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Step Inside the Restoration of the Original Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is an iconic aircraft that singlehandedly pushed the airline industry into the jumbo jet age. Sitting derelict at the Museum of Flight for 14 years, the very first of its kind is currently undergoing a rigorous restoration process to restore its former glory. (gizmodo.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
If any readers are interested in supporting the project, please visit museumofflight.org/747. Thanks!
Flew BA's 747 several times from ANC to LHR in the Eighties and early Nineties. In a flight deck visit one time, the captain actually let my 10-year-old daughter make a course correction somewhere above the Arctic Circle. Then a crew member dressed her in a flight attendant's hat and apron and let her pass out the hot towels. Now 40, she still cherishes those memories.
My first 747 flight in 1975 was definitely a mixed bag of emotions since I was flying to the UK for my grandmother's funeral. Although I had flown quite a bit, even transatlantic a couple of times, I hadn't been on a 747. The main part of the trip was a KORD - EGLL flight on a TWA 747. As I packed, I couldn't find my passport. I called the State Dept. and was connected to the on-duty Passport Officer in D.C. Despite the fact that it was Sunday morning, he couldn't have been nicer. I was given permission to travel on an expired passport that I had.
He must have told TWA about the reason for my trip because everyone I encountered was so caring. The F/A's knew my name and welcomed me onto the plane. Once in the air, they made sure I was well-fed, with 2 helpings of TWA's famous Chateaubriand and a couple of desserts (college kids can never have too much food). Then they cleared out a center section so that I could stretch out my 6'5" frame for the overnight flight. When we arrived at Heathrow, a British Customs officer met the flight and escorted me through Immigration and then Customs.
I was given similar treatment on the return trip, including a 30 minute visit to the cockpit while we were over the Atlantic. A college friend's father flew for TWA and he had contacted his friends. I also got to enjoy the first in-flight movie that I had ever seen ("The Great Waldo Pepper", as I recall, which has some beautiful flying scenes).
Everyone is so harried and over-worked, I doubt whether that I would have received that level of attention these days. Although the reason was a sad one, it was certainly a memorable experience for a 20-year-old! And the venerable 747 played a central role in it.
He must have told TWA about the reason for my trip because everyone I encountered was so caring. The F/A's knew my name and welcomed me onto the plane. Once in the air, they made sure I was well-fed, with 2 helpings of TWA's famous Chateaubriand and a couple of desserts (college kids can never have too much food). Then they cleared out a center section so that I could stretch out my 6'5" frame for the overnight flight. When we arrived at Heathrow, a British Customs officer met the flight and escorted me through Immigration and then Customs.
I was given similar treatment on the return trip, including a 30 minute visit to the cockpit while we were over the Atlantic. A college friend's father flew for TWA and he had contacted his friends. I also got to enjoy the first in-flight movie that I had ever seen ("The Great Waldo Pepper", as I recall, which has some beautiful flying scenes).
Everyone is so harried and over-worked, I doubt whether that I would have received that level of attention these days. Although the reason was a sad one, it was certainly a memorable experience for a 20-year-old! And the venerable 747 played a central role in it.
link to more pictures http://www.seattlepi.com/business/boeing/article/First-Boeing-747-finally-returning-to-glory-5644685.php?forceWeb=1#photo-6639427
My first 747 ride was on TWA in 1970 or 71 from SFO to JFK. I remember that every seat was pretty big and every one had adjustable bladders for back and butt. I also remember seeing a bunch of sparks on approach as the flaps went down and air brakes up. It was a little disconcerting but no fire and uneventful landing.
I also got to fly from Hawaii to SFO on a TWA ferry flight in 1991. I was the only passenger. I flew in the cockpit for takeoff. When they set the thrust gate at 86% I was certain we would crash! I was used to B-52Ds that even at 100% thrust, we always prayed for more.But the 747 jumped off the ground and was at altitude in a heartbeat! Great ride.
I also got to fly from Hawaii to SFO on a TWA ferry flight in 1991. I was the only passenger. I flew in the cockpit for takeoff. When they set the thrust gate at 86% I was certain we would crash! I was used to B-52Ds that even at 100% thrust, we always prayed for more.But the 747 jumped off the ground and was at altitude in a heartbeat! Great ride.
Is this the same plane that Boeing borrowed back to run engine tests on the 777 bound Pratt & Witney engines in the 1990's ?
My first 747 flight was in May 1972 with Aer Lingus. Our aunt from Boston was with us and as the crew was getting people seated before takeoff, a diminutive Irish stewardess was struggling with a bag in the overhead compartment. Said my aunt: "Do you mind being shot?" Startled, the stewardess asked her to repeat. I interrupted and told her my aunt asked if she minds being SHORT. Things went smoothly after that. Wonderful experience being on that 747 and won't forget it.