1.25.10 Monday

Well folks, guess what? 

The day has finally come that we can say with 99% surety, our Lockheed L-1011, will fly in to her new home here at the AHM, this coming Saturday, January 30th! 

Projected arrival time is 1:30 p.m.   At this point, the only thing(s) that could change this would be 1. bad weather 2. or the sometimes unforeseens with aircraft.  We have a very small staff, so please do not call the museum for updates, THEY WILL BE POSTED HERE.  This will include posting her notice of her departure from Roswell and any progress reports we get as she makes her way here. 

On your mark.... L-1011 watchers and fans!

Comments

[Andrew Simon]

Thank G*d an organization has stepped forward to preserve such a special aircraft!! Most L1011's have already died in the desert, and the scrapping process, on the few remaining, seems to be accelerating in recent times as they continue to age. Amongst myself and other die hard L1011 fans, it was concerning that the aircraft in the very near future could have become extinct all together, and especially the -1's/100's/250's etc. The British Military will continue to fly the -500 for some time, but that aircraft doesn't have all the same character as the long L10's had, and of coarse is configured for military operations.

I wish to congratulate you on a job well done!! At least one has been rescued for now, and that's a real relief!! I sincerely hope that others may also escape death in the desert before it's too late.

Please continue to video document EVERYTHING!! (Inside and out!!) A great spot to video tape from the cabin is a spot located just over the flaps with the camera aimed out one of the windows. From this area, certain sounds from the engine starts are very audible, sounds from the flaps extending and retracting and video can be recorded, and the sound the landing gear makes when it retracts and extends can also be easily recorded from this location. These are the sights and sounds that make L1011 fans very happy!!

Thanks again for all you've done!! L10 fans are applauding!!

Andrew Simon
US Airways--Phoenix based Airbus Pilot
(Happily flying in the airline industry because the L1011 hooked me into loving this business)

[Trevor]

Thank you so much for your hard work in preserving an amazing aircraft, which was so advanced for its time. The videos bring back good memories (especially the engine starts). My airline used to fly this beautiful aircraft and it served us well. Looking forward for her to get into the air and back to her new home.
Trevor Slack
Cathay Pacific- Airbus A330/A340 pilot based in Hong Kong

[Daniel]

There are too few words to describe how great an achievement this is, to preserve a TriStar. Well done and thank you! It is quite sobering when you drive by (or fly in to) Victorville, CA, as an example, and all you see are derelict, rotting L-1011s that were once proud flying birds.

Someone, if at all possible, please also film the takeoff from the passenger cabin in front of the wing, looking back toward the wing and engine. There is nothing that quite compares to the sound of those RRs on takeoff. And it's a view that is essentially impossible to see anymore in this day and age.

Again, excellent work. This alone has convinced me to join your organization as a member, so that my donations may go toward a worthy cause.

Daniel
Cessna Aircraft Company

[Warren Ingram]

Cannot wait to see her, never got to fly on one but worked on many. I hope we are going to repaint her to TWA livery.

Warren Ingram
Sheet Metal
TWA/AA 1987-Present

[Patrick Chambers]

Can you please advise as to the best place to be when the Lockheed arrives on Saturday? I'd like to get some shots of approach and landing. Am I to understand there will be an aircraft tour offered after arrival, and if so, what will the cost be?

Thanks! Exciting new addition to your site!

[Brian Gump]

I flew on an L1011 when I was 10 years old MCI to LAX my family got an upgrade from coach to first class this is the only time I've sat in first class in 42 years I will never forget what it was like to ride in an L1011 . I can't wait to see this great aircraft fly one more time it will bring back great memories fo my youth .

Brian Gump.

[JL Johnson]

I can not begin to describe how excited I am to hear we will be bringing this bird home to KC. Will there be an event at the airport? If not I am open for suggestions on prime locations for photography. The ability to document the final landing of this legendary craft is truly a once in a life time opportunity. To fellow fans, I am @user47 on twitter, would love to discuss locations etc. Also at JLJ4774 <|.at.|> gmail.com

Best regards,

JL

[Bill (Rookie) Crockett]

This is such great news. Wish I could be there for the landing at the old KC airport. The L10 was the first widebody I ever got to fly in. I got bumped off a 727 to SFO and they put me on a flt to LA. It turned out to be an L1011. I will never forget stepping off the jetway into the first class cabin. She is a great plane. Thanks so much for saving this classy lady from the scrap heap.

[Thomas Sullivan]

I can't think of another plane that I flew on as a TWA brat (dad worked across from the overhaul base at KCAC) that was as exciting as the L1011. No other plane had the spacious cabin, the high ceilings, (the lack of overhead compartment space) and the general feel that you were traveling in a different time. I remember many times leaving MCI on a 727 and then getting to STL to board an L1011. The plane was so big; it was like you just left a small ferry boat to climb aboard an ocean liner. How exciting it will be to see one come in to land at the downtown airport. Please someone post the best place to park and see her come in. Also, if you know of the approach from the north or the south that would be great to know as well! Thanks and see you all Saturday!

[Tom Martin]

FANTASTIC hope to watch and take pictures of the landing of the L10 coming in from the south to the downtown airport. The L10 is one of my favorite airplanes inside and out. As an old TWAer, preserving the past will rekindle those forgotten memories of myself, family and friends from past flights ........... Now that's what I call recycling!!!!!
Now where did put those flight passes? What's next the Water Wagon?
Tommy

[npscott]

i am actually here in ROW, and i will be working saturday and will be there to see, most likely, the last takeoff of this type in my lifetime. i am honored.

[Gloria Martin]

Don't know if we flew on her but I am glad she is a part of history. Am Tom Martin's mother and had many fllights with TWA. Thanks for the info.

[Brian]

Do you have a tail number yet so we can follow on flight aware?And are guest allowed for the landing?

[Ralph Bernard]

I flew from Seattle to St. Louis in 1980 on a TWA 707. The next year I flew the same route only this time on a TWA
L-1011. On engine startup I was surprised to see "tons" of black smoke out the window. I wondered if the airplane ran on coal! We happened to be next to a Delta L-1011 which was also starting it's engines. Same thing. From everything I have heard the 1011 was a much better airplane than the DC-10. It's a shame that Lockheed didn't build more of them. As a retired Boeing man (28 years) I really appreciate Lockheed's accomplishments in commercial aircraft. The Connie is my favorite. Best Wishes for a happy homecoming. Please take lots of pictures. I can't wait to see them!

[Hank]

I worked on the RR engines on my first job @ T.W.A. They were amazing powerplants. We are excited about seeing the landing as well as being proud that this wonderfull aircraft wil be preserved in Kansa City ..