The Collings Foundation’s F-4 Phantom II, operated by the Vietnam War Flight Museum, is once again airborne and now stands as the only flying example of its type in North America. The aircraft returned to the skies on June 8th, 2026, departing Ellington Field in Houston, Texas, at 10:50 a.m. local time, seven years after its last flight. The aircraft, registered as N749CF, 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 is remarkable in itself. In fact, it required an Act of Congress to make it possible. With considerable political and financial support, the Collings Foundation successfully navigated numerous significant—and entirely justified—regulatory hurdles to acquire the aircraft through an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act of 1999. Following its acquisition, the Phantom underwent an extensive refurbishment program to restore it to airworthy condition. The work included installing zero-timed engines, sourcing and fitting ejection seats, upgrading the cockpit avionics, overhauling hydraulic systems, and completing countless structural inspections and repairs. After thousands of hours of work, the aircraft made its first flight in civilian hands in August 1999. Due to the enormous cost of operating the aircraft, the Collings Foundation flew the Phantom sparingly, although it remained a regular attraction at aviation events until 2011, when it was grounded for major maintenance.
(Image credit: Chris Ebdon)
At the controls for the June 8th test flight was former U.S. Air Force F-4 pilot Harry “D-Day” Daye. With more than 2,500 flight hours in the Phantom, including over 1,000 hours as an instructor, Daye was uniquely qualified for the task. Occupying the rear cockpit was Jerod Flohr, who serves as both a back-seat crew member and one of the leaders of the volunteer team responsible for returning the aircraft to flight status. The sortie lasted approximately 40 minutes, 2 touch-and-goes and a full stop, allowing Daye to regain currency in the aircraft while validating the years of work completed by the restoration and maintenance team. Flohr’s role extends well beyond flying duties. He has been instrumental in helping lead the volunteer effort supporting not only the Phantom but the entire Vietnam War Flight Museum and Collings Foundation jet fleet. Looking ahead, Flohr is expected to accompany the Phantom on the airshow circuit as a rear-seat crew member, helping showcase one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the Cold War era to audiences across the country.
(Image credit: Chris Ebdon)
Following the flight, Daye remarked: “Today I had the distinct honor of representing the Collings Foundation as this incredible team managed to get this amazing bird airborne after seven long years of preparation. This group of talented volunteers worked tirelessly, especially over the last few months, to make the magic happen today. It was a privilege to slip the surly bonds with my friend and fellow pilot Jerod Flohr. Thank you to all the many wonderful volunteers who contributed to this amazing achievement! Look for this beautiful jet on the air show circuit this summer!”
(Image credit: Chris Ebdon)
The Phantom’s return is only one part of an ambitious 2026 airshow season. As previously reported, FIGHTERJETS INC will represent the Collings Foundation and Vietnam War Flight Museum jet fleet at events nationwide. The lineup includes the F-4 Phantom II, North American F-100 Super Sabre, Messerschmitt Me 262, Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, and Douglas A-1 Skyraider. Former U.S. Air Force pilot Jerry “Jive” Kirby will serve as the Phantom’s primary airshow demonstration pilot and is expected to complete his currency training with Daye in the near future. Once qualified, Kirby and Flohr will likely form the aircraft’s primary demonstration crew, with Daye serving as an additional pilot when required.
(Image credit: Chris Ebdon)
The museum’s founder and chief pilot, Rick Sharpe, will also play a prominent role during the season. In addition to flying the museum’s A-4 Skyhawk at selected events alongside Flohr, Sharpe remains the only active F-100 Super Sabre pilot in the world. As a result, audiences will have the rare opportunity to see one of the last flying “Hun” pilots operating the aircraft at airshows throughout the year. From historic solo demonstrations to rare dissimilar formations—including the anticipated pairing of the F-100 Super Sabre and MiG-17—the 2026 season promises audiences an immersive look at Vietnam War-era air combat.
It is fantastic to see this legendary aircraft back in American skies. With the final shutdown of the U.S. Air Force’s QF-4 program in December 2016, this Phantom is very likely the last operational “Rhino” flying in the United States. The Collings Foundation, the Vietnam War Flight Museum, and their dedicated volunteers deserve tremendous credit for preserving and operating this important piece of aviation history. For more information about the Collings Foundation, click HERE, and the Vietnam War Flight Museum, click HERE.
