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.

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!

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.

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

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

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.

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!

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.

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...

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

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. 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

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.

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.

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!!

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!

I remember when Mel Christler, in Wyoming, owned this plane and was ready to sell it for scrap. In a turn of events, the Smithsonian Institution, during a research project, contacted Mel and informed him that 48-0610 was, in fact, a former presidential aircraft. Saved from the scrap heap!

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

I'll tell you North East Texans love their Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Mount Pleasant is a city but it's the size of a town. I love the show up! I remember when the largest cargo plane (An-124) landed in Longview, Texas. Thousand people showed up back in 2001 to watch it load up 4 helicopters from the nose.

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

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.

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

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 !!!

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

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 🖒

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!

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".

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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.!!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

The excitement these individuals have for this aircraft is contagious!

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.

When I was a kid back in the 50s and 60s TWA CONNIES would fly over our neighborhood on their southbound approach to Philadelphia International Airport. I would always look up. As a private pilot today I wish I could have flown a Connie or at least rode in one.

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.

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.

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.

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

I flew on one of these in 1969 with the Tennesee Air National Guard. They were coming through Lajes Field, Azores on their way to the Canary Islands for their monthly training. I worked at the Hospital in the Administration offices and heard they were taking passengers on a first-come, first-serve basis. I grabbed two seats as fast as I could and I and a buddy of mine took the trip of a lifetime. We spent three days on the island of Tenerife and didn't want to come back (this was before the Tenerife disaster, which killed 583 people). We finally climbed back on the "Connie" and flew the 6 or 7 hour flight back to work. It was a magnificent airliner of its time.

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 KZfaq.

The Connie and Super Connie are the sexiest planes ever made.

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!!

My first commercial flight on any aircraft happened just before my fourth birthday in 1957. It was on a Constellation from LAX to SFO with Western Airlines. It was beautiful aircraft, both inside and out. I received my metal Gold Wings that night from the flight crew. I wish that flying was still as glamorous and as spiritually uplifting today as it was then. I wish the planes were as aesthetically pleasing and fulfilling today as the Connie was then. Thank you to all the crew of this effort to return this marvelous part of the better part of our history and to us to see once more. Thank you for the video.

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

My first flight as an 8 year old was in 1961 on a TWA Constellation from Wichita, KS to Albuquerque, NM as my dad's new employer flew our family out to join him. What a thrill for a kid to do something not very many others had experienced yet. About 25 relatives all joined us at the Wichita airport to see us off. Everyone still remembers that day all these years later (if they're still alive). The stewardesses were young, beautiful, unmarried (required), and impeccably dressed. I asked one of them if I could keep the salt & pepper shakers with the TWA logo. She said, "You may keep them if you please."

What a beautiful aircraft. I,my brothers and friends were fortunate to grow up in Burbank, Ca in the Fifties. Because of the aircraft industry, back then. We saw many Constellations taking off and landing at Lockheed Air Terminal on Hollywood Way in Burbank. 25-30 years ago, Columbine was at Fox Field in Lancaster, Ca. along with several other historic aircraft. The crew of the Constellation gave walk-in tours. The Constellation based in Camarillo, Ca, the crew was auctioning off a ride from Fox Field back to Camarillo at the end of the day. The one catch? If one won one of the five seats auctioned, he or she would have to find a way back Lancaster. The drive back to the Antelope Valley about two hours. Lol. I did, indeed, buy a couple tickets. Did not win though.

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

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!

I was a FE on Connie's, great airplane!!!! It was the reason I decided to work on becoming pilot.

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

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.

The first powered aircraft I flew in was a super G, Connie. I had flown in gliders before. About 1959

Joined Navy in Oct. 61, flew out of Chicago O"Hare after sunset on the Connie to San Diego, Ca with a Fuel stop in Amarillo around 11 or 12 that evening and arrived just after sun up next morning in San Diego. Flew back from boot camp in San Diego, Dec. 61 to Chicago O"Hare on the Super Connie, man you had leg room in those days, and they flight attendants treated you like royalty, not cattle. Beautiful planes. Ed C.

You bought a piece of history. Thank you for keeping it around for the rest of us to see.

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!

probably the best shots ever taken of a Connie

I was at Ramey AFB when this bird came in. The best thing we saw was the engine starting. #1 would start turning and about 1-2 blades #2 would pickup followed by #3 and then #4. We couldn't figure out the switchology that allowed this bird to be started so smooth and obviously by a highly experienced operator.

In the 1990s, a M.A.T.S. Connie was transiting bertween air shows and had engine trouble. They had to land at our little uncontrolled airport KEKN down in a bowl between mountains in WV. They had another engine shipped in, swapped them, and in the meantime they let people onboard for a few bucks. Yes I did! I was there the morning they departed, and It was amazing to see the smoke, oil, and fury as they starterd each engine. The takeoff was something I'll never forget. What a beautiful aircraft

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

Even from where I live in North East Scotland I find it saddening that an AF1 like this was cast aside in such a manner but on the other side in coin I find it heartening that people like these gentlemen giving up their time to do the kind of work to keep people's mind's on something that should've never been left to get in the state I was

A most beautful aircraft. I got to fly in one from Amarillo, Tx to Detroit. Wonderful trip.

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.......

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

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

A KLM Conny was my very first airplane ride from SE Asia to The Netherlands in 1955. We made a few stops for refuel. I will forever love that plane. She made me decide to join the USAF 11 years later and become an F4 Phantom Crew Chief for 4 years.

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

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

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 .

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.

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!

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 .

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.

i had a VIP tour of Columbine when it was in Arizona at the museum. they mentioned to me that the engines are periodically started. i may have been only one of a few who actually knew how cool it really is.

During the 80s in my hometown in Germany, they had an unused lot right next to a big civil airport. They put a few decomissioned planes on display out there. Among those was a Super Constellation. I loved this plane. I used to go there by bicycle as kids with a close friend, standing there, staring at the plane and having thoughts about flying it. With modern jets, flying has become just another way of going from A to B. But planes like this show the promise, that flying is actually something special and exciting. It looked really amazing. At the same airport, they had a visitors deck on the roof of a terminal, where they also had a ME-262 and a ME-163 from WW2 on display in 1980.

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.

Only Concorde was ever (arguably) more beautiful! It's really obvious that she's thankful to be back in the air!

I live in Tucson and have seen this bird many times. Glad you guys got it.

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

thank you everyone working on this project

I remember when she was the Presidents airplane. She was beautiful then and she is beautiful now. Thank you for sharing

Being born in 1949, President Dwight Eisenhower was the first president I remember,and I have always admired him. Knowing that this part of his history and our American history has been rescued is a beautiful thing. Thank you Mr. Stoltzfus for making this happen. Just WOW!

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