One of the few remaining Lockheed Constellations left in the world is a lot more than it initially appears. Serial Number 48-0610 isn’t a Constellation, but a VC-121A-LO, a special VIP layout of the basic Connie platform, and this particular aircraft, Columbine II, is historic: one of President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s aircraft during his tenure, Columbine II is distinctive for being the first Presidential aircraft to receive the “Air Force One” call sign, which was done after the Lockheed, with Eisenhower on board and calling “Air Force Flight 8610”, had a near-miss over New York City with Eastern Airlines Flight 8610. “Air Force One” now designates any government-owned fixed-wing aircraft that the President is currently occupying.
The VC-121A was sold in 1970 in a lot of five Constellations to an Idaho farmer named Mel Chrysler, who wanted to convert them to sprayers. Columbine II was so far gone at that point that he left it as spares, but when the Smithsonian Institute informed Chrysler that he owned the only Presidential aircraft ever sold, he stopped his plans of scrapping the aircraft and started shopping it around. The Lockheed was purchased last year by Karl Stoltzfus Sr., the founder of Dynamic Aviation. After being brought up to a flightworthy status, Columbine II is now on a cross-country journey to Dynamic Aviation’s headquarters where further mechanical and cosmetic restoration will take place. Once the VC-121A is restored, plans are in place to tour the United States.
Air Force One takeoffToday we had the privilege of flying next to Air Force One in the PenguinAir Newschopper.
Posted by Chopperguy on Monday, March 21, 2016
(Courtesy: Foxtrot Alpha)
Radial engine bliss!
This plane needs to stay in the air and on the Air Show Circuit.
It would be cool if they retrace it’s route as AF1.
IMO the Connie is one of the most beautiful planes ever built. There is one at the Air and Space museum here and I never get tired of looking at it. What gets me is how tall the damn landing gear is….
WOW,what a BEAUTIFUL bird!! We used to have two here at the Camarillo Airport,one went to Europe the other was left to rot,I think it was finally sold,not sure!!
Love the sound of radials. keep the coolgearhead stuff coming bangshift . I was at the Evergreen Museum in Oregon today to see the spruce goose blew my mind worth the 7 hr drive
I LIKE IKE.
He’s just what America needs right now.