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United States of America's Lost Airforce One
A YouTube presentation. In 1953 the near miss of Eastern Airlines flight 8610 and Air Force flight 8610 over NY City resulted in the historic change and designation of Air Force One. (www.youtube.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I don't suppose it would come as a surprise to most of the old salts on this forum that the credited principle designer for the Super G was none other than Clarence "Kelly" Johnson. Giving credit for the times and purpose of the U2, did he design anything else that didn't look like it was going fast even when sitting on the ground! The Connie was by far the sexiest of the round motored transports, and I liken it to a quadruple breasted P-51D. I agree that it would be a shame for this historic airplane to pass on to oblivion, or worse yet, beer cans! Thanks Mark.
Kelly Johnson was certainly one hell of an engineer. The single thing that probably saved his particular air frame was that it was left behind to be cannibalized. Fate is no less than fascinating, I think you'll agree.
I had a friend to whom I talked about God. He agreed that there was a God but that he didn't micromanage. I think of those conversations at times like this and smile.
I had a friend to whom I talked about God. He agreed that there was a God but that he didn't micromanage. I think of those conversations at times like this and smile.
I have been a member of a group on facebook attempting to draw attention to this particular aircraft and its history for several years. I ahve contacted local news media to spread the word about this beautiful important piece of American history to no avail. I sincerely hope that this new video will put this plane in a museum and a give her the full restoration that she deserves. As a child I flew on an Easter Airlines Connie from Clearwater Florida (Pinellis International Airport) PIE to Chicago Midway. It was, as I recall, a smooth uneventful flight except when the Pilot got on the speakers to announce that we should not be alarmed when he changed the pitch on the props at cruising altitude. At that time, she was the queen of the skies. https://www.facebook.com/groups/46360658399/
I hope posting the video here will help your cause. With enough play, maybe it will get to the weekly news letter and gain some more momentum.
Pass the word about this video. Every Connie out there should be preserved to show the future generations that not only can an aircraft be beautiful, it can be extremely practical and useful. Columbia 2 deserves to be restored and flown again so the aviation world can see her again.
Maybe this will make it to the weekly news letter where lots mor folks will see it.
Only flew on one once. Noisy. TWA! Weather delayed, we went up and down the East Coast for hours. Finally, we made a pass at JFK (or was it still Idlewild? Just before what would have been touchdown, the pilot accelerated (I'm guessing we were below minimums). Huge flames out of all engine exhausts. Finally landed at EWR. That was about 1966. Won't ever forget it.