On Saturday December 7, 2019 the Longreach Community was treated to a preview of the Qantas Founder Museum Super Constellation. The Community Day also marked the completion of the five year restoration project which began with the purchase of the aircraft in Manila, Philippines in September 2014. It’s been an amazing project that transformed a near derelict aircraft into a gorgeous display aircraft that the museum should be proud of. The aircraft will be open to the public beginning April 2020 and the museum issued a media release regarding the project and a Dropbox link to some project photos. Congratulations to the museum and its volunteers for saving this iconic aircraft!
"Star of Switzerland" Transported to Germany - November 28, 2019
Super Connie "Star of Switzerland" departed Zurich on November 27, 2019 on a lowboy trailer bound for Eschbach-Bremgarten, Germany, where new owner Meier Motors plans on making the aircraft a flyer again. I wish them luck on this very ambitious project. It was a very sad day for SCFA members, who worked so hard to keep the Super Connie flying and would have much preferred to keep the aircraft in Switzerland.
 |
 |
 |
SCFA Board Issues Statement - November 22, 2019
The SFCA Board issued the following statement on Facebook on November 17, 2019. It is an English translation of the original German statement and, while it's a bit rough, I believe it accurately conveys the boards sentiments.
Mid November 2019
Dear Connie Friends and Friends
The Year 2019 is coming to an end soon. So it’s time to inform you about the state of things at Connie and in the association SCFA.
First the most important. Even if another difficult and painful year is behind us, we still have the confidence that Super Constellation HB-RSC will be renovated in the next few years and thus make it again for flight-fit.
We are well aware that many of you have been expecting more detailed information in recent weeks. Information about the airplane, dismantling and upcoming transport. However, the still reigning board had to accept that the new owners do not want to communicate actively. You are still about to complete your own analysis and want to decide at the end of December how to proceed. We will inform you if possible at the beginning of 2020.
The liquidation of our association is underway and can probably be completed in mid-2020 It seems, and that's good news that the SCFA's resolution can go beyond the stage without debt. We don't stay idle despite everything. Please note the following activities and dates:
Saturday, November 23rd - ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION MEMBERS
Sunday, November 24th - Aviatik Fair Bassersdorf - last SCFA shop presence
Sunday, December 1st - Bleienbach Airfield, starting at 1:00 pm - book vernissage – Super Constellation "Star of Switzerland". Markus Jegerlehner publishes his pictures in a book, many of them have never been published before.
SCFA online Shop
The book by Markus Jegerlehner will be available in our shop from mid-December at the price of CHF 68 plus shipping costs.
All SCFA items are still available in stock in the online shop.
Reminder - all sales prices have been reduced by 50 percent. Please order in time, because the last shipping day this year is Tuesday, December 17th.
From December 20, 2019 to January 5, 2020, the shop and the SCFA administrative offices will be closed.
The "last" Connie Calendar 2020 was produced in a limited edition of 1049 copies and can also be purchased via the SCFA online shop. Price: CHF 24 for members, for non-members CHF 32. Available in December 2019.
Sunday, January 26, 2020 - save the date - we are organizing a "get together " for the SCFA members under the motto " meet, exchange and indulge in memories ". This event is expected to take place in Basel (more Information about this will take place during December). You can temporarily cost yourself at event@superconstellation.organmelden. Per person approximately CHF 50 to 80.
A big thank you!
First of all, we thank you, dear SCFA members and association members, who have remained loyal to the association even in the difficult times. One can and may always discuss the approach and may always be discussed in respect for each other and also disagree. However, the numerous speeches - understandably due to the circumstances also very emotional - have shown the board that today's situation was understood and the far-reaching decisions were supported.
Another big thank you goes to the mechanics and the many maintenance volunteers, who have helped us with active help over all these years, during days, weeks and up to several months, even during the winter half of Connie Repair, maintenance and overhaul in the not always heated and Have supported drafty hangar. Without her work, flying wouldn't have been thought.
During the summer flight programs we were allowed to count on our volunteer mechanics and ground staff at the different airports. They kept our Connie as station mechanics and servicemen in technically impeccable condition. Thank you for that. Then a big thank you goes to the entire shop team, who tirelessly and until the last occasion, the SCFA represented with a lot of commitment and passion to the outside. It was not for granted to be with the shop until the end, explaining what is difficult to explain and yet also to spread confidence for the future of Connie.
To all other volunteers who have always been stand-by in the past three years - and certainly would have liked to do more -, our thanks to the MCS, fas well as well as to all those who provided a very appreciated service for SCFA Have. Without administration, no Association and no aviation. In this sense, a very special thanks to the administration team at e. Cold Ag in Basel. They were always there for us and our concerns. Tirelessly, in addition to the continuing work, you actively support the liquidator.
What's left?
Unforgettable moments, numerous aviation experiences, friendships, wonderful images, memories of a story that can only be told thanks to a group of aviation enthusiasts who believed in something almost impossible, fought, fought and proved that a passion and Perseverance can be purposeful. And there is also hope that the history of this icon of aviation, the "Star of Switzerland" continues...
The SCFA Board wishes you all a good final spurt and a merry Christmas season. We are looking forward to seeing you again.
The Board of Directors
"Star of Switzerland" Photobook Nearing Publication - October 31, 2019
A new book about a very special Super Constellation is about to be published. Aviation photographer Markus A. Jegerlehner has written a photobook documenting the history of Super Constellation HB-RSC from its acquisition by SCFA in 2004 to its disassembly in preparation for shipment to a new German owner in 2019. The 168 page book is full of never-published photos with captions and text in both German and English. The official book launch will be held on December 1st at a small Swiss airfield in Bleienbach/Langenthal and it will be available for purchase at www.fotojeger.ch/. In his own words, Markus describes the book and what motivated him to write it.
From 2004 to 2019 I was privileged to be part of the Super Constellation Flyers Association’s flying program as both a photographer and “Maître de Cabine.” My first encounter with the "Camarillo Connie" was in California where I photographed its departure for Switzerland and preparations leading up to the flight. I later had the privilege of becoming a crewmember on the “Star of Switzerland” during her flights from Bern, Geneva, Basel and Hamburg. Flights on this aviation icon from a bygone era were an incredible experience that I will never forget. If your heart beats for aviation and you get the opportunity to fly on a Super Connie in the Swiss Alps, you feel a surreal bond to the sky. I’ve shared my enthusiasm for this aircraft in this book and want to share it with all aviation enthusiasts…especially Connie fans.
 |
 |
 |
Super Constellation “Star of Switzerland”
From Camarillo to Zurich, April 2004 to October 2019 – 15 year “Star of Switzerland”
Photobook by Markus A. Jegerlehner
Hardcover, 168 pages with 250 photos, the biography of the HB.-RSC and the story of the “Queen of the Atlantic of the 50s” with many original technical-documents. Text: English/German
ISBN-No. 978-3-033-07429-3
Retail price: Switzerland CHF 68 / Europe €63 / GB £54 / USA $68 / Canada $90 / Australia $100
(Shipping will be charged according to delivery method)
Disassembly of "Star of Switzerland" Nearing Completion in Zurich - October 26, 2019
I reported on my visit to the Super Constellation Flyers Association (SCFA) hangar in Zurich where Star of Switzerland HB-RSC was being disassembled for shipment to a new owner in Germany. The left wing was removed on October 16th and by the 20th both wings had been removed and it appears that the disassembly is nearing completion. With this completed, the move to Germany is probably not too far in the future. Many thanks to Markus A. Jegerlehner for the great photos.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Reassembly of South African Starliner Completed - October 26, 2019
Peter Brill reports that the South African Airways Museum team of volunteers, led by Mike Paterson and Matt Harvey, has essentially completed the exterior restoration of Starliner ZS-DVJ. The props and spinners were recently installed completing the multi-year project that involved disassembling the aircraft at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport, moving it to Rand Airport and reassembling it. Congratulations to the museum and to the volunteers for saving this iconic aircraft. For more information and a many more photos, check out the SAA Museum website.
 |
 |
 |
Quimper Super Connie Update - October 26, 2019
Paul Dickinson was recently visiting northwest France in October 2019 and, by pure accident, came across Super Connie F-BHBG in Quimper on the 5th. The aircraft has been parked in a field adjacent to a long closed nightclub since 1976 and continues to slowly deteriorate. It has been reported that the owners have rejected a number of offers to sell the airplane and it appears that they are content to let it rot in place. Many thanks to Paul for providing the photos.
 |
 |
 |
Lufthansa Starliner Arrives in Bremen - October 25, 2019
A shipment containing the fuselage, wings and 19 containers of parts from Starliner N7316C departed Portland, Maine the evening of September 17, 2019 onboard the cargo ship Industrial Dart. The ship arrived in Bremen, Germany the afternoon of October 1, 2019 and offloading began the next morning at 6am. The shipment was trucked a short distance to a large warehouse, where it will be stored with Ju-52 D-CDLH (marked D-AQUI) for at least two years until a committee at Lufthansa decides their ultimate fate. Project manager Oliver Strum oversaw the unloading and also examined the integrity of the protective wrapper, which appeared to have done its job during the ocean voyage. The warehouse is dry but not heated...not the best conditions but better than be stored outdoors. Jan Frieben forwarded some very interesting photos of the unloading in Bremen.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace Constellation - October 24, 2019
Nigel Hitchman took some interesting photos of L749A F-ZVMV at the Musée de l'Air et de l'Espace at LeBourget Airport in Paris on September 22, 2019. The aircraft is not on display and has been stored out of sight for many years so very few recent photos or reports have surfaced. My last photos had the aircraft in pseudo Air France colors, which thankfully have been removed. The Connie appears to be in decent shape so perhaps there’s some hope that it will restored and put on display indoors. Many thanks to Nigel for the photos.
 |
 |
 |
Visit to SCFA Hangar in Zurich – September 21, 2019
On July 7, 2019 I reported that a German investment group had acquired Super Connie HB-RSC on July 1st and that it would be disassembled and moved to the former NATO airfield at Eschbach-Bremgarten in southwestern Germany. The Germans stated their intent to restore the aircraft back to an airworthy condition and return her to the airshow circuit. Since then I’ve learned that Achim and Elmar Meirer, owners of Meirer Motors, are spearheading the project. Meirer Motors is well known in the Warbird community, having restored quite a few vintage warbirds but they have never tackled a restoration involving an aircraft as large as the Super Connie.
On August 7, 2019 I visited the Super Connie in its hangar at Zurich International Airport, where it was being disassembled by a joint team of former SCFA and Meirer Motors mechanics. The process of disassembling the aircraft began in early July and, the day of my visit, the #2 engine was being removed. Disassembling an aircraft the size of a Super Constellation for eventual static display is a daunting enough task but pales in comparison with disassembling it with the intent of reassembling it back to an airworthy condition. In addition to protecting the aircraft's components, record keeping is of paramount importance. In today’s environment, without accurate records there is little hope of government aviation bureaucrats eventually approving the aircraft for flight. The Germans are doing their due diligence and have hired an expert to analyze the aircraft’s current condition and decide by the end of the year whether it’s feasible to restore it back to an airworthy condition. Here are some photos from the day of my visit.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
C-121C Super Connie Cockpit Survives in Finland – September 21, 2019
I visited Finnish aviation photographer and collector Antti Hyvärinen on August 16, 2019 at his home near Helsinki. Antti is an avid collector of aviation artifacts and he owns the cockpit section of C-121C 54-160, which is preserved in his garage. The aircraft was delivered to the USAF in October 1955 and retired to Davis Monthan AFB 16 years later. Scrapped in the early 1980’s, the cockpit section was saved by a German collector and by 2003 was on display at Frankfurt International Airport’s Terminal 2. Purchased by Antti in 2007, the cockpit section was on display at the Finnish Aviation Museum for a short time before being moved to his home. In addition to the Super Connie cockpit section, Antti also has a large collection of instrument panels and the forward fuselage of former Kar-Air DC-3 c/n 42970 in his garage.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Dynamic Aviation Acquires NC-121K Forward Fuselage – September 18, 2019
Dynamic Aviation has acquired the forward fuselage section of former U.S. Navy NC-121K BuNo 141292. This aircraft was the last active duty U.S. military Constellation and flew its final mission with VAQ-33 on June 11, 1982. It was ferried to the Florence Air and Missile Museum in Florence, South Carolina two weeks later and put on display. The aircraft was damaged in a grass fire and abandoned after the museum closed in September 1997. Its engines, props, rear cargo door and landing gear were harvested in 1997 for the restoration of AMC Museum's Super Connie. Other parts went to the Global Aeronautical Foundation for EC-121T N548GF and to the Constellation Historical Society for C-121C N73544. The remainder of the aircraft was scrapped in 1999 when Brian Hicks bought the forward fuselage section. It had been stored in Stanley, North Carolina until recently when it was transported to Dynamic Aviation headquarters in Bridgewater, Virginia.
Lufthansa Starliner Sets Sail for Germany – September 18, 2019
As reported on September 15th, the fuselage and wing sections of Starliner N7316C departed Auburn-Lewiston Airport (LEW) on September 8, 2019 for the Port of Portland, Maine where they joined the remainder of the disassembled aircraft for shipment to Germany. The Industrial Dart departed Portland the evening of September 17th and is expected to arrive in Bremen on September 29th. Track the location of the ship using the Marine Traffic website.
Flap Assemblies Installed on South African Starliner – September 16, 2019
The reassembly of Starliner ZS-DVJ continues at Rand Airport. Peter Brill forwarded a September 14, 2019 photo showing the flap assemblies being installed. The reassembly is slowly moving towards completion and it shouldn’t be too long before the effort is complete. Kudos to the South African Airways Museum and its dedicated volunteers!
Starliner Fuselage and Wing Sections Depart Auburn-Lewiston Airport – September 15, 2019
Almost thirty-six years after Frank Lang and Maurice Roundy flew L1649A N7316C from Stewart Airport in New York to Auburn-Lewiston Airport, the aircraft’s fuselage and wing sections departed the airport on September 8th headed to the Port of Portland, Maine for transport to Bremen, Germany by ship. What started out with so much optimism and promise in 2008 ended on a fittingly dreary day, which mirrored the mood of the many enthusiasts who had followed Lufthansa’s ill-fated 10-year restoration project. These components will be loaded on a ship at the port along with engines, the empennage and over 200 transport containers full of parts. The ship is expected to arrive in Bremen on October 5th where the aircraft and all its parts and pieces will be stored in a warehouse along with Ju-52 D-CDLH until Lufthansa makes a final decision on their fate. It is very unlikely that either aircraft will ever fly again as Lufthansa’s board has already decided that both will eventually become static displays. Lufthansa flew the Ju-52 on promotional/enthusiast flights for quite a few years before the airline decided to withdraw funding for the program. It was disassembled and stored in Hamburg before being moved recently to Bremen to await the arrival of the Starliner.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Puerto Rican Super Connie Continues to Deteriorate – September 15, 2019
L1049H HI-542CT continues to deteriorate at Rafael Hernández International Airport (BQN) in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. The former AMSA freighter was abandoned after being struck by an errant DC-4 on February 3, 1992. While there has been at least one recent serious inquiry to purchase the aircraft for static restoration, airport authorities declined the offer and time is running out on this iconic aircraft. Ryan Lowrey photographed the airplane on September 12, 2019 and it’s pretty obvious that, if allowed to continue to deteriorate, there will be little left to restore.
Columbine II Restoration Update – July 19, 2019
An amazing restoration project is currently underway at Dynamic Aviation in Bridgewater, Virginia. Dwight Eisenhower’s presidential airplane VC-121A 48-610 Columbine II is currently undergoing a comprehensive multi-year restoration and I visited the restoration hangar on June 20, 2019. Dynamic founder Karl Stoltzfus is the driving force behind the project has his goal is to restore the aircraft back to how it appeared when it was Eisenhower’s “Air Force One.” I’ve made a number of visits to Dynamic Aviation since 2016 and was eager to see how the project had progressed since my last visit a year ago.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Even though Karl was not able to meet with me, I’d like to thank him for arranging the visit and for hooking me up with Gabe, who was a fantastic tourguide.
Overnight Stay at JFK Airport's TWA Hotel – July 16, 2019
My wife and I spent the night of June 30th at the TWA Hotel prior our flight home to Florida the next day. In the early 1970’s I lived less than a mile away from Jim Flannery’s Restaurant, which featured a Super Constellation cocktail lounge. For whatever reason, I never took the time to visit it…I wasn’t going to make that mistake again. Maurice Roundy and his wife Jane booked a room the same time and we enjoyed their company over cocktails in the Starliner he saved from extinction more than 30 years ago in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. Maurice told me that the aircraft’s restoration and its incorporation as the hotel’s centerpiece exceeded his wildest expectations! As for the hotel, while it was a bit more expensive than I would have liked, we enjoyed our stay and especially the spectacular views from our “runway view” room. We plan on doing a repeat visit during our visit to New York City next year.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Lufthansa Starliner Fuselage & Wings Wrapped for Shipment – July 14, 2019
On the afternoon of Friday July 12, 2019, the wrapped fuselage and wings of Starliner N7316C emerged from a hangar at Auburn-Lewiston Airport. The aircraft had spent almost 11 years in the hangar undergoing a massive “better-than-new” restoration before Lufthansa CFO Carsten Spohr pulled the plug on the project in March 2018. Since then the aircraft had been disassembled, parts collected and readied for shipment to Germany. According to an article in the Lewiston Sun Journal, the fuselage and wings will be shipped to Germany in September. The original intent of the restoration was to restore the aircraft to an airworthy condition but this is highly unlikely now and a committee has been formed by Lufthansa to decide on the fate of the aircraft. Best guess is that it will become the world's most expensive static display aircraft at some location in Germany.
 |
 |
Qantas Founders Museum Volunteers Complete Cockpit Restoration – July 10, 2019
The restoration of the Qantas Founders Museum's Super Connie cockpit has been completed and a short article was published today on the museum’s website. As illustrated in the "before" and "after" photos below, the transformation of the cockpit is truly stunning! Congratulations to the cockpit restoration crew for a job well done!
 |
 |
 |
Reassembly of South African Starliner Continues – July 9, 2019
The reassembly of Starliner ZS-DVJ continues at Rand Airport. Peter Brill forwarded a June 2019 photo showing that the engines and engine cowlings had been installed and by early July volunteers were replacing old landing gear tires with new. It shouldn’t be too long before the aircraft is completely reassembled. Kudos to the South African Airways Museum and its dedicated volunteers for a job well done!
SCFA Super Constellation Sold to German Investors – July 7, 2019
The following statement was released after the SCFA July 4, 2019 extraordinary general member assembly. The statement reveals that the group’s Super Constellation HB-RSC has been acquired by a German group, which will disassemble and move the aircraft to Germany. The group’s goal is to complete the necessary wing repairs and return the aircraft to an airworthy condition. This announcement is a classic case of “good news/bad news”…. SCFA members will be losing their beloved Super Connie but the goal of the new owners is to make the aircraft airworthy again. The fact that the Super Connie is going to Germany is a bit ironic in light of the Lufthansa Starliner debacle. Hopefully Lufthansa will have no involvement in the project.
Farewell, HB-RSC - the "Star of Switzerland" will be leaving Switzerland
In the coming weeks, the "Star of Switzerland", will be dismantled and transported to Bremgarten, Germany.
With retroactive effect to July 1, 2019, our Super Connie L-1049, including all of its inventory, will be taken over by a group of German investors. The group of aviation enthusiasts has set a goal to refurbish the Connie, and get it back into an airworthy condition. They expect it will take approximately three years to get the Super Constellation back into the air.
The group owns several airworthy, vintage aircraft. All associated costs will be covered by the investor group as of July 1, 2019. This includes mechanic salaries, hangar rent, costs associated aircraft disassembly and transport, as well as all spare parts and tools.
The goal of the associations’ designated liquidator, Peter Manzoni, has been achieved in that the SCFA will be liquidated free of debt. The available funds will be used to settle all debts, and to reimburse members for unused flight credits. In spite of the boards’ tremendous commitment and dedication, a “Swiss solution” could not be reached. It was the goal of the board to restructure the aircraft wings in Switzerland, and to continue operating the Connie, possibly by founding a new association.
This is the hopeful conclusion of our extraordinary member assembly (extraordinary general member assembly or ao MV) held on July 4, 2019, in Olten. However, we are all joined in hopes of resuming flight operations with our Connie in Bremgarten, Germany. 26 of 50 Association members (Connie owners) were in attendance. The following is a quote of an Associate member: “We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the liquidator, Peter Manzoni, who has found the most appropriate solution for the Super Connie and everyone involved in the project.” According to Peter Manzoni, “The new investors will not lose sight of their goal to soar the skies above Switzerland with the Super Connie once again.”
We are filled with hope to hear the sound of our Connie’s four 18-twin-cylinder engines on the skies of Europe again someday. We hope that we will be able see the most beautiful commercial airliner soar the skies once more. We have therefore assured the investors of our support, including our mechanics, pilots, and flight engineers. The agreement with the investor group will be signed in the coming days.
The liquidator, the members of the board, as well as the association members would like to thank everyone for their faithful support and dedication over the last 15 years. It is thanks to their efforts that the Swiss history of HB-RSC was so successfully written.
Passing the Connie on to the German investor group has given us an opportunity to create a solution which will allow the aircraft to remain close to Switzerland. The investors encourage everyone who has dedicated their time and effort to the Super Constellation in the past to support the project in its new form in the future.
We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the liquidation as well as the well-being of our Connie. For further information, please reference our website.
Farewell, “Star of Switzerland”- we hope we will see you flying the skies again one day! Fly, Connie, Fly!
Super Constellation Flyers Association in liquidation
Peter Manzoni, Liquidator
Jim Flannery’s Restaurant Advertisement and Review – July 6, 2019
I recently received an email from George Henry who had recently come across this 1978 advertisement and review for Jim Flannery's Restaurant in Penndel, Pennsylvania, which featured Super Constellation N1005C. "These pictures are scans from an advertising supplement, Restaurants in Review, from the Philadelphia Sunday Bulletin March 19, 1978 edition." After the restaurant closed, the aircraft was donated to the AMC Museum at Dover AFB and it is currently on display as a C-121C military transport. Thanks much to George for sharing this tidbit of history.
 |
 |
In Search of HI-328 – May 27, 2019
Tim Crowley traveled to St. Thomas in March 2019 in an effort to find and photograph the wreck of L749A (VC-121A) HI-328, which crashed into the ocean while on final approach to Harry Truman Airport, St. Thomas on October 26, 1981.
 |
 |
 |
Kermit Weeks Talks About the Fantasy of Flight Starliner – May 25, 2019
Kermit Weeks recently produced a 24 minute "Kermie Cam" YouTube video where he gives viewers a nice guided tour of the Fantasy of Flight Starliner and discussed how he came to acquire the airplane along with his plans for the aircraft.
 |
 |
 |
Starliner Restoration Completed in Time for TWA Hotel Opening – May 16, 2019
With the external restoration of Starliner N8083H completed the previous week, it was an all-hands effort to get the interior of the Starliner outfitted as a cocktail lounge in time for the TWA Hotel’s scheduled opening on May 15, 2019. The May 15th opening was billed as a soft opening with a grand opening event planned for the fall. While the airplane was ready on the 15th the same couldn’t be said for the hotel with many rooms still under construction. As to be expected with a project of this size and complexity, opening day was a bit rocky but hopefully things will smooth out a bit when I spend the night of June 30th at the hotel. I’ll be sure to include a full report on my stay, including a report on the Constellation (Starliner) cocktail lounge. Many thanks to Georg, Jean-Louis, Roger, Carlos and Bill for providing these great photos.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TWA Hotel Starliner Gets Props – May 5, 2019 (May 6, 2019 Update)
Carlos Gomez and Roger Jarman, with help from Bill Hirsch, spent a very rainy Sunday morning installing props on the #3 and #4 engines of the TWA Hotel Starliner. The fiberglass props were manufactured by Atlantic Models and one would be hard pressed to tell them from the real deal. Roger said they even sound like the real deal when you rap on them with your knuckles. By noon the guys had enough of the rainy weather and will complete the installation of the remaining two props tomorrow, when the forecast calls for much better conditions. Installation of the props completes the external restoration of this once derelict airplane and all concerned deserve kudos for a job well done!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TWA Hotel Starliner Cocktail Lounge Nearing Completion – May 4, 2019
Work is nearing completion on the conversion of Starliner N8083H into a cocktail lounge at JFK Airport's soon-to-be-open TWA Hotel. Worldwide Aircraft Recovery completed reassembly of the aircraft a week ago and work immediately began on outfitting the interior. Carlos Gomez and Roger Jarman will be installing the props on May 5/6 and that will complete the exterior restoration. I’m looking forward to June 30th when my wife and I have a reservation at the cocktail lounge. In the early 1970’s I lived less than a mile away from Jim Flannery’s Restaurant, which featured a Super Connie cocktail lounge. (see photo) For whatever reason, I never took the time to visit it…I won’t be making that mistake again!
 |
 |
 |
SCFA Super Connie Photo Memories – May 3, 2019
In light of last week’s bad news concerning HB-RSC, Jürgen Schelling forwarded me some photos of happier days when the Super Connie roamed the skies of Europe and thrilled airshow crowds. Thanks Jürgen for sharing these memories.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Indian Naval Museum Super Connie Update – May 3, 2019
Debasish Chakraverty visited the Naval Museum in Goa, India on May 3, 2019 and reports on the museum’s L1049G IN315. "Here is an update on IN315 c/n 4614. I saw her a few hours ago today at the Indian Naval Museum in Goa, India. She is still intact, though in rough condition. Thought I’d let you know as the last update regarding this airframe dates back to 2013. Here are a few pictures.” While the museum deserves credit for preserving the aircraft, it's a shame that its exterior has been allowed to deteriorate. An occasional washing would do wonders for its appearance. Thanks much to Debasish for the report and photos.
 |
 |
 |
The End of an Era - SCFA to Disband – April 28, 2019
I just heard the distressing news that the Super Constellation Flyers Association (SCFA) was unable to secure the CHF 20 million needed to repair HB-RSC and the organization will be disbanded. In addition to the funding required to perform the FOCA mandated spar repairs, the agency also mandated that flights would not be allowed over major cities and that the number of passengers allowed would be significantly reduced. With the immense cost of repairing the aircraft and the new flight restrictions, there was no viable path forward and the board had little choice but to disband the organization. This is heartbreaking for all those who put their heart and soul into keeping the airplane flying and for those who looked forward to seeing the aircraft perform at airshows around Europe. The sad fact is that we're now down to one airworthy Constellation! The board issued the following statement explaining their decision.
Super Constellation Flyer Association
The Super Constellation Flyers Association will be disbanded
Hope has not fulfilled itself. At its meeting of 23 April 2019, the SCFA board had to note with great regret that the CHF 20 million needed for the rehabilitation of our association "HB-RSC" had not been guaranteed by the required date of 20 April 2019
This applies to the "resolution of resolution" which was taken by the association members at their annual meeting of the general assembly of 2 February 2019
The then elected liquidator, Peter Manzoni, will now record his work and implement the liquidation of the SCFA, which will take over several months.
The fate of our super Connie is not yet definitively sealed. About what is supposed to happen in the future the “Star of Switzerland” will only be decided in the next weeks and months. The Board of directors will do everything possible to make our "Star of Switzerland" accessible to all aviation friends and the public in the future.
The shop team is holding the planned annual program and will set up the Super Connie shop at various events (shop locations and data are published in "Red" at www.superconstellation.org/agenda.) newcomers will not be recorded provisionally.
Of course, we will continue to inform you about the state of things: on our new website (www.superconstellation.org) and by email.
The SCFA Board of Directors
Hans "Breiti" Wide Moser, President
Interior Restoration of Qantas Founders Museum Super Connie Underway – April 27, 2019
As reported on this website in July 2018, the Qantas Founders Museum had completed the external restoration of Super Constellation C-121J N4247K with the aircraft being painted to represent L1049H VH-EAM Southern Spray. In November 2018, Qantas Founders Museum received funding as part of the Queensland Government's Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund for the restoration of the aircraft's interior. The project began in February 2019 and is expected to be completed by November 2019 with the goal of creating a unique experience and display area inside the aircraft. Congratulations to the museum and its dedicated volunteers for saving this iconic aircraft.
 |
 |
 |
TWA Hotel Starliner Update – April 26, 2019
Jay Eisterhold posted a photo on Facebook yesterday of the TWA Hotel Starliner showing that all engines, leading edges and the triple tail have been installed. Looks like Marty will make his deadline for completing the reassembly by Friday!
TWA Hotel Starliner Reassembly Nearing Completion – April 25, 2019
As previously reported on this website, hotel developer MCR purchased the near-derelict former TWA L1649A Starliner N8083H in 2018 and hired Carlos Gomez and Roger Jarman to restore it back to its former glory for use as a cocktail lounge at the new TWA Hotel at JFK Airport. I flew up from Orlando to JFK on Jet Blue the morning of April 23rd to get a first-hand look at the aircraft, which was being reassembled by Marty Batura and his crew from Worldwide Aircraft Recovery. Engine installation was underway with the crew working on the #4 engine. Once all four engines are in place, the empennage and leading edges will be installed and the reassembly will be pretty much complete. Marty told me that he hoped to finish up by the end of the week and move on to his next job in North Carolina. Once reassembly is complete, Carlos and Roger will be installing the four fiberglass props that were manufactured by Atlantic Models.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
British Museum Offers Up Constellation For Loan – April 19, 2019
The Science Museum Group announced on its website that their Trident, Comet and Constellation aircraft would be available for loan to a suitable organization. L749A N7777G is painted in 1960’s vintage TWA colors and has been part of the museum’s collection since 1983. The aircraft is located in a museum hangar at Wroughton, but the facility is rarely open to the public. This announcement could be good news or it could be bad. There are not many museums with a facility large enough to display the aircraft indoors and moving it to an outdoor display would definitely not be good for the vintage Constellation. This is a strange situation and it ought to be interesting to see how this all plays out. TWA Hotel Starliner Arrives at JFK Airport Construction Site – April 9, 2019
Richard Brooke Gilder reports that Starliner fuselage N8083H was moved on April 9th to the TWA Hotel construction site at JFK Airport. The fuselage was moved from its temporary storage location at the airport by Worldwide Aircraft Recovery, who is reassembling the aircraft at the construction site. Richard forwarded photos of the fuselage arriving at the construction site and Bob Bogash forwarded photos of the fuselage being mated with the wing assembly.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
South African Starliner's Triple Tail Installed– April 6, 2019
Reassembly of South African Airways Museum Starliner ZS-DVJ continues with the empennage being installed in March. Peter Brill forwarded photos documenting the museum team's efforts and claims that the entire 7,000 lb structure is held in place by four large bolts.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
TWA Hotel Starliner Paraded Through Manhattan to Times Square – April 5, 2019
I didn’t think it could be done in this day and age but the folks at MCR and Worldwide Aircraft Recovery managed to transport the 116 foot long fuselage of Starliner N8083H from JFK Airport in Queens and then parade it through the streets of Manhattan to Times Square. On Saturday March 23, 2019 there were thousands of people on hand in Times Square and even the Mayor, Elmo and the Naked Cowboy stopped by to have a look at the airplane. The fuselage was on display in Times Square at Broadway and 45th Street on Saturday and Sunday before returning to JFK Airport where it will become a cocktail lounge at the new TWA Hotel.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Interior Restoration Continues on Nantes Super Constellation – April 4, 2019
Tonio Gellus reports that "Super Constellation F-BGNJ 'November Juliet' is continuing to regain its identity thanks to the fully restored armchairs we recently installed. The aircraft will be open for display at Nantes Airport at the next European Heritage Days on September 20-21,2019."
Starliner's Triple Tail Ready for Installation – February 26, 2019
Peter Brill reports that volunteers at the South African Airways Museum are close to installing Starliner ZS-DVJ's iconic triple tail. In addition, work has begun on installing engine cowlings on the aircraft's four R3350 engines.
 |
 |
Propliner Information Exchange Website – February 22, 2019
I know it’s not Constellation specific but I’d like to announce the launching of my Propliner Information Exchange website www.proplinerinfoexchange.com. It's meant to be a companion to this website and will feature news, photos and articles about Propliners. Please have a look and email me your thoughts and/or suggestions.
Good News/Bad News From Switzerland – February 18, 2019
On February 12, 2019 SCFA President Hans “Breiti” Breitenmoser issued a statement to SCFA membership containing both good news and bad news about the organization's Super Constellation HB-RSC. He begins the statement by saying “Our Connie will be able to fly again – that is the good news. However, in order to achieve this goal, patience and financial means are required.”
 |
 |
 |
Inspection and repair of the wings, leading/trailing edge spars and T-beams will take an estimated four years to complete at a total cost of between CHF 15M and CHF 20M. Before work can begin the entire amount will have to be secured by either cash or a bank guarantee.
Hans went on to say ”The obstacles in our way seem nearly insurmountable. The board unanimously feels the urge to attempt the nearly impossible, to restore and continue to operate the Super Constellation. In spite of this, we are well aware of the many obstacles in our way, and the question...how can we possibly find the funds to continue our project?, is ever present in our minds.”
The board identified four options on how to proceed:
Option 1 - restore and continue the operation of the aircraft
Option 2 – prepare the aircraft for a ferry flight to a new owner
Option 3 - donate the aircraft for a static display
Option 4 - dismantle the aircraft and sell individual parts, or scrap
33 of 51 associate members were present at the February general assembly meeting, which lasted four hours. At the end of the meeting everyone was in agreement that the group would do everything in their power to continue the Swiss Connie project. No concrete financial offers were made at this meeting but each associate member vowed to invest time and effort in an attempt to raise the necessary funds to restore the aircraft. The group imposed a three month time limit on finding a solution to the problem and a progress update was promised for the middle of March.
The aircraft was moved back into the hangar on February 15, 2019, where hopefully the repairs will be undertaken. I wish the folks at SCFA success in their challenging endeavor to keep this beautiful aircraft flying. Hopefully it will never come to Option 4! Check out this link for the full SCFA statement.
Engines and Landing Gear Doors Installed on South African Starliner – February 7, 2019
Peter Brill reports that engines and landing gear doors have been installed on South African Airways Museum Starliner ZS-DVJ. Next on the team's agenda is installation of the Starliner's triple tail so it shouldn’t be too long before reassembly is complete. Photos provided by Matt Harvey, who is spearheading the reassembly effort for the museum.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Interesting Constellation Production List Website – February 6, 2019
Dominique Ottello recently created a website consisting of a production list of all 856 Constellation and Super Constellation aircraft. The list includes c/n, type, registrations, original/final users and ultimate fate of the aircraft. The website is in English and French and provides users with a very useful reference guide.
Super Connie Lingers on at Aguadilla Airport – January 20, 2019
C-121C HI-542CT continues to deteriorate at Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. Andrew Gibson photographed the aircraft on November 7, 2018 from his airline seat and it shows a very sad looking airplane with weeds growing up around it. The aircraft was abandoned by its owner AMSA after being damaged by a runaway DC-4 on Feb 3, 1992. It has remained parked at the airport ever since. In 2003 an organization calling itself the Ramey AFB Historical Association announced their intent restore the aircraft as a MATS C-121C, but nothing became of it and the aircraft continued to rot in place. There have been several legitimate overtures to buy the aircraft but airport authorities have declined all offers.
Additional Insight on Lufthansa Starliner Glass Cockpit – January 19, 2019
My January 5, 2019 newspiece on this website has apparently caused quite a stir in the enthusiast and Lufthansa communities. Over the past few years, I've exchanged emails with members of the cockpit crew and they requested that I post their response to the January 5th newspiece. I have carefully read their response and I urge you to do so also. It gives a very detailed account of how the cockpit configuration evolved from existing legacy instruments to legacy instruments with two small screens for each pilot to a full blown C-130J style glass cockpit curtesy of Honeywell. I've also carefully re-read the email which resulted in the January 5th newspiece and another email I received from a former LHT employee corroborating and expanding on the first email. After carefully reading all three documents, I believe that they’re all telling essentially the same story, but from different perspectives. Everyone involved with this project had the best intentions but that just wasn't quite good enough. Click on this to read the cockpit crew’s response.
Lufthansa Starliner Update – January 5, 2019
The latest word on Starliner N7316C is that the fuselage and wings will remain in Auburn until spring 2019 when they will be transported to Pease Air National Guard Base in New Hampshire and loaded on to an Antonov transport for transport to Germany. A committee will decide the ultimate fate of the aircraft, which apparently doesn’t include making the aircraft airworthy due to costs for completing the project, future operating costs and the unavailability of avgas throughout much of the world. The option which seems to have the most support is completing the aircraft for static display outside the Frankfurt Airport. This would probably make it the world's most expensive expensive "lawn dart."
I also received additional perspective on the glass cockpit from an individual who worked at Auburn on the project. He responded after reading my December 11, 2018 post and his comments are very interesting, to say the least.
| Page Top | Home |
----Created 31 January 2004------Updated 8 March 2020----