Since our last report, a lot has happened at the Airline History Museum (AHM). Thanks to the diligent work of Ralph Pettersen of Connie Survivors, who has closely tracked recent developments, we can now provide an update on this historic aircraft.
The biggest news is that the Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation N6937C was officially acquired by John Travolta’s production company, Constellation Productions Inc., in September 2024. After receiving some much-needed attention from skilled mechanics, the aircraft emerged from Hangar 9 at Kansas City Downtown Airport on January 11 for a round of engine tests. Impressively, all four engines ran successfully, and the aircraft even taxied around the ramp before returning to the hangar. Archie Dinwiddie captured these exciting moments in both photos and videos, which he shared on the Lockheed Constellation Facebook page—a big thanks to Archie for preserving this milestone!
A Storied History
The journey of Super Connie N6937C is a fascinating one. Ralph Pettersen documented it on his website. Originally completed as N5400V, the aircraft was stored at Lockheed Aircraft in Burbank, California, due to a canceled order. Slick Airways later acquired it on September 17, 1959, and re-registered as N6937C. Over the next several decades, it changed hands multiple times, serving with Airlift International (1966), Bal Trade (1968), and Aircraft Specialties Inc. (1973), where it was converted into a sprayer at Mesa, Arizona. Attempts to sell the aircraft to the Science Museum in London (1979) and Air Trader International (1980) fell through.
In October 1985, aviation enthusiast Paul Pristo purchased the aircraft at the Globe Air Auction in Mesa, AZ, for just $4,000. The following year, the Save-A-Connie (SAC) organization began restoration work, ferrying the aircraft to Downtown Kansas City Airport on July 15, 1986. Pristo later donated the aircraft to SAC in December 1986, and it was christened “Star of America.” A major overhaul between 1987 and 1988 restored the aircraft to flying condition, and it was repainted in a 1950s-era TWA color scheme before being formally dedicated on July 9, 1988.
Over the years, the aircraft continued to be upgraded, including the installation of an extended radar nose (1990-91) and the replacement of SAC titles with TWA markings in 1996. When SAC rebranded as the Airline History Museum in April 2000, the Super Constellation remained its centerpiece, undergoing a full interior restoration in 2002-03.
However, the aircraft faced major setbacks. It was grounded on July 20, 2005, after its No. 2 engine suffered a catastrophic failure during a run-up. Although a newly overhauled engine was installed, it failed again during a test flight on July 22, 2006, and was sent back for repairs. The museum tried to restore the aircraft to flying condition, with successful engine runs in 2007 and further maintenance through 2010. A detailed wing spar inspection in August 2012 revealed no significant corrosion, but the aircraft remained grounded. Now, with its recent acquisition by Constellation Productions Inc., hopes are high for a potential return to the skies.
The Latest on the Airline History Museum
The situation surrounding the Airline History Museum took an unexpected turn in late 2024. Following last month’s announcement of the Super Constellation’s sale, the museum issued a press release on December 3, echoing a similar statement from November 18, emphasizing that “The museum is not gone, and the desire is to open the doors so all can see the rich history Kansas City has had in aviation!” Meanwhile, on November 21, 2024, Ralph Pettersen reported that AHM had filed a Part 16 complaint against the Kansas City Aviation Department. Initially submitted on September 4, 2024, the complaint was expected to receive a ruling from the FAA by December 10, 2024, but the deadline was extended first to February 7, 2025, and most recently to April 8, 2025.
How You Can Support This Historic Treasure
You can help keep aviation history alive by supporting the Airline History Museum! One way to show your dedication is by purchasing commemorative vanity license plates featuring the legendary Super Constellation. Many of these stunning designs, including photos taken by renowned aviation photographer Paul Bowen, were contributed by fans. Now is your chance to make a difference and preserve this vital piece of history. Let’s help the museum turn final on this approach—join us in reopening the doors to the Airline History Museum! Click HERE to donate.
