John Travolta Tests Historic Lockheed Super Constellation’s Engines

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Actor and pilot John Travolta has tested the engines of a Lockheed Super Constellation, one of the last flyable models of its kind. The historic aircraft, which Travolta purchased last September, was rolled out at Kansas City Downtown Airport on Jan. 12.

The plane, known as N6937C, underwent successful engine tests on all four of its R3350-42 engines, each with 3,250 horsepower. The Super Constellation hasn’t flown since 2005, leading to speculation about Travolta’s intentions. Some reports suggest the aircraft may simply serve as a movie prop in an upcoming film featuring a scene of a Constellation taxiing.

Travolta’s acquisition of the aircraft—including a recent check-up by mechanics—has ignited hopes among plane enthusiasts that it may return to the skies. We have reached out to Travolta’s company, Constellation Productions, for further details but have not received a response.

The drama around the plane’s former ownership resembles a feature film itself. A reorganization at the airport led to the Airline History Museum losing access to the hangar where the Constellation was housed. The museum is currently in discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration, with a ruling expected on April 8.

The Lockheed Super Constellation was one of the last built by the manufacturer, exiting the production line in Burbank in 1957 and delivered to Slick Airways in 1959. After being converted to a freighter in 1966, it operated as a sprayer until 1975. It was sold at auction in 1985 for just $4,000 and later donated to the Save-A-Connie organization, which overhauled the aircraft in Kansas City until 1988.

The Constellation has participated in airshows and special events since its overhaul but faced issues when an engine failure grounded it in 2005. Although the engine was replaced, the aircraft has been kept in a state of readiness for a return to flight until now.