{"id":187176,"date":"2018-09-20T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2018-09-20T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/germistoncitynews.co.za\/187176\/lockheed-l1649a-starliner-finally-in-her-new-home\/"},"modified":"2018-09-20T20:22:49","modified_gmt":"2018-09-20T18:22:49","slug":"lockheed-l1649a-starliner-finally-in-her-new-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/develop.citizen.co.za\/germiston-city-news\/news-headlines\/2018\/09\/20\/lockheed-l1649a-starliner-finally-in-her-new-home\/","title":{"rendered":"Lockheed L1649A Starliner finally in her new home"},"content":{"rendered":"

The South African Airways Museum Society has been anticipating Lockheed L1649A Starliner\u2019s arrival since her move to Rand Airport last year and the success of her recent assembly.<\/p>\n

The long wait was over as Connie was finally lifted onto her feet last Friday with the assistance of Rand Airport, Intelek Training and Consultation (ITC) trainees and Phoebus Apollo Aviation.<\/p>

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Matt Harvey (project leader) and John Ikking were glad to be getting Lockheed L1649A Starliner Connie on her feet last Friday. Photo by:John Austin Williams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Rand Airport home to one of four Starliners in the world<\/a><\/h4>\n

Matt Harvey, who formed part of the original team planning the relocation project of the Starliner last year, was the project leader.<\/p>\n

John Ikking, who was involved with the dismantling of the Starliner at Klein Kariba in May 1979, was also part of the team on the day.<\/p>

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Lockheed L1649A Starliner ‘Connie’ is lifted by two cranes at Rand Airport\u2019s hangar 17. Photo by:John Austin Williams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Rand Airport\u2019s fire and rescue department were on standby at hangar 17 to ensure a smooth sailing event.<\/p>\n

Connie was on her feet by close-of-business on Friday and successfully towed to the museum\u2019s aircraft park last Monday.<\/p>\n

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The Lockheed L1649A Starliner carefully being lifted at Phoebus Apollo Aviation. Photo by:John Austin Williams.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

ALSO READ:\u00a0Flying fun at the Rand Airshow<\/a><\/h4>\n

Chairperson of the South African Airways Museum Society, John Austin Williams, thanked all stakeholders involved for their participation with a special mention to Phoebus Apollo Aviation for loaning them the tractor, and Chad van der Walt for being an efficient operator.<\/p>\n

To learn more about the history of the Starliner visit www.saamuseum.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n