Eurpoean Connie movements

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Yes, we are living in an (historic) aviation minefield. However, as the aircraft is owned and operated by the national aviation museum, which is governement accredited, things are a bit “less” tense (so far). Apart from that, it is registrated in the US (N749NL) and the Aviodome is clever enough not to reregistrate it with PH , as this will mean a lot of trouble. Apart from this, I don’t think the Connie will do much flying, maybe this year untill the end of the season, but then it most probably is limited at best, due to the high insurance costs. The DC-2 only flew 1 or 2 flights in 2001, and hasn’t flown in 2002 (yet). Best way of seeing it will be the August 31 airshow in Lelystad. It will be in the new colours, photo oppertunities are excellent here, and that day will be a gathering of almost all Dutch aircraft from the antiques, vintage and warbird scene, many of those never seen outside Holland.

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Will there be problems as Holland is a paperwork mine field is it not?

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Roger,
Thanks again for the info, its very good news and i look forward to the day that we see two airworthy Connies at a UK airshow.
I have no particular connections with Connies its just i believe it to be a very significant part of aviation development and history.
I would be great to somehow rescue the ex TWA machine from the dark hangar at Wroughton and get her on public view.
Again Many Thanks

Phil

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Phill,

The Dutch Constellation has all of its fuselage, wings and tail highly polished. The roof of the fuselage is glossy white, while a small red cheatline is fitted where the white and silver meets eachother. It has the “Connies comeback” logo painted on the nose aerea. The “Aviodome” logo is on all 4 engine nacalles. Last, it has www.aviodome.nl painted on its fuselage. After arriving in Holland, it will be repainted in an other livery, so to see it like this, a trip to Holland has to be made as it goes in the paintshop before the Waddington airshow (I think). I shall announce the arriving date on the forum one or two days in advance.

The Swiss Connie is in a lesser condition, a lot of work has to been done, and I don’t think it will make a ferry in 2002. It will be based at Mulhouse-Basel. On the inside it is rather good, and passenger seats were already there.

The MATS Connie had some engine troubles and was grounded when I was there. Not a bad sight to see 3 potential flying Constellations standing next to eachother (with some 4 C-54 , 1 DC-4 and a Neptune (all firefighters) in the background).

Let me now if you want more details,Roger

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Thanks for the info,
I’m sure that you are catching some sleep by now, but when your’e with us again can you remind of the Connies livery.
Many Thanks
Phil

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Just flew in this morning from Arizona where I spent 4 days with the Dutch Constellation being restored there. Work is almost so far that it can be testflown. Expected to ferry to Holland in the very near future. Know nothing about Waddington, but Fairford looks 100% a go for the machine.

RE: Eurpoean Connie movements

Thanks for the speedy feedback, Its obviously got to fly in at some stage, Friday ?