The First Air Force One Flies Again

Video sponsored by Air Models
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Dynamic Aviation restored the original "Air Force One" "Columbine II" and flew it from Marana Arizona to Mt. Pleasant Texas then to Bridgewater Virginia. We were there to document this historic return to flight that the restoration team at Dynamic Aviation accomplished.

[@timothymulholland7905]

This is the most beautiful airliner of all time. I had the privilege of being a passenger in the late 50s between Brazil and the US. Unforgettable.

[@1959mls1]

Used to stop North Vietnamese troop supply 1967 to 1972. I was on 90+ missions.

[@edwinphillips2298]

Had over 3000 hours in them, flew out of Midway Island for Airborne Early Warning from 1961 to 1965. They were wonderful, safe Aircraft until they became low priority in 1964, then it was not uncommon to lose an engine on our 14 hour, 2800 mile flight. I flew the Barrier for over three years and kept the Russians from attacking. We would fly out of Midway( lots of Gooney Birds) for thirty days and then return to Oahu for thirty days.

[@ditzydoo4378]

Thank you for your service too our country.

[@martinda7446]

Thanks Edwin (from your allies in the UK). Great story - Would like to hear a lot more... I love the Connie too.

[@butchchism]

Late '60s the mission was off the West coast, and off Cuba. Had one Sq at Homestead. Had to support one in Vietnam too, called College Eye. Planes were getting old, and after a tour in SEA, they had corrosion issues. They flew so low over the Gulf, they kicked up a lot of salt water. The closer they got to the water, the further the acquisition radar would reach. 552d was, and still is, a great organization.

[@edwinphillips2298]

Martin D

[@nerblebun]

Edwin phillips: I grew up practically next door to McClellan Field near Sacramento. My step-dad was crew chief on C-119's, the old Flying Boxcar, and flew training missions to Wake, Midway, and Guam several times. We'd ride our bikes to the end of I Street in Rio Linda & watch aircraft take off & land all day long. Air Force flew Connies a great deal out of McClellan in those days { 50's & 60's}. I've always considered the Constellation {even with RADAR dome} the most beautiful aircraft ever. I enlisted in the USAF ... 1971-1975. After discharge became an ex-pat for a number of years. In 1990 hooked a 2 year contract {stayed 5} at the Ballistic Missile Defense Test Range on Kwajalein, Marshall Island... only 700 miles from Midway.

[@justins.1283]

I'm glad that's it's being saved and restored to flying condition. Seeing a plane displayed as a static exibit is ok but seeing the effort of a historical aircraft kept flying is something that's hard to put into words. Thanks to the whole team!

[@bernardtuchtenhagen6126]

flew in these out of pt mugu 3years

[@azdarth1971]

My Dad flew these throughout his career in the U.S. Navy retiring in 1971, died in 1999. He would have loved to have seen this. Gives me goose bumps

[@wersiplayer1]

The Constellation (Connie) was the most beautiful aircraft ever designed, a brilliant Documentary and the devotion from the people involved in it's restoration should be honoured.

[@B2Hives]

1957, Philadelphia to St. Louis, my first flight ever at 5 yr old, aboard a Constellation. It is, was, and remains the most beautiful and graceful plane of all times. To all involved in the restoration and preservation please accept my heartfelt thank you.

[@brianmellis9291]

Super Constellation G model... emmigrated from Prestwick Scotland in 1957 to Canada. Trip took 14 hours with a stop in Gander for fuel. I was 9 years old with a window seat and totally mesmerized by those massive compound radials throbbing away all night over the Atlantic. The stove- pipe sized exhausts glowing in the frozen darkness. I was sold. Got my pilots license years later. Still love that magnificent form in flight, so graceful. Well done team, God Bless and keep her flying. B. Mellis / Canada.

[@f125axer4]

My dad used to fly TWA Connies out of the Dayton, OH airport in the late 50's and early 60's. I have great memories of being right out on the concrete with my mom an siblings as dad walked up the stairway and into the plane. What a beautiful aircraft! Edit: As I watched the rest of this video, I can't help but add that this is a really unique and fantastic project. My salute to everyone involved. Great video, great plane, great people!

[@fw1421]

Connie’s are with out a doubt the most beautiful,graceful airliners ever designed! ❤️❤️❤️

[@palomino73]

Agrred; with her in it, every airspace turns into a catwalk !

[@sblack48]

Her pilots call her the greatest three engine airplane ever built! I guess her engines were not the most reliable.

[@elainericketts8820]

Designed by Howard Hughes.....

[@sblack48]

@Elaine Ricketts um no. Lockheed. Kelly Johnson. Hughes just defined the design specification i.e. payload, range, speed. Kelly Johnson was the chief designer. They let Hughes fly an early test airplane and he almost killed them all. It’s in Kelly’s biography.

[@sblack48]

fw1421 the Dehavilland dh91 Albatross is as beautiful and graceful. In fact it looks similar, but predates the Connie by 20 yrs. But it is all a matter of taste.

[@netsil01]

Thank you guys for a great effort in preserving a piece of our history....I flew the Connie in the early 50's with my Mom....Great Lady In All Respects.....There will never be another like her...

[@jameshunter5485]

When I was a young boy living near the airport in Orlando, Florida in the 50s I loved to watch the airplanes coming and going. When I would hear multi engine radial engines I would look to the sky. I would be disappointed when the aircraft was a DC-6 or DC-7, because nothing thrilled me like seeing a big Connie flying over at low altitude. The lines on the Constellation were and continue to be the most beautiful ever made.

[@acid3129]

i missed the time of big powerful prop engines and the sound filling the sky but i was born and still live in stoke on Trent UK and a very tiny part of it called butt lane its only a tiny village but the great Reginald Joseph Mitchell was born 3 houses down from where my nan lives and every year on his birthday they did a spitfire fly over very low and that sound will never leave me . My other nan lived in London in the blitz and she still had nightmares and in her old age with dementia, she wakes up screaming about the V1 . many nights iv woken up to her shouting about the engine has gone quiet its going to hit . or i find her outside trying to get in an Anderson shelter that doesn't exist. i also forgot to add my grandad was a mechanic in ww2 for the RAF and he was stationed in Scotland and he would work on the anti-submarine sea plans i have a picture of him elbow-deep in a Supermarine Stranraer

[@tom7601]

My folks had a ranch in Blythe, CA. I remember stand out in the field when B-36s would fly over at around 20,000 feet. I could feel the vibration from the 6-turnin’ and 4-burnin. :-)

[@davidbarr49]

Thank you for the beautiful views of a beautiful aircraft. Ever since I was a kid, Connie's have been my favorite airplane (I am a 72 year old retired A&P), so I understand your feelings about this whole experience. Thank you for saving this beautiful, historic machine. Oh, and I LOVE the sound of those big radial engines.

[@BigLarry1950]

Brings a tear to my eye to see history brought back to life. Thank you men and women for all your hard work. From Indiana ~ USAF 1971-75.

[@Katherine-15-12]

Here in Australia we have a restored Super Constellation named CONNIE. It flies at a our shows and I have seen it fly twice. It put tears in my eyes, One of my Favourite planes alongside B17, 707, P51, I love them all and many more. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@RedWolf777SG]

Glad to see this beautiful bird flying again. The Lockheed Constellation is a gorgeous airplane with that distinctive triple fin tail rudder.🥰

[@hughjohnston]

I saw the Red Bull DC 6 last week at Duxford these massive piston giants are just awesome and very complex . For you guys to have the money and skills to have something like this fly again is a serious achievement of monumental scale .

[@martyhill1058]

The Connie is the prettiest airplane ever built, and the photos starting at about 19 minutes into this video really do it justice. Thank you!

[@rebel-yell9453]

As a 6 year old kid it was my extreme pleasure to fly from Rio de Janeiro to Bogota Colombia in a Pan Air do Brasil Connie on our way to Dallas Texas. The way the Brasilians configured their Connies, the first class lounge was in the back of the cabin, not the front like all airlines do today. It was a night flight and I was amazed at the size of the flames coming out of the exhaust nozzles. The flight attendants handed out Chiclets chewing gum to combat the air pressure change on my young ears. I flew in a lot of different piston engine airliners in my youth, the Douglas DC-3, DC-4, DC-6 and DC-7 Seas, Lockheed Electra Model 10 and of course the aforementioned Connie. The Connie was by far my favorite. It was touching the way the narrator started choking up when talking about flying in the Connie I get that way every time I hear Anchor Aweigh and I was Coast Guard, not Navy.

[@papasteve215]

The C-121 Connie and the C-47 Goonie Bird are the two most beautiful birds ever. I can’t imagine what a daunting task to get this iconic aircraft flying again must have been. These gentlemen deserve all the praise given. My utmost respect sirs.

[@Shane-Singleton]

The Connies and Super Connies are my favorite pre-jet airliners by far. Thank you for restoring such a historic and beautiful aircraft!

[@UncleLouietheMillwright]

My Dad would be very proud of you all. Dad was a flight engineer for the Locheed Martin Mars Water bombers on Sproat Lake, Port Alberni, from 1972-79. Dad had a storied career working on vintage aircraft. I remember my Dad saying how these Constellations fly beautifully. You all did a great job putting this Connie together and a very good job doing the video. Thank you very much. I appreciate you all.

[@robertpetty4649]

The most beautiful, majestic transport aircraft ever built. I only wish I could have ridden in one. Thank you for the video and a glimpse into a piece of American history. Truly a national treasure.

[@johnpolhamus9041]

The most elegant plane ever designed, bar none. A GREAT save for American aviation!!

[@scotth6848]

I was blown away by this story. I hate seeing vintage aircraft wither away and become scrap. Watching this beautiful aircraft being saved and all the team work it took to get it there was nothing short of incredible. I was an aircraft mechanic in the military for 10 years and aircraft never leave your soul once you spend time giving them everything you have. An incredible story with a fantastic ending. Thanks to everyone of you that had a hand in this recovery and preservation......AMAZING!!

[@ErikJohnston]

Scott H So happy you liked it! It was a lot of fun making this video

[@RevengeAvenger]

I used to live behind the Airplane Graveyard in Tucson, Arizona. It's one of the saddest things I have ever seen. I could literally throw a rock over the fence and hit some Boeing.

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Thanks for saving a beautiful Connie. When I was a little kid, we flew the eastern shuttle from friendship to New York on Connies. I do remember that. I still love the old ww2 iron and and those old prop jobs. Awesome.

[@ericb9426]

So, so cool. Thanks for restoring this gem. Connies are truly special. I flew in one back when they were actual airline airplanes. Sitting over the wing during runup was a bone rattling experience. The Constellation is truly one of the remarkable airplane designs.

[@racerd9669]

This has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. When I was 17 I had the privilege of flying from Basic training to tech school in one. What a magnificent aircraft. Makes me feel so good to see people care enough to keep one alive. Thank You

[@bobshaw4063]

Fellow Air Force Veteran Veteran Thank You for your Service from a US Air Force Veteran . I went to Tech School in Denver , Colorado @ Lowry AFB for AFSC 645XX Inventory Mgt Specialist .. Did you make the Air Force a career ? I didn't & I still regret it ' til this day in 2020 @ 68 years old .

[@racerd9669]

@@bobshaw4063 Bob Thank you for your service also. I did not make the AF a career, but it was not that I did not enjoy my time as a 43250 Jet engine mech. But after my tour in Vietnam 68 - 69 I got stationed at Norton AFB in San Bernardino Ca. Which you would think would have been great duty. But we were a support base for Vietnam and I ended up working 6 and 7 days a week. So I was done with it after that.

[@bobshaw4063]

@@racerd9669 Thank You for your reply . I don't blame you for not staying in . Working 6 and 7 days a week as Jet Engine mechanic I'm sure must have been quite grueling for you . While in Vietnam I hope you weren't affected by Agent Orange like so many others were . Do you know if it affected any females who served in Vietnam ? What rank were you when you discharged ? I tested twice for Staff Sgt I didn't make it the first time in Germany & tested twice but the scores hadnt been posted before I left Germany for discharge @ McGuire AFB in New Jersey . I was a Buck Sgt E - 4 when I got out . Could you have asked to be cross trained in another AFSC? Take Care & Stay well .

[@deborahchesser7375]

It took a lot of people, a lot of money and a lot of dedication to get this gorgeous bird flying. And the man hours is astronomical, it’s hard to believe they flew them as long as they did. The maintenance costs on the engines alone is mind boggling. Good job to all those involved

[@CitationZac]

As a mechanic that has been in plenty of fuel tanks I am blown away that the tanks didn’t leak after being dry for so long. I’ve seen aircraft sit for a few months without fuel on them develop leaks from the sealant drying out. Nothing is more frustrating than thinking you’ve sealed the leak to put fuel on the aircraft to find that it is still leaking. 😂 This is an absolutely amazing process that you guys went through. As an aviation enthusiast thank you all for rescuing this amazing aircraft. I don’t care if it was Columbine II or not, there are not enough Connies left in this world. A truly amazing aircraft. THANK YOU!!

[@ZackNWU1988]

Glad I found this. We can see that the great passion and friendship among all the crews overides any issues, problems and challenges that they had faced while giving life back to the Columbine. I am into aircraft and I have read the history of Constellation , seen pics, videos and read about it. Its shape is a beauty, its powerful and its part of the American history . 70 years later it still can fly. A great job done by them. They deserve a salute by the people of this country.

[@Baard2000]

Last minute of video is also wonderfull!!! The shed of some tears and a lump in your throat, as we say in the Netherlands, ....i have no words but I understand this man !!!

[@hobo1452]

What a beautiful aircraft, and a true icon of aviation history. In 1970, my first duty assignment after USAF aircraft maintenance tech school was to the 552 OMS at McClellan AFB in Sacramento CA where I had the privilege of working on the military version of this airframe, the EC-121D. Years later, I was very pleased to discover one of the planes I actually worked on, tail number 555 which we called triple nickle at the Air Force Museum in Dayton Ohio. One of the highlights of that time was when I got to sit left seat and be the brake rider during a 4 engine run up. I'll always have a soft spot in my heart for the "Connie".

[@rg3595]

Nice to see your comment. I was assigned to the 552nd as an Avionics Tech from 1971 to 1973, and also worked on TN-555. Our paths must have past on many occasions during maintenance activities. I spent three temporary 90 day deployments to Korat RTAFB in support of the College Eye mission, and was fortunate to fly aboard the EC-121.

[@jerzycal]

I was at McClellan in 1971 when 555 was being flown to Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio to be donated to the Air Force museum. If I remember correctly an engine failed enroute causing the plane to land at Stead AFB near Reno Nevada where they swapped out the engine.. Interestingly the plane had been christened " Spirit of Sacramento" and the mayor of Sacramento was on the plane for the donation flight. The is a C121 at the McClellan Air Museum today. The tail number is 555 but it is in fact a former US Navy C121.

[@hobo1452]

@@jerzycal I did not know she was a Navy handoff, but that's not surprising as the Navy were the recovery gurus for the returning Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo spacecraft and the 121's were used for tracking the capsules, among other duties.

[@peyiots]

What a labour of love. These men, who together combined extraordinary skills, commitment and enthusiasm, not only brought a singular work of art to life, but also made and discovered themselves as dedicated alchemists of 'sad metal' into the 'silver spirit' of the past. Well done!

[@denningbox1867]

I saw one fly years ago at the El Toro airshow it was truly amazing the sound of those engines was spectacular the pilot was banking and doing low passes over the runway it's something I'll never forget. Cheers Howard Hughes 🖒

[@GaragebandandBeyond]

I can remember seeing that airplane collecting dust and tumble weeds out in Santa Fe, before it was restored. It looked abandoned at the time and I had NO idea what it was... so COOL to see that it was the first AF1. Great work!

[@ColeAviation]

WOW!!!!! Scott , Eric and ALL of you guys did a FANTASTIC job getting this BEAUTIFUL Connie back up in the air. I hope to one day see her show herself at many many air shows around the country. May God bless ALL of you for saving such a AMAZING part of our history. Thank you ALL so much for sharing this AWESOME experience with us.

[@jerryreiss3929]

Sex

[@TalenGryphon]

Lockheed didnt make too many civilian aircraft, but when they did *Damn* did they get it right! The Connie and the L-1011 are both flying works of art. Thank you for putting the effort in to resurrect the first Air Force One. Those shots of it flying with the B-25 Mitchell are the most American thing I've seen in some time

[@martinda7446]

The Electra was perfection too.

[@Taketimeout3]

Yes. The Tri Star was way ahead in looks and technical ability like the Connie was.

[@ronaldromuno6383]

What a great piece. This is what aviation is all about on so many levels. The passion, the respect for men and machine, the brotherhood. Thanks to everyone who had something to do with rescuing this airplane and thank you for sharing the beginning of the journey with us.

[@robertgutheridge9672]

FANTASTIC i myself am a B25 lover because my great uncle flew the B25 in WW2. and i love the mural on the side

[@chuckwagon5518]

Thank you to you and your team for restoring and keeping alive an important part of the U.S.A.'s history! It looks fabulous!

[@edwinbest9256]

Several years ago my wife gave me a PT-17 flight at Fantasy of Flight. License was current and I got to fly a while. Biggest treat was a Connie on the ramp that I got to walk around. Gorgeous bird! Reminded me of an E Jag. Looks like it’s racing just sitting still! Congratulations to all the folks who made Columbine live again!

[@tobytollefsen8802]

Thanks for saving her. Keep them flying for the future, Thank you

[@robinhood2980]

As an 8,9, 10 year old I would watch these fly over our house near High Wycombe and the first thing when you knew it was a connie was the drone of the four engines, I would rush outside and see this four engined triple tailed plane usually in TWA or Pan American airlines livery come over at around 3000 feet! What a sight and sound, can never forget it.!!!

[@sblack48]

Shudder to think of what all those overhauls cost plus all the guys redoing the lines etc. A lot of highly skilled labour...$$$. I'm glad there are rich dudes that love airplanes.

[@michaelwadsworth9314]

Rv4 Guy j

[@southjerseysound7340]

It takes a lot of poor volunteers too ;-)

[@RunFast64]

And that is just a warm up for the formal restoration. Hope it will live in a hanger from now on.

[@Ford_Raptor_R_720hp_V8]

Often times there's a lot of Skilled Volunteers, like the B-29 Doc

[@haraldpettersen3649]

@@southjerseysound7340 - Poor ? . They are fortunate enough to live close enough to join them.

[@MrDavewane]

A wonderful story about a beautiful aeroplane and a bunch of fabulous people who made the first Air Force One fly again. Thanks.

[@danielledykgraaf6483]

A brotherhood of and for a mission..LOVE it. Keep up the great work crew! Any plane with a radial needs to be saved. Keeps us from having to listen to another turbine.

[@Sedonalegendhelenfrye]

My work with the early history of TWA, and Jack Frye (father of TWA) who helped develop the Constellation with Howard Hughes and many others, brought me to your page. I was overwhelmed watching this video, being from Tucson, and knowing I drove past this plane at Marana many times. Thank you! When you talked about the indepth restoration process and crying like a baby when you finally got this transport in the air, I am not ashamed to admit, I cried too! Not only were there so many blessed souls who assisted you, but many who passed over who were right there beside you as well! Wow, what a moving video!

[@loftsatsympaticodotc]

Thank you Erik, for making this heartwarming video of American accomplishment, both in original concept and the remarkable teamwork of the many, many folks who got Columbine II flying again. I love the concept that it is private but can be seen, touched, explored, and maybe flown in again, by aviation enthusiasts and history buff members of the public. I well remember these graceful power-houses of the skies when I was a kid.

[@mikeifyouplease]

The excitement these individuals have for this aircraft is contagious!

[@ryankc3631]

I'm thankful we have people with the expertise, money and passion to rescue these aircraft so we can all enjoy them. Thank you!

[@mikejones9080]

Wow. What an amazing piece of history. I remember loving the Connie as a kid. I'm 76.

[@Grossman2868]

Every once in a while, you see a video that touches your heart strings. When someone steps up and says words to the effect that, we've seen too many historic aircraft whither away, not again! Well done gentlemen and thanks for the chance to see the real thing!

[@ErikJohnston]

Grossman2868 so glad you liked it!! Thank you

[@glennoropeza3545]

Thanks for preserving a living, breathing vintage machinery! It's what makes our country great!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

My dad turned wrenches on this as an Air Force crew chief when this plane was stationed at National Airport (now named DCA/Reagan National Airport) in D.C. He had many wonderful memories of his time as a crew chief, even meeting with President Eisenhower several times, and always spoke of this Connie as a living thing--not a machine. I salute you all. My dad would've loved to see and hear this jump back into the sky.

[@chalogonzales8985]

These Connies stationed at DCA had call signs SAM (for Special Air Missions) 80610 (which is this one´s) and the paint job was beautiful like white fuselage and the ever present then Dya-Glo orange up front and just next to the tail. SAM aircraft flew presidents and secretaries and of course Top Brass.

[@racerd3801]

It is a blessing that people like these are willing to put the love and care back into this beautiful aircraft and to hear Carl say this aircraft belongs to the American people makes me so proud to be an American. I had the pleasure to fly in a Connie from Lackland AFB to Chunte AFB in 1966. I will never forget the beauty of this amazing aircraft. Thank you so much for posting this on KZbin.

[@trespire]

This plane has tremendous historical meaning, also for many other nations.

[@guitarman4242]

So enjoyable to watch this. What a great aircraft. What a great crew. Really poured their hearts and souls into this project. Well done.

[@loveaodai100]

Absolutely everything about this project is awesome beyond description! Thank you all for your efforts.

[@AZAFVET]

Thanks for saving this plane. I was part of a facebook group called Save the original air force one. the super connie columbine ii. I read up on it's history, hade some phone calls sent some emails to try to build interest in restring her to her original beauty. I fell in love with Constellations as a youngster in the 50's and flew home from Florida to Chicago on an Eastern Airlines Constellation. My first commercial flight. I now live in Arizona a hundred miles from where she spent her retirement years and not too far from the CAF Arizona Wing. Occasionally they make flights over the house with their restored B17 and I get excited when I hear the radial engines. Again, I salute all of you that put so much time and effort into Collumbie II. There is another C121 at the Pinal Air Museum in Tucson that is also named Columbine but I knew from the tail number she wasn't the Original Air Force One. I hope someday to be able to see her when she has her finest gown on. Wayne Fox USAF 1964-1968.

[@The_ZeroLine]

Sounds like once that second owner knew what he had it was always going to be saved. No one junks a presidential plane. I’m just glad it wasn’t sold back to the government to be cemented to the ground in some museum. All elegant planes, cars, boats, etc. are meant to be used and enjoyed.

[@ChrisB257]

Fantastic! Always loved the iconic Connie since I was a kid - a most beautiful airplane. Kudos to the whole team.... long may she be flying. Great video :)

[@leonardwolfer2178]

I helped Harry Oliver get that airplane out of the boneyard at Davis -Monthan AFB in Tucson way back in the day. What a joy to see those folks are gonna really bring it back to life. Thank You Harry

[@MikeWMiami]

And thank you for helping Harry!

[@pat36a]

Was is ever stored at the Pima Air Museum? They've had a few Presidential planes there. I seem to remember seeing it there in the late 70's early 80's.

[@robertballou6213]

I thought it was stored at Pinal County Airport, a few miles north of Tucson?

[@picometer472]

What is the chain of title?

[@scottygdaman]

Thank you Carl you make me proud to be an American. Tears of love. Thank all the folk. Beautiful plane.

[@awkwarddude]

Been following Connies for years and thanks to Ralph Pettersen and his Connie survivors site for tracking the history of nearly all Connies and their known stories and current status. I began following the rescues of Bataan and Columbine II when the stories became known in the media. This is a beautiful video and tribute to the vision of Karl and his organization. Thank you to all who made this epic story possible!

[@TheLawrenceWade]

A Connie is a breathtakingly beautiful airplane, I think possibly the most aesthetically beautiful machine that mankind has ever put in the air. Thank you to everyone who got her running again, and thank you to everyone who filmed this. She's not just special because she was the first Air Force One, she's also a Connie.

[@walt8089]

As an almost 9 year Air Guard C-119C, C-119G and C-119L Flight Engineer I really appreciate all the hard work and effort to revive this historic Connie. My very first Military aircraft ride was on our States other WVa Air Guard unit's C-121C Connie, The167th AW, out of Martinsburg, WVa. I have flown to Panama a couple of times on their Connie's and once to England UK ! A Cadillac aircraft. Congratulations on getting her flying again ! Just Beautiful and a very wonderful well done Video ! Thank You

[@ErikJohnston]

Walt sure glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching

[@walt8089]

ErikJohnston I was right there riding with you the entire Flight ! Our Unit the 130th AW was the very last USAF/ ANG unit to fly the C-119's in 1975. Our C-119G's and "L"s had the same R3350's engines that the Connie's had. Around 1972 time frame our "G"s were converted from 4 blade props to more efficient 3 blade props off of C-121 Connie"s. Loved the Radial Engines !

[@Big.Ron1]

I flew in and out of Santa Fe a few times back then and saw her there. I would have loved to been able to afford her. I am an a&p but still, lots of money to buy and restore her. I'm glad she made it to a good home. Congrats everyone!

[@jasonwinkowski6310]

She is beautiful. Thankyou for saving her....

[@MrStcat]

My father used to work on one of these in the Dc air Nat guard. I must admit it was my first love. The Connie opened up the world of aviation to me an loved every minute of it since.

[@stgeorge143]

I recently visited the Air Force museum at Wright-Patterson and took a walk through Columbine III. I was taken aback by how beautiful that old Connie was. Seeing this video of her predecessor actually in flight (and stunning video and photography it was) was really moving. To people who work so hard so their fellow Americans can enjoy these beautiful pieces of history, thanks so much.

[@garyschuster7624]

My dad flew for Capitol Airlines and flew Connies. He is gone now but he would have loved to see this video. Mom was/is/ used to be a pilot as well and she loved the lines on the Connies. Here in South-East Michigan we have the Yankee Airforce and they just obtained a Connie and I will be taking mom to see the aircraft as well as take her to the air show there. Mom is 98 years old and still sharp as a tack. She will love it. Thanks for the video and the memories it brings of my dad and mom together. Thank you!

[@ErikJohnston]

Gary Schuster That’s really awesome!!

[@pbellbell]

Outstanding work men

[@wardmd]

My grandfather drew the "3-view" of the Constellation, when he worked for Lockheed (before they had computers, of course). So glad you brought it back to life!

[@pilotguy1141]

One of the most beautiful aircraft ever built kudos to all those who keep her flying

[@BigBadJohn5358]

The jet equivalent to a 'beautiful' plane is the Boeing 727, alas 'not allowed' to fly in Europe any more, if I owned one I'd fly it at 3,500ft over Berlin, Brussels, Paris and Barcelona at midnight, piss them right off! Then climb to 20,000ft to Kumasi, Ghana, I'd need to keep it at Mildenhall, near where I live. They have Boeing 707s at Mildenhall and they're nice old jets too.

[@dewiz9596]

What an absolutely beautiful aircraft! Amazing! My first time in an airplane was as a six-year-old in 1951. From Schiphol to Montreal, Canada. . . via Prestwick, Scotland and Moncton, New Brunswick. I was hooked. 45 years later I started on my PPL, eventually acquired a 1966 Cessna 172 G, which helped keep me broke for 13 years. Would not have missed those days.

[@cgpyper7536]

When I was a little kid, my dad returned from a business trip aboard a TWA Constellation. The experience of standing behind the fence as the mammoth aircraft taxied up to Sky Harbor's terminal was of an excitement that has never been surpassed (and I've had a LOT of exciting experiences). The sound of four giant redials and spinning propellers set on such a magnificent airplane is a true classic; would be thrilling in any era in the future. Back in 1956, when Pres. Eisenhower showed up at the Republican National Convention; everything was broadcast on live TV. As Eisenhower's airplane taxied in, the TV commentator noted its extra-long nose (for accomodation of radar). To my eyes, the Constellation looks sleek and FAST even when it's sitting still ... one of its animal opposite is, of course, the cheetah (in addition to sharks and eagles). In 1963 I was favored to be a passenger on a TWA night flight from Salt Lake City to Chicago ... and got a bonus. Seated by a window close to the right-side engines, I was amazed at the blowtorch flash of fire that shot out of the stacks. One thing I had NOT expected was all the inside-cabin noise and vibrations caused by the engines ... the Connie LOOKED sleek and smooth ... riding inside; not so. A stewardess chatted with another of the passengers; saying that TWA was currently replacing their Connies with 707s. I was on one of the last, if not THE last of the TWA Constellations. THANK YOU MEN, FOR RESCUING AND RESTORING THIS BEAUTIFUL AIRCRAFT.

[@billolsen4360]

yes, prop planes don't allow too much in the way of casual conversations.

[@bramantyoprahoro7284]

Thank you, Sir, for the opinion. Such a wonderful memory...

[@Neilistic1001]

To anyone involved in this restoration: Bravo. And Thank You.

[@fineartz99]

Beautiful ! _Very emotional._ // Eternal thanks to all for their _labor of love,_ and for all who come to see her.

[@bufallobiff]

Gorgeous aircraft.....my father was stationed in Ft. Brooke Puerto Rico until 1959 and as a 9 year old together with the family, we flew a MATS Connie back to the States. Still remember.......

[@peterpurpose]

Wonderful film. Thanks for the making and sharing of it. There's nothing as beautiful as a Tri-Tail Connie.

[@vincesbardella3838]

I remember waiting in line for Takeoff at LGA behind Eastern Shuttle Connies in the late 60s, and watching them depart, and later, in early 70s, the plain gray Connies with no identification arriving and departing at the Harrisburg (Formerly Olmstead AFB) Airport. Great memories of a beautiful machine.

[@stevedahl3689]

Awesome video and very touching! Thanks so much for this undertaking for the American public. And, I agree, this has to be one of the prettiest airplane designs ever...by far.

[@pedrorodriguez2914]

Joined the Air Force in 1961,at Ramey AFB,Puerto Rico.Was flown to Pope AFB on the way to Lackland AFB,the weird thing was all seats facing the tail end,i felt like disorinted flying backwards.Whitnesed one Constellation loosing a port engine over farmland and ditching in the ocean,two crewmembers jumped out before the aircraft hit the water,sadly the pilot drowned.This happened in Levittown beach,P.R.April,5,1990.You guys are amazing keeping hystory alive.🇺🇸🇵🇷🌴

[@thomasjordan5578]

I may have been on board this plane, rolled down out of Grand Canyon toward Flagstaff and happened upon it outside of a museum on the way down. It impressed me as kind of plush inside, the galley in particular, beyond your usual military equipment.

[@KidYuma1880]

Congrats on this amazing historical Connie. Love pics of it flying photography was amazing capturing it. I volunteered at Planes Of Fame for 23 yrs prior to moving to north central Arizona. Job well done so far. Thanks

[@JohnChvatalGSTV]

I had to drop everything and watch this video! I've been wanting an update/backstory on the retrieval and restoration of Columbine II. Excellent job Erik and all involved in this project!

[@robertanderson2285]

Great video of the most beautiful aircraft to ever fly. Brought back memories for me. Radar tech on EC-121s at McCoy AFB FL, '66-'70. THANKS!

[@onfin3al6]

I don't have words to describe a Connie . I got to inside one at the Sanford airport in Florida . They are huge . Great job guy's it is a beauty .

[@dansotelo228]

I have a great passion for Connie s and I was a little taken back when you flew over El Paso, and the B., Franklin Mountains where I was Born. Now 64, it's funny how my life always followed where great planes were made. When I was young I lived and worked just a few blocks where Connie & SR-71 were made in Burbank. I now live in Seattle home of the B17 & 747. I live directly under the landing glide path of Renton airport on Mercer Island..

[@Dive-Bar-Casanova]

Talked to a retired Constellation pilot at a club we belong to. He flew every version and often over the polar route and had some amazing stories and facts about the plane.

[@ErikJohnston]

Dive Bar Casanova Man, I’d love to talk to that guy! I would love those stories

[@GeorgeSemel]

My guess it's going to be at least 15 to 20 years to get that airplane to the condition the vision for it. Worth the time, effort and money to have the very first Airforce One in flying condition. I am 63 years old and my pilot career is coming to an end, I hope to live long enough to see not only this airplane restored, but sitting next to the Current Airforce One, now that would be a photo for the ages.

[@huddlstn]

My brother and I stood on the runway of Plant A1 in July 1944 to see the first Connie take off, then the next week to see the F80 Shooting Star take off we were helping build the P38's at that time. I'm now 92. In 1951 I was offered the job of Co Pilot to fly Connies to Brazil, but got Drafted instead. Memories

[@kirkturner7092]

Don cordell Perchance did you know Richard ‘Dick’ Baldwin at Lockheed on the P-38 line?

[@167curly]

The Super Connie is such an elegant machine. As a 10 year old I flew in a BOAC 749 from Bermuda to London via Santa Maria, Azores & Lisbon in August 1951.

[@sunsettersix6993]

I don't even know what to say. I mean, tears of emotion just well up watching what you all have accomplished. Incredible! How often does one see something like that happen? Rarely, very rarely. Absolutely incredible!

[@ErikJohnston]

Thanks so much! Sure happy that you enjoyed the video!!

[@billy1673]

Arguably one of THE most beautiful planes ever built.

[@michaeloblock9530]

In my opinion it is the most beautiful airplane ever built. I saw it at the Allegheny County Airport as a kid. It made a huge impression on me then and it still does today. Graceful lines top to bottom.

[@teerex51]

Great stuff, thanks for all the work. To me, the Connie is a special aircraft. I still remember seeing her for the first time in her gleaming TWA livery when I was 6 or 7 years old.

[@joeyoliver579]

Dynamic Aviation. Karl and his team are great people. He used to bring his Miss Virginia (DC-3) to the National Air and Space Museum for one of our Family Day events. I was a volunteer staff photographer for the museum and was fortunate enough to get to know these folks and spend a lot of time in the cockpit with WW II Veterans. Great video. Great people. Great plane.

[@kentvandevender9731]

I remember driving by Dynamic and seeing her sitting on the tarmac. There’s something about the lines of a Connie..nice work.

[@kiketve2]

Since I was a kid , I always liked the style of that plane , everytime I we went to the Airpot in Caracas- Venezuela, our father let us hang around those big planes, this was my favorite, it brings so many good memories see it again

[@ryanmoeller3308]

Erik, You've outdone yourself once again my friend!! Thank you for all the hard work that you do so that us fellow aviation enthusiasts can enjoy these magnificent machine's. I truly hope that you are able to make a DVD of stuff like this!! These guy's definitely deserve to be recognized for all the work they do to preserve our history. Keep up the great work my friend. Stay safe and God Bless.

[@dmcnamara9859]

Ryan Moeller: You should see the upcoming Lufthansa Connie (an ex TWA air-frame);90% of the fuselage is all new, 85%+ of the Wing is all-new,All Glass cockpit, and to alleviate costs associated with future usage,their Connie has a A320 front landing gear fitted to it. Lufthansa even commissioned Brand New wear replacement (and many New spares of) Props,engine parts/accessory drives,flight control systems,etc. I can't wait to take a sight-seeing tour on it when the Tours become available.

[@scottlaughlin2447]

I hung a pair of HF antennas on one of these in 1957. And when I was transferred to Ramey AFB in 1963, flew from Charleston on one of these. Dear memories.

[@doren8491]

Had just short of 2000 hours as an aircrew radioman ATN-2, 1968-1970, VW-1 crew 7 on TE - 07. Headquartered on Guam, tracking typhoons and Vietnam missions we had 10 crews and 12 WC-121-N. TE-00 was our only C-121, Connie. Great years

[@steakman9113]

So wonderful to see a Truly Classic Aircraft returned to Flight capability. Kudo's to all involved..!!

[@joesphbest3120]

1/1/1960 I flew from LA to Hawaii to Midway to Guam, I remember it well. Thank you for a great job.