After seven years on the ground, the Collings Foundation’s F-4 Phantom II has returned to flight from Ellington Field in Houston, Texas. Flown by former USAF Phantom pilot Harry “D-Day” Daye, the historic jet is now the only flying civilian F-4 Phantom II in the world and likely the last operational example in the United States. Its return marks the culmination of years of work by dedicated volunteers from the Collings Foundation and the Vietnam War Flight Museum. On October 31st and November 1st, 2026, the Phantom will be one of the featured attractions at the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow. Operated by the Vietnam War Flight Museum, the aircraft is expected to make one of its first public flying demonstrations in many years at the event. The Phantom will participate in a special aerial tribute honoring those who served during the Vietnam War, alongside several other historic aircraft.
The appearance is particularly significant because, although the F-4D has been a familiar sight on the ramps at Ellington Airport over the past decade, airshow spectators have not had an opportunity to see the aircraft fly since 2017. Volunteers, maintainers, and pilots from the Collings Foundation and Vietnam War Flight Museum have worked tirelessly to return the aircraft to airworthy condition in time to participate in events celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
(Image credit: Kevin Bailey)
The aircraft returned to the skies on June 8th, 2026, departing Ellington Field at 10:50 a.m. local time. Registered as N749CF, the aircraft was built in 1965 as McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II 65-0749 for the U.S. Air Force. Today, it wears the markings of F-4D Phantom II 66-7680, one of the aircraft flown by Col. Robin Olds during Operation Bolo in the Vietnam War. The continued operation of a civilian-owned Phantom II remains remarkable. Following its acquisition by the Collings Foundation, the aircraft underwent extensive refurbishment and maintenance over the years to keep it flying. Today, it stands as a rare living link to one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the Cold War and Vietnam War eras.
The CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow is a 501(c)(3) community event presented through the volunteer efforts of the Commemorative Air Force’s Houston Wing, Gulf Coast Wing, and Tora! Tora! Tora! organization, with support from the Lone Star Flight Museum, the Houston-based Collings Foundation, and the Vietnam War Flight Museum. Recognized as one of the premier airshows in the United States, the event showcases both historic and modern aircraft while supporting numerous local and national charitable organizations throughout its more than 40-year history. For more information about the CAF Wings Over Houston Airshow, visit www.wingsoverhouston.com.
