Restoration First Flight

[@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.

[@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!

[@tacomator2895]

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]

@@tacomator2895 I’ll never like that pushed in cone nose. Personal preference I guess.

[@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. 👍

[@DigbyOdel-et3xx]

The most beautiful propeller driven airliner ever made. 👍

[@tacomator2895]

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]

@@tacomator2895 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.

[@tacomator2895]

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

[@parislikesliners]

@@tacomator2895A TU-95 doesn’t compare to a Constellation or B-17 😂

[@justinfuller8803]

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

[@trainstrains1]

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

[@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.

[@edwinbest9256]

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

[@robertgolden1080]

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

[@kmeades43]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@louischadaris5909]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@arnoldwitt4774]

Fantastic! Another airworthy piece of history.👍

[@turkey0165]

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

[@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!

[@alynnhiscox7303]

Absolutely gorgeous!! Congratulations to the team who made this possible, and for the vision to see it through!

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@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.

[@robordm]

What a beautiful aircraft. I didn't realise I was a Constellation fan until I saw this video!

[@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. 😀

[@AgentJayZ]

What a beauty! More good news for Lewis Air Legends: On June 26 2023, we finished testing and tuning your Orenda turbojet #2920 for your Sabre, and it runs perfectly.

[@NormanSurgeon]

...a fabulous restoration of one of the most beautiful airliners ever built...❤ ...Congratulations to all who were involved...! 👍👍👍

[@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.

[@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.

[@MrWillo95]

Truly a work of art thanks to the hard work put in by such a dedicated team to restore it 🫡🇬🇮#respect

[@andyteitge6079]

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

[@KidYuma1880]

Congrats job well done many years of flying on Connie & MacArthurs personal plane maiden flight after yrs of restoration. I volunteered at POF Chino when this plane was ferried in from POF Valle Az.

[@johnborden9208]

So glad to see the restoration of this magnificent machine, which has to be the most beautiful airliner ever built! I did two skydives out of a Super Constellation back in 1995, so there will always be a place in my heart for the Connie.

[@micah3209]

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

[@davetelling]

I still recall flying back to the USA from Lajes Field (Azores) in a C-121 in 1959 - 8 years old, and I loved it!

[@MikeKobb]

Gorgeous. The world needed this beautiful bird back in the skies. Thank you for making it happen. I hope to see it in person soon.

[@hazardhawk8750]

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

[@Static1701]

So good to see her fly. Amazing job. Thank you

[@PilotScooper]

Still one of the most beautiful airframes ever. Thank you to all who had a hand in restoring this important piece of aviation history.

[@arkpu]

What an achievement! Job well done is sounding so small against all the works needed to get her back where she belongs. You can be proud of your accomplishments and enjoy flying 🎉

[@oxigenarian9763]

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

[@ivanlussich8146]

I am from Uruguay, 84. I do remember flying in a Constellation MVD/ BUE back in 1964, and in a SuperGConstellation LON/ PAR in 1961. What a roomy cabin it was, even in Tourist Class! And I saw one SuperH at Rome's Fiumicino airport with wing-tip tanks, also in 1961 (TWA's). Congrats to the gentlemen who brought this aircraft back to life.

[@87Wayne]

Flew in a TWA Connie from Panama to Miami in the late 50s with my family as a child. The most gorgeous aircraft ever and the pinnacle of reciprocating engine tech. Congrats on the flawless resto on this craft.

[@jayblair3207]

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

[@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.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

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

[@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.

[@sturdythorpe7585]

Remember seeing these fly at airshows when I was a kid. Lockheed was a truly amazing company. Nothing like the sound of a radial engine.

[@pook6212]

Gorgeous!!! One of the best looking aircraft ever designed,

[@HereIam-rg3vy]

Possibly the most beautiful aircraft ever built

[@BrjanBuckmaster]

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

[@australianoutlander6679]

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

[@umartra7452]

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

[@valter_vava74]

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

[@gmanchurch]

Absolutely beautiful airplane and top notch restoration! Thanks so very much for sharing this with us!

[@christopherdoff-sotta4441]

Truly a aircraft of beauty and grace. I Salute all those responsible for her rebuild.... may God bless you.

[@satguy]

For me, there are few things that will bring tears to my eyes and goosebumps to my arms. One of them is a large four engine radial aircraft. One of the best was the constellation.

[@reypettis2407]

Absolutely beautiful restoration!

[@SpeedyCotton55]

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

[@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.

[@billdennis2993]

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

[@americanpatriot2422]

Beautiful aircraft.

[@georglimiux677]

OUTSTANDING!! Such a beautiful plane!

[@billneal8995]

Absolutely Awesome!! I flew on a Connie when I was little with my Mother and little brother to Philadelphia. Such a great airplane. Thank You! What a beautiful restoration. 😊

[@rogerbaker1875]

Wow. Incredible! What a gift to all the airplane nuts in the world today. Thank you Mr. Lewis and all the great talented people that made this happen!

[@GaryBaird.Photography]

I was a young USAF Medic in the Azores when the Tennesee Air National Guard came through on one of their monthly maneuvers on their way to the Canary Islands in 1969 flying a Lockheed Constellation. They were offering first come seats for a three day weekend in Tenerife and I and a buddy grabbed a couple. It was a beautiful trip of a lifetime to an island paradise on what I thought at the time was an old clunker of a bygone era when it was the jet age and the USAF was flying C-141s everywhere. In hindsight, I now see that the trip was even better knowing that I flew on such an historic and gorgeous aircraft.

[@garyeverettlynne9437]

That is one of the most beautiful, flying machines ever made I would love to go on one of those I’ve loved aviation all my life

[@certified68crazy3]

My Father served under MacArthur in the 67th Troop carrier squadron, he and his crew were often selected to ferry the Generals equipment and possesions all over the Pacific theatre during the war.

[@christopheschwartz7374]

Cet avion légendaire est véritablement magnifique! Comment ne pas admiré ce Constellation par sa beauté aéronautique unique! Salutations de France. 😍

[@Alkemyst426]

God bless, those were beautiful planes...glad to see another one in the air. Never get enough of the sound of those engines...

[@MA-iv7ol]

Stunning, so happy to see this iconic aircraft back in the air!

[@MBCGRS]

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

[@MsMsmak]

I get chills seeing this. Wonderful day, and a wonderful job.

[@barryfox7625]

Flew across the Atlantic in one of those in the early 50s, never forgot it. Thanks for saving the Connie.

[@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!!!!

[@fatherguidosarduchi5204]

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

[@Spitfiresammons]

It’s good to see the old constellation girl flying again after 8 years of restoration congratulations to all team for all amazing hard work. from UK 🇬🇧👍🏻

[@950gege7]

Beautiful plane .👍

[@thomasjacques5286]

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

[@kettle_of_chris]

I have no words....only smiles.

[@duanepierson4375]

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

[@normanfawley7379]

Crikey ! What a beauty ! Simply magnificent !

[@kevindelaney1951]

Beautiful restoration work. Well done to the team responsible.

[@charlescartwright6367]

Two of the most beautiful birds, the Connie and the Mustang together.

[@philbivins7133]

She's a real beauty. Kudos to those who put her back together. Well Done!!

[@Mike-kc8rl]

I recently watched a video with Kermit Weeks visiting this ongoing restoration with Steve Hinton . Fantastic to see this Aircraft fly and Lockheed should be proud of such a beautiful design! There are many nice looking Aircraft, then there are a few beautiful looking Aircraft and the constellation is such!

[@jorgeblanco6708]

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

[@skyedog24]

One of the few planes that is so identifiable the super connie from any angle. What is shining example . Incredible restoration. 💯🇺🇸

[@NoTaboos]

This is NOT a Super Connie!

[@martinpennock9430]

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

[@MWR-lg9qp]

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

[@DerUfo]

BRAVO!! WONDERFUL!! Thanking You so very deeply!!

[@christopping5876]

Beautiful aircraft. I was lucky enough to fly in one from Salisbury, Rhodesia to Windhoek, South West Africa, when I was a boy. Times and names may have changed, but the beauty of the Constellation is ageless.

[@timgabrielse7830]

What a beautiful airplane. I remember seeing “Connies” in the mid 1950’s when I was 5 years old on a trip to New York and we visited the airport. One of the prettiest ever.

[@MadJack_I_]

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

[@cmtedanielbarros]

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

[@wedge7j7]

What a beautiful plane!!! My dad had fond memories of those planes...

[@earl81ful]

Grandpa was a connie driver and my dad was a EC-121 operator, Love this plane!

[@Tonetwisters]

Probably the most beautiful aircraft to ever fly ...