GA is awesome: Surprised by a Constellation today
Posted by classysax4@reddit | flying | View on Reddit | 23 comments
A stop for cheap fuel at UAO turned into the most memorable taxi I've ever had. Tower was talking to a Constellation and I thought I must have misheard. But nope, there she was, on the taxiway running up. Turns out she was blocking the taxiway to the self serve, so ground had me taxi onto the runway again and back-taxi around the beautiful beast, which had left just enough room for me to slip past that gorgeous nose to my cheap fuel stop. I was flipping out. Unbelievable.
She proceeded to take off while I pumped gas. I could feel the ground shake.
Anyone else had this privilege at UAO? Apparently this unicorn is a regular there.
Hexpul@reddit
I am jealous that would be an amazing experience!
FearlessAttempt@reddit
That is "Bataan", the only airworthy C-121A and was used by General Douglas MacArthur. https://www.lewisairlegends.com/air-legends-foundation/c-121a-constellation
awayheflies@reddit
C-121 you say? Eh I fly a C-172
Bonanzapilot@reddit
Ha! I am in that picture!
Foxbat100@reddit
Any redditors in the picture, please advise.
You can't leave us hanging - are you in the Connie??!
Bonanzapilot@reddit
No unfortunately. I landed just before and hopped out to take pictures. Have a cool take off video but no idea how to post here in a comment.
rcypher42@reddit
Off to the left in front of the hangars? Felt a little like a “Where’s Waldo”
Bonanzapilot@reddit
Yes!
Oregon-Pilot@reddit
UAO always has cool shit!
Mackin-N-Cheese@reddit
I believe it's based in Texas, but was restored there in Aurora at Aerometal International and returns from time to time for additional work.
AWACS_Bandog@reddit
Hey the Yankees are small, coulda just slipped underneath to get to the pumps. /s
Agitated_Car_2444@reddit
Good spot. I was thinking Traveler until I saw the fuel cap...
AWACS_Bandog@reddit
Stared at that wing for most of my youth and 300 hours past PPL... I'd recognize a Grumman damn near anywhere XD
Chairboy@reddit
I've seen that Connie! I visited it when it was hangared at a local shop there getting new internal upholstery. That was Douglas Macarthur's headquarters plane during Korea. Later in life it worked for NASA and has been restored to Korean-war internals. It's amaze.
phlflyguy@reddit
There's a TWA Connie at the TWA airport at JFK airport on permanent display outside. When I was there, it was closed for walk throughs until later in the day so I'll have to try to stop there next time I have some extra time if flying out of there.
acfoltzer@reddit
You're surprised by the Constellation, I'm surprised by "cheap fuel at UAO"! With Aerometal on the field, it's not too unusual to get calls from tower like "follow the Douglas". It's a fun place to fly for sure.
skunimatrix@reddit
Just don’t forget to lean your mixture and foul your plugs while gawking at the classics…ask me how I know.
Fulcrum58@reddit
There’s a TWA constellation on display out in front of the museum of flight at Boeing field. Crazy how big they are
Double-Reflection838@reddit
Beautiful.
1Crownedngroovd@reddit
For my money, the Super Connie was one of the most beautiful airliners ever built
Justestin@reddit
Got to see the HARS Lockheed Super Constellation at Canberra airport start up and take off. So cool. Their flying days are awesome.
Captain_Sheppard@reddit
I was driving on the highway next to the airport and got to see it taxiing. I probably saw you too lol
rFlyingTower@reddit
This is a copy of the original post body for posterity:
A stop for cheap fuel at UAO turned into the most memorable taxi I've ever had. Tower was talking to a Constellation and I thought I must have misheard. But nope, there she was, on the taxiway running up. Turns out she was blocking the taxiway to the self serve, so ground had me taxi onto the runway again and back-taxi around the beautiful beast, which had left just enough room for me to slip past that gorgeous nose to my cheap fuel stop. I was flipping out. Unbelievable.
She proceeded to take off while I pumped gas. I could feel the ground shake.
Anyone else had this privilege at UAO? Apparently this unicorn is a regular there.
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