Dutch connie update 16/jun (still no fly date set)

Again translated from Dutch.

Considering all the messages at the [aviodrome, Dutch language] forum and elsewhere on the internet, it has become apparant that you are all highly interested in this project. We are trying to share as much as possible with you, but we are also putting a lot of timein the constellation so our time to make reports is limited. Our apologies!

The question buzzing around everywhere is when we are going to fly. Regrettably that is hard to schedule for an historic plane like the Constellation. We learned from past experiences that we have to be carefull when making schedules, as they are overtaken by unforseen events. We want to prevent disappointments.

In the next few days we will do a high speed taxi run. Those that have followed the diaries from the US onwards will realise that this is the final step before flying. The project is therefore in the last phase!

Well then, the Connie works of the past few weeks. These where mainly testing and final chores. Various times did we test the engines and the systems. After each test run we would finetune the system, and run again. The result is very good. The conversion of the old propeller system to the new system has been done. Everything works as it should do.

After all the engine and system tests we could test steering the nose-gear and the breaking. Carefully the Constellation made her first few metres after a long time of going nowhere. During the braking the Constellation made a gracious bow for the volunteers who where looking at everything. With a smug smile the constellation was pushed abck indoors.

Photo
The volunteers are posing in front of the Constellation. Note that the old KLM logo has been painted on the nose.