“Miss Connie” is One of Only Three P-39 Fighters in Flying Condition

The Commemorative Air Force recently opened donations towards restoring its P-39 Airacobra, “Miss Connie”, through the 12 Planes of Christmas program. “Miss Connie” was manufactured by Bell Aircraft in 1943 and is one of only three P-39 fighters to remain airworthy.

The aircraft is based at the Central Texas CAF Wing in San Marcos, Texas. The fundraising event aims to reach $15,000 by the fall of 2026 to support its restoration efforts, specifically focusing on the P-39’s cockpit.

“The goal with the cockpit is to restore it to as near original condition as possible,” the CAF explained. “The instruments all need to be refurbished including painting the markings/numbers and calibration. The radios will also be upgraded to ensure the P-39 can continue to operate safely in modern airspace.”

P-39 Airacobras were developed in the early fighter jet era, before the military truly understood its pilots’ needs. It served during early World War II. The aircraft’s design is extremely unique, with the engine set aft of the pilot and a cannon that fires through the propeller hub. Around 20 Aircobras remain today, though many have been permanently grounded.

“Miss Connie,” named after the wife of former CAF member and WWII fighter pilot Sandy Sansing, is one of only three P-39s still in flying condition. It served stateside during WWII and in 1945, after experiencing an engine failure and emergency landing, was abandoned. It was moved to Captain High School in Lincoln, New Mexico before being donated to the CAF in 1962.

Under CAF ownership, the fighter was returned to an airworthy state in 1974. It was transferred to the Central Texas Wing and has since undergone several restorations through donor support. Just a few years ago, its entire brake system was replaced to ensure safe operation.

“As such a rare and prime example of early military aircraft, keeping this aircraft flying is extremely important to anyone who values the importance of airpower history,” expressed 12 Planes of Christmas organizers.

12 Planes of Christmas is an annual CAF fundraiser intended to showcase and assist aircraft that require new restoration, maintenance, or repair projects.

FMI: www.commemorativeairforce.org