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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) Ещё...Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
A group of us went up to Seattle to learn about the economic decisions the was behind the inception and construction of the 747. That was the spring on 1969. We also visited the interior mock-up. Having flown in the 707, 720 and 727, I was blown away by the immensity of the interior. Then on to the Everett plant building, -- unbelievably massive. NWA flew the 747 ANC/SEA for a short while, loved it.
I remember the first time I was on a 747, and I was just aft of an exit door. After we took off, I walked forward to see the front of the lower deck, and was surprised that people just got to look at a conical shaped structure that was behind the nose. It would have been awesome of they put a TV there that showed the look from the front of the plane. People would be beating down the doors to sit there and watch the plane flying along. Well, okay, maybe it's just me, but that would be AWESOME!!! Show me the clouds, the approach, the scenery off the nose. How cool would that be? They missed a gimmick that would make people want to ride coach in the nose. Or not...
Most flights on my 1978 Pan Am $999 Round the World trip were on 747s (also two 727s and one 707). So comfortable and safe. Absolutely the Queen of the Skies!
I love just looking at 'The Queen of the Skies'. I saw it when I was about 20 at SFO. It dwarfed every other plane near it. I took several of my friends back there on different days to see this parked plane. They were awed.
When she is gone all other planes will be...just planes. Nothing to look at, just move along, please.
Thanks Boeing! You made a GREAT plane.
When she is gone all other planes will be...just planes. Nothing to look at, just move along, please.
Thanks Boeing! You made a GREAT plane.
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.
Ivan, i have had my share of luck in 747 rides and even one unforgettable ride on the SP from Brisbane to Wellington. It was unforgettable as we hooked the jet stream and the ground speed sat on 1100 kph nearly all the way across the Tasman.
Needless to say we arrived early .
Needless to say we arrived early .