MATS Connie - bad news

[mjanovec]

It looks as if plans changed somewhat for the MATS Connie. Contrary to earlier reports of her touring Asia when she is repainted, she is slated to live out the remainder of her life as a static display in Korea. The story can be found here:

http://www.conniesurvivors.com/1-connie_news.htm

I have trouble seeing how an organization that spent so much time and effort to put her in the skies is now content to let her now rot in Korea. They can do what they want, since it's their bird. But I can't think of a much worse fate, other than scrapping her.

The extra sting comes from the fact that the warbird community is losing a Connie with a standard airworthiness certificate. The chances to experience a ride in a Constellation are rapidly disappearing.

[Al Moore]

That's disappointing. I will miss seeing that beautiful shape in North American skies.

[krlang]

Dammit,

Another great airplane with a tragic story without it being in an accident!

How long has it been since Vern owned the airplane?

[Matt Gunsch]

>How long has it been since Vern owned the airplane?
Since the Koreans bought it

[Chris Brame]

Such a waste... too bad they didn't get that derelict Connie from Manila instead.

[bdk]

If there is sufficient interest the Planes of Fame Connie (on display/in storage near the Grand Canyon) can probably be activated in short order. Of course lack of interest is probably why the MATS Connie was sold on for static display. I'm sure the POF Fighter Tour is more marketable.

[mjanovec]

If there is sufficient interest the Planes of Fame Connie (on display/in storage near the Grand Canyon) can probably be activated in short order. Of course lack of interest is probably why the MATS Connie was sold on for static display. I'm sure the POF Fighter Tour is more marketable.

I can't blame him for selling it due to lack of sufficient interest and rising costs to keep it touring the country. However, I am disappointed that it would be sold to end up as a static display. Once it sits in Korea for a few years, it will probably never fly again. In contrast, a couple of European organizations just acquired Connies for touring.

My biggest disappointed is the mere fact that interest in Connies in the US seems to be very low. Only one airworthy Connie is still active in the US (a non-warbird in civilian markings), and it's tours are pretty limited.

I recently spoke with a staff member from the Planes of Fame and they confirmed that their Connie, Bataan, is essentially airworthy...but they lack the funding, interest, etc. to fly it.

Columbine II is also essentially airworthy, but it probably won't fly unless it is obtained by an interested party that could devote the proper time and attention to it.

Plus, I would assume that neither of these planes has the standard airworthiness certificate that the MATS Connie had. So the commerical viability of touring of these planes is even more limited.

[wendovertom]

Its too bad to see this bird go away. As for interest, I never saw anything but long lines when they came to a show!

But, as a show coordinator the apperence fee is something that everyone has to consider. Warbirds are awesome but the down side is when you have to consider how to spend $4K do you spend it on a 15 min full blown acro act like Skip Stewart or on a P-51 to do some rolls/climbs/flybys ? Crap I hate to put it that way but smaller shows (less than 5000 attendees) have to weigh the options.

Also, did you see the 2 DC-3s on Courtesy's site? Maybe we should start a short haul airline with those and then pick up a connie! I'd bet if you served drinks to EVERYONE before the plane was off the ground and had kiss ass service you'd keep those seats full!

Tom P

[airnutz]

More bad news, Tom! I don't think the DC-3 can be used as an Air Carrier
in the US any longer. As I understand it, there is no way to economically
install a terrorist-proof door to the cockpit!

Ps
Was the cost of the Connie for show, also 4K? Sorry to see such a fine
example delegated to outside oblivion...especially since, as we speak
AMC Museums Super Connie N1005C is undergoing a 3 year restoration
by volunteers after having been outside for 40 yrs!!!

The Vintage/Warbird Gods must be crazy...or they have a VERY sick sense of humor!!!

[wendovertom]

I don't remember exactly what they were asking - seems like $6K+ and then you add fuel, oil and accomodations for the crew to that cost.

To give you an idea - the CAF is asking about $18K for FIFI and Lil to come to a show. Plus Fuel, oil, crew vehicle and hotel rooms. This can be a deal breaker or maker - in 2001 we hosted them and it was a great advantage for the show and the CAF as both parties were able to "make hay" on the event. this year we just couldn't find a sponsor who felt the publicity was worth the investment (#$%&!! - it would have been great especially for the 60th anniversary of the wars end)

Having said all the above it can be cheaper - if you have a local warbird (less than 400nm) - out where I am (Utah/Nevada) it is just a bit of a tougher situation.

Tom P.

[r1830]

I flew both DC-3s to courtesy last month. They were the last part 121 certified DC-3s in the world. To operate them as a scheduled air carrier requires a cockpit bullet proof door. The FAA will never allow DC-3s to operate under Part 121 any more for passenger carrying operations. The Red Tape is is more like on Iron Curtain.. But they can be operated under 135 without the bullet proof door. They are two of the nicest DC-3s around. Only used about a gallon of oil per engine in the whole ten hours of flight. No write ups on either airplane. Even the deice boots still work. They were flown under a ferry permit because there is the annual wing bolt inspection still left to do which I believe courtesy is working on.

Also, by coinsidence(spelling) the MATS Connie stopped in Anchorage, Alaska on the 3rd of April on its way to Korea. I took about 60 pictures of it.

[airnutz]

Thanx Otter! Feel free to post some Connie pics...and/or?, !!!

[michael luther]

The mats connie has been to our show about 4 times, the fee was as follows-
$2,500 apperance fee
2,000 gal gas
meals, rooms and transpertation.

Capt Frank lang had told me they were planing on selling the aircraft, becouse they were not getting the amount of money they needed to cover costs, to few shows were willing to pay the total amount and if every show did pay the total, they would only brake even on costs.