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The Boeing 747: The plane that shrank the world
It became an icon of long-haul travel and exotic holidays; Boeing’s 747 could fly more people further than any plane before. Stephen Dowling looks back at an aviation classic 50 years after it was first unveiled. (www.bbc.com) Más...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
It’s still flying passengers and boxes around the world and does things NO other aircraft can do. In the freighter configuration it hauls more weight farther than any other production airplane. When departure and arrival slots are limited, you need to make every flight count. We routinely fly at or near max takeoff weight out of HKG coming back to the states. The -8 version hauls even more weight and does it on less fuel thanks to the GenX engines. There aren’t a whole lot of airplanes that can get off the ground at 1 million pounds of take-off weight. The -8 did it in certification flights.
My flight aware picture was taken after parking for my last flight PVG/SFO in the 747 before UA sent them all to the dessert in October 2018. I am typed in all Boeing’s from the 727 - 787 and the most exciting events in my career are the first takeoff in the 727 and the 747. I think both airplanes were so beautiful and unique and will never be replaced with anything as cool.
2017 United 47's retired
The only plane for me. I don't trust 2 engine aircraft for overseas travel
Not to mention carbon fiber fuselages etc. I've always liked the 777 but I do wish four engines were still a realistic option instead of "the past".
What a Great Plane.... Love seeing these Articles.... The Plane is such a Nice looking plane and a great work horse of many years!
since we are collectively & sadly reminiscing that most likely we have had our last 747 flight...
As an Aussie we go long haul just to leave the country, and for a while Qantas was the only "all 747" airline. That was when it only operated international flights and before the merger / takeover of the domestic airline.
My flight diary has 183 B747 flights. It is regretful the SP is not there.
Probably my favourite moment was on Qantas, upstairs in the small first class cabin of a 747-200 on the final leg from Australia via Rome and into Heathrow May 1989. Asked if I could sit in the jump seat for landing and invited to the cockpit about 45 minutes before arrival. Those were "gentler" days and my status as a frequent flyer helped.
After a warm welcome and introductions, I was given a headset and asked to be completely silent. Of course...
It was interesting to see how the crew managed being in such busy airspace.
On final approach there was a 727 landing just ahead of us and the captain advised the co-pilot to be prepared for a go around, but the 727 cleared in time and we landed. I was probably the last passenger off the plane and into the immigration queue.
My only regret is I didn't write down the names of the Captain and First Officer.
As an Aussie we go long haul just to leave the country, and for a while Qantas was the only "all 747" airline. That was when it only operated international flights and before the merger / takeover of the domestic airline.
My flight diary has 183 B747 flights. It is regretful the SP is not there.
Probably my favourite moment was on Qantas, upstairs in the small first class cabin of a 747-200 on the final leg from Australia via Rome and into Heathrow May 1989. Asked if I could sit in the jump seat for landing and invited to the cockpit about 45 minutes before arrival. Those were "gentler" days and my status as a frequent flyer helped.
After a warm welcome and introductions, I was given a headset and asked to be completely silent. Of course...
It was interesting to see how the crew managed being in such busy airspace.
On final approach there was a 727 landing just ahead of us and the captain advised the co-pilot to be prepared for a go around, but the 727 cleared in time and we landed. I was probably the last passenger off the plane and into the immigration queue.
My only regret is I didn't write down the names of the Captain and First Officer.