Flagship restoration

Air Classics, Jul 2003 by Tanner, Kevin

BRINGING THE LAST SURVIVING AMERICAN AIRLINES CONVAIR FLAGSHIP BACK TO LIFE - AND YOU CAN HELP!

A group of propliner enthusiasts headed by Bill Bradshaw have started an organization called Prop-Liners Of America. Daytona Beach, Florida, is currently the scene where an extensive restoration is being undertaken on their flagship, a Convair 240-0 serial number 147 N1022C which is being restored back to its former glory as American Airlines Flagship Scranton N94270. The aircraft is the last surviving American Airlines Convair 240 and will be the only Convair 240 flying in a passenger configuration. All other Convair 240s that are still airworthy are configured for cargo. The number of airworthy Convair 240s flying today is approximately 25.

The story of N1022C is very interesting. The list of owners is as long as its service was - accumulating 43,380 hours, serving from February 1949 until January 1996, an amazing 47 years of service! N1022C was completed on 15 February 1949, and was delivered to American Airlines as N94270 - serving over the years as, originally, Flagship Scranton then Flagship Statue of Liberty in December 1953, and Flagship Saranac in November 1957. Mohawk Airlines then acquired her on 1 November 1959 and operated the plane as Airchief Naragensett.

The Fairchild Hiller Corporation then bought the Convair on 26 August 1966. The next 13 years the Convair served with eleven different owners. On 29 January 1979, the transport had its first foreign registration when it became TI-AOC in service with Trans Central Leasing of Costa Rica. The Convair was then put in storage where it remained from 1 July 1980 until 11 December 1981 when it was purchased by Trans-Florida Airlines of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Upon its return to the United States civil register, it received the registration of N2642Z. On 23 February 1982, the aircraft was re-registered as N1022C. Trans-Florida Airlines operated the Convair on passenger and travel club charters to destinations in the southeastern United States and Caribbean until it was put into storage awaiting engine overhauls at their base in Daytona Beach, Florida, on 6 January 1996. During that time, the Convair was broken into and damaged. Vandals set the rear of the aircraft on fire, badly damaging the aft lavatory; lower cargo compartment, some seat cushions and the headliner. The aircraft also suffered from some smoke damage.

After this incident, the aircraft was being considered for scrap by Trans-Florida Airlines. Bill Bradshaw, President of Prop-Liners Of America, learned of the Convair's existence in November 1998. Arrangements were then made with Trans-Florida Airlines to begin restoration, while seeking funds to purchase the craft. Bill Bradshaw has been an Airline Transport Pilot for 36 years and had been searching for a flagship for his new organization and the Convair is just what he was searching for!

Currently both Pratt & Whitney R-2800 CB3 engines have been replaced. Both props have also been overhauled and replaced. The damage to the lower aft cargo compartment has been cleaned, inspected and zinc chromate has been applied. A new cargo liner has also been installed. The aft lavatory has been made ready for installation of all new paneling and fixtures. All other fire and smoke damaged areas have been cleaned and/or repaired. The wings have had all necessary corrosion control as well as rivet and panel replacement. The wing spar was found to be in excellent condition.

The remainder of the interior restoration will include new dark blue carpeting, headliner, and new seat cushions with dark blue seat covers to match that of the 1949 American Airlines interior. The crew seats still need recovering and the avionics and cockpit areas need overhaul and reconditioning. The Convair's exterior will be taken down to bare metal and will be polished to a high sheen. American Airlines has granted a license to Prop-Liners Of America for the use of their orange lightning bolt, name and logo. Once the restoration has been completed, the Convair will be re-dedicated as Flagship Scranton N94270 as it was originally delivered to American Airlines on 15 February 1949.

The Convair will be flown to various airships throughout the country so we can all enjoy the sight, sound and smell of those big round engines! The aircraft will be available for tours once it is flown to its new base in Connecticut.

Prop-Liners of America is currently based at the Hartford Brainard Airport in Hartford, Connecticut, at the Atlantic Aviation South Terminal building. Also located there are the Prop-Liners Educational research center, an air museum, and gift shop. Visitors will be able to research and enjoy early commercial air travel through computers, books, and models displayed throughout the research center. People of all ages can learn about how commercial aviation evolved. Prop-Liners Of America is a non-profit group and it relies completely on donations and mem ber contributions. They are actively seeking members who share their enthusiasm for early air travel and propliner aircraft. Anyone interested in joining or contributing to Prop-Liners Of America or checking on the status should go to www .prop-liners.com or call (860) 684-4988. You can also write to Prop-Liners Of America at 58 Lindbergh Drive, Brainard Airport, Hartford, CT 06114.