It has been some time since our last update (click HERE) on the restoration of former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Lockheed VC-121 Constellation, Columbine II. The historic aircraft, once operated by the U.S. Air Force as an executive transport, has been undergoing a meticulous restoration at Dynamic Aviation since its arrival at the company’s headquarters in Bridgewater, Virginia, on March 23, 2016. We have been following this important restoration since the beginning, and you can read our previous coverage at THIS LINK. The ambitious project was the vision of Dynamic Aviation founder Karl Stoltzfus, whose commitment to preserving Columbine II set the restoration in motion.
Although Stoltzfus passed away in November 2020, progress on the aircraft has continued steadily, with significant advancements made over the past two years. The mission of the First Air Force One Foundation, the non-profit organization funding and managing the restoration, extends beyond the hangar, aiming to create a self-sustaining educational legacy that allows this historic aircraft to serve as a mobile classroom. This vital work is fueled by the ongoing support of those who value the preservation of presidential history, vintage aviation, and the inspiration of the next generation of aviators. During a recent visit, we spoke with Bill Borchers, a mechanic and interior specialist closely involved with the restoration, who provided insight into the extensive work now taking shape inside the aircraft.
Restoration efforts initially focused on the interior, beginning with the presidential stateroom. According to Bill, that space is now nearly complete, with only one wall remaining to be finished. From there, attention shifted aft, where new bulkheads have been installed, the main entry door completed, and the rear lounge structurally assembled. Sinks have been fitted, the bathroom has been mocked up, and all structural elements in the aft section are now in place.
While interior work progressed, restoration efforts also extended forward to the cockpit. Nearly all removable cockpit components have been taken out, stripped, sanded, primed, and prepared for refinishing. Switch panels and instrument surfaces have been painstakingly restored, with a new cockpit paint color custom-matched to replicate the original military green finish used during the aircraft’s service life.
Mechanical progress is also advancing. One engine has already been completed, and plans are underway to send another engine west to be exchanged for the restored unit, allowing work to continue toward a full operational powerplant set. While restoration milestones are measured and methodical, the long-term objective remains clear: returning Columbine II to the air.
First Air Force One is targeting, at some point in the future, a potential appearance at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, a goal that has influenced recent priorities. As a result, interior work has temporarily slowed while focus shifts to ensuring the cockpit and flight systems are fully functional. Looking ahead, Bill indicated that one of the near-term milestones under discussion involves the potential installation of a modern glass cockpit system. The approach under consideration would allow the aircraft to operate safely with contemporary avionics while retaining the outward appearance of the original instrument panels, preserving the historic look of Columbine II’s cockpit. As restoration continues, Columbine II remains one of the most historically significant Constellations still under active preservation, representing not only a milestone in aviation history but also a tangible link to the early era of presidential air transport. If you would like to stay up to date and learn more about the mission, please find more on their social media at https://www.facebook.com/firstairforceone/ or https://www.instagram.com/firstairforceone_/
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
