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C-121C Super Constellation HB-RSC. (Photo Aldo Bidini (GNU FDL))

There is an end to even the best things. The 14-year-old partnership between the Super Constellation Flyers Association which flies the C-121C Super Constellation HB-RSC and the Swiss watchmaker Breitling is reportedly coming to an end.

Breitling, whose name is strongly associated to aviation, has been a generous donator to many classic aviation projects for years. Breitling was acquired by the British equity firm CVC Capital Partners earlier this year, and seems to be reducing its support for such projects.

Nevertheless, it was Breitling long-standing support that made it possible for the 3,500 members of the association to acquire, restore and fly the Super Constellation, one of only two airworthy examples in the world.

The association is now looking for new sponsors and ways to continue its operations, and the aircraft should keep flying and offering paid rides in the near future. We hope they will succeed in finding new sponsors and keep this extraordinary aircraft flying.

Source: Tribune de Genève

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A Lockheed C-69 Constellation in 1943 (Photo USAF).

Planes of Fame Air Museum’s Lockheed VC-121A Constellation has been sold to Lewis Air Legends of Texas who plans to restore the Aircraft to flying condition.

This ‘Connie’ named ‘Bataan’ was the personal aircraft of General Douglas MacArthur Supreme Commander Allied Powers during the Korean War. We look forward to seeing it fly on the Airshow circuit. The Planes of Fame Air Museum acquired the aircraft over 20 years ago and operated it for a short time before putting it on display at our Valle, AZ location. The sale of this aircraft will help advance our mission of preserving aviation history, inspiring interest in aviation, educating the public and honoring aviation pioneers and veterans.

Source: Planes of Fame Museum, April 10, 2015

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The former U.S. Air Force Lockheed VC-121A Constellation (s/n 48-610) flies over Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona (USA), as it departs on its way to a private company for further restoration work on 24 October 1990. The aircraft had already undergone restoration at the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Center at Davis-Monthan AFB after being kept in storage for over 20 years. 48-610 served as Dwight D. Eisenhower’s presidential aircraft “Colombine II” from January 1953 to November 1954 until replaced by the “Colombine III” VC-121E. Since 1989 it is privately owned (civil registration N9463). (Photo TSgt. Ron Woods, USAF)

The Lockheed C-121 Constellation known as Columbine II, which flew President Dwight Eisenhower and had been stored at Manara Air Park in Arizona since its last flight in 2003, will shortly examined by Dynamics Aviation to evaluate whether it can be restored to airworthiness.

Several parts are missing and will need to be found and installed if Dynamics Aviation is to restore the aircraft. If Columbine II can be restored, it will be presented at airshows and the public will be able to visit the aircraft while it is on the ground. Flight rides will probably not be available as the aircraft will remain in the Experimental/Exhibition category.

Sources:

• Fox News
• Warbirds News