Super Connie grounded for 2010 due to major maintenance
Dear supporter
Heavy-heartedly the SCFA board has decided to keep our Super Connie on the ground for the year of 2010.
The reason for this decision is the discovery of corrosion on the wing of the aircraft. The extent of the
damage was not discovered until we conducted our annual inspection in December, which calls for a
thorough check for corrosion. Thankfully our SCFA members will still have the opportunity to get airborne
this year as our Douglas DC-3, HB-IRJ will be flying many scenic flights and appear at airshows this year.
Among various destinations, it will also cover some of the flights that had been planned for our Connie.
The SCFA is set up as a member association; the exception however is that any support and work contributed is voluntary
and nobody in our association is compensated for their efforts. As far as maintenance is concerned, our aircraft is treated
like any other commercial aircraft of its category and is held to the highest standards. There are no compromises or
exceptions; if something needs to be repaired, we will not shy away from any expenses necessary to maintain our aircraft.
This is a continuation of our strict safety standards that have been upheld for the past six years of operation.
Aft beam corroded
The annual major inspection, which was conducted at the hangar at Lahr airport has revealed that the corrosion is extensive,
particularly at the „Cap“ of the aft beam of the wing. The corrosion has progressed further in the right wing than on the left
side. Considering our aircraft is 55 years old, corrosion is nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary. This problem is usually
discovered even in aircraft, which have only been in service for a few years and is a natural biproduct of aircraft age.
The SCFA maintenance team has consulted several experts to assess the extent of the damage and get advice on a plan of
action to tackle the corrosion. The conclusion of the meeting was that it would be most practical and efficient to completely
replace the cap of both aft beams. This requires the removal of aircraft wing parts. Unfortunately this will be a very time
consuming process. Experts anticipate roughly 5000 man-hours of maintenance work to be necessary for this procedure.
Shortened flying season too costly
The required maintenance could be completed within six months. If the Connie was able to start into a new flying
season in August 2010 we would start off the new season with a financial lag due to our normal operating costs as
well as pilot training, insurance and maintenance costs. We would not have enough time in this flying season to
secure our financial situation for the following year. It is for this reason the SCFA committee has decided to keep our
Connie on the ground this year and resume flying operations in the spring of 2011.
Investment in the Connie's future
The cost of the entire corrosion treatment will be roughly half a Million Swiss Francs. Due to the extent of the
damage, not all maintenance will be conducted by volunteers. This enormous amount exceeds the current
possibilities of our association. As a result, we will be looking for new sponsors during 2010. All new sponsors will
have the opportunity to invest in the bright future of our beautiful aircraft. After the corrosion treatment and with four
overhauled engines our Connie will bring joyous moments in the air and excitement on the ground to many of her
friends and fans in the years to come.
For the Executive Board of the Super Constellation Flyers Association
Urs Morgenthaler, President
PS. Together with the membership invoice 2010, which we will send you in early February, we will ask you in a
separate letter to support us with your personal financial donation, in order to be able to finance this repair.
For more information please visit www.superconstellation.org
Dear supporter
Heavy-heartedly the SCFA board has decided to keep our Super Connie on the ground for the year of 2010.
The reason for this decision is the discovery of corrosion on the wing of the aircraft. The extent of the
damage was not discovered until we conducted our annual inspection in December, which calls for a
thorough check for corrosion. Thankfully our SCFA members will still have the opportunity to get airborne
this year as our Douglas DC-3, HB-IRJ will be flying many scenic flights and appear at airshows this year.
Among various destinations, it will also cover some of the flights that had been planned for our Connie.
The SCFA is set up as a member association; the exception however is that any support and work contributed is voluntary
and nobody in our association is compensated for their efforts. As far as maintenance is concerned, our aircraft is treated
like any other commercial aircraft of its category and is held to the highest standards. There are no compromises or
exceptions; if something needs to be repaired, we will not shy away from any expenses necessary to maintain our aircraft.
This is a continuation of our strict safety standards that have been upheld for the past six years of operation.
Aft beam corroded
The annual major inspection, which was conducted at the hangar at Lahr airport has revealed that the corrosion is extensive,
particularly at the „Cap“ of the aft beam of the wing. The corrosion has progressed further in the right wing than on the left
side. Considering our aircraft is 55 years old, corrosion is nothing unexpected or out of the ordinary. This problem is usually
discovered even in aircraft, which have only been in service for a few years and is a natural biproduct of aircraft age.
The SCFA maintenance team has consulted several experts to assess the extent of the damage and get advice on a plan of
action to tackle the corrosion. The conclusion of the meeting was that it would be most practical and efficient to completely
replace the cap of both aft beams. This requires the removal of aircraft wing parts. Unfortunately this will be a very time
consuming process. Experts anticipate roughly 5000 man-hours of maintenance work to be necessary for this procedure.
Shortened flying season too costly
The required maintenance could be completed within six months. If the Connie was able to start into a new flying
season in August 2010 we would start off the new season with a financial lag due to our normal operating costs as
well as pilot training, insurance and maintenance costs. We would not have enough time in this flying season to
secure our financial situation for the following year. It is for this reason the SCFA committee has decided to keep our
Connie on the ground this year and resume flying operations in the spring of 2011.
Investment in the Connie's future
The cost of the entire corrosion treatment will be roughly half a Million Swiss Francs. Due to the extent of the
damage, not all maintenance will be conducted by volunteers. This enormous amount exceeds the current
possibilities of our association. As a result, we will be looking for new sponsors during 2010. All new sponsors will
have the opportunity to invest in the bright future of our beautiful aircraft. After the corrosion treatment and with four
overhauled engines our Connie will bring joyous moments in the air and excitement on the ground to many of her
friends and fans in the years to come.
For the Executive Board of the Super Constellation Flyers Association
Urs Morgenthaler, President
PS. Together with the membership invoice 2010, which we will send you in early February, we will ask you in a
separate letter to support us with your personal financial donation, in order to be able to finance this repair.
For more information please visit www.superconstellation.org
