful plane.

[@s.r.d.schmidt5431]

When I see this beauty fly at AirVenture next month, it will be a childhood dream come true! I am getting chills and teary-eyed just thinking about it and watching this video. I am so grateful for the opportunity. 😀