This aircraft was beautifully restored by a group of dedicated (former) Eastern employees, and the reason I visited the museum. I’d seen it sitting on the Museum’s ramp on several recent trips through CLT. A recent article explained why it was there. The aircraft apparently flew the crew of USAirways flight 1549 into the museum when that aircraft went on display. It lost it’s number 3 engine while trying to depart CLT, and sits awaiting funds for that engine’s repair or replacement. In the meantime, the museum is graced by the aircraft’s presence and the airplane has a new temporary home!

(2012)