Flying the World’s Last Lockheed Constellation – HARS Australia

YouTube / Sam Chui

Potential Engine Fire?

When Sam Chui first flew on the Lockheed Constellation, he admitted that he felt worried after seeing a ton of smoke come out of the engines during their start-up. However, he instead became scared when he saw the fire come out of the engines a few minutes after taking off.

It’s a very well-built aircraft […] and they were built pretty tough. 

• Bob De La Hunty (President of HARS)

Apparently, seeing a fire come out of the engine is normal as they have three power recovery turbines. In fact, if you don’t see the flame then there’s an actual problem.

Navigator Station

The cramped room has all sorts of “old world” navigation tools, including a sextant which is fitted on the roof to allow them to take star and sun shots for navigation. 

At the back of the navigators would have been two bunk beds where the crew can rest if needed.

Showing Its Age

When the Constellation was first introduced, it was outfitted with “really basic seats” which did not help make the cabin feel welcoming. HARS Aviation Museum fixed that by putting in new seats in their place.

But what HARS couldn’t “fix” is the plane’s escape rope. The Constellation does not have any escape slides, so instead of deploying the slides, you’d have to open the emergency exit, throw the rope out, and climb down off the wing.

Regardless if it shows its age or not, the HARS Aviation Museum’s Lockheed Constellation is still the last and only airworthy Connie in the world. May it continue to fly in the years ahead!