First Air Force One Lockheed Constellation Shows Off Ike's Aircraft | Aviation International News

NBAA-BACE 2023

First Air Force One Connie Relives Presidential History

Eisenhower's Columbine II Constellation aircraft to be a flying museum

First Air Force One — Eisenhower’s Columbine II Constellation is on its way to becoming an airworthy flying museum. (Photo: Mid America Flight Museum)

By Matt Thurber • Editor-in-Chief

October 14, 2023

Not all NBAA-BACE exhibits highlight current products, FBOs, aircraft, engines, and avionics. In fact, one unique exhibit—at Booth 2213—aims to appeal to lovers of history and classic airplanes. There, First Air Force One is promoting the restoration of President Dwight D. “Ike” Eisenhower’s Lockheed Constellation, “Columbine II.”

Manufactured in 1948, the Columbine II wasn’t Ike’s first presidential airplane, although it is the only one that served just one president. He selected the Constellation after being elected in 1952 and flew it from 1954 until 1959 when it was replaced by a Boeing 707.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

Saab Planning Potential GlobalEye Production in Canada

New line could help support growing global demand for surveillance aircraft

Article preview image

With Rebrand Rolled Out, Mente Upgrades MVP Service

Four Corners is now Mente Aviation

Generic business jet

IADA Raises Prep Requirements for Broker Program

Study course and three-month prep period now required before testing

generic aircraft

Airbus Sees Rising Large Bizjet Demand in Middle East

OEM’s survey forecasts 83% flight activity growth in sector by 2030

Airbus Corporate Jets ACJ TwoTwenty

CrewSafety Repurposes Challenger 605 as Training Aid

Emergency evacuation trainer unique in southern hemisphere

Modified business jet fuselage in hangar

Cirrus TRAC10 Is Core for Fleet Training Programs

Company’s newest design is now available for flight school buyers

Cirrus TRAC 10 training airplane

First Brazilian-Built Supersonic Fighter Flies

Locally-assembled Saab Gripen E will operate from Anápolis Air Force Base

Gripen E landing on runway

Air Museum To Allow Tours Inside Restored Disney Plane

Museum is offering limited evening tours of The Mouse

Walt Disney's restored G-1