A 747 pilot's ode to "The Queen"

[jabloomf1230 2,445]

From the NY Times:

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/10/travel/747-airplane-jet-pilot.html

 

[warbirds 555]

Thanks for that, what a plane :)

[vc10man 732]

Brill article and look-back from 'The Man In The Front'.

[jabloomf1230 2,445]

Has anybody here read his book?

https://www.amazon.com/Skyfaring-Journey-Pilot-Vintage-Departures/dp/0804169713

[coa1117 53]

29 minutes ago, jabloomf1230 said:

Has anybody here read his book?

https://www.amazon.com/Skyfaring-Journey-Pilot-Vintage-Departures/dp/0804169713

Not yet. But after reading a few of his articles it's a definite buy for me. Terrific writer and clearly a guy who loves what he does.

Thanks for the heads-up, Jay. 

[scianoir 610]

A great article clearly articulating the sheer love that so many people have developed for this aircraft over the years - truly an icon!

If I was asked to list five airliners that have contributed the most to advancing the airline industry my personal selection would be (in no particular order other than chronological):

DC-3 - for bringing airline travel into the 'modern' age

Comet - for ushering in the jet age (albeit prematurely)

707 - for making long haul air travel affordable to those other than the very rich

747 - for truly bringing long haul travel to the masses

Concorde - for obvious reasons

The runners up would be the Constellation (first true transatlantic airliner), Viscount (first successful turboprop airliner) and A320 (first newly designed fly by wire airliner). 

Bill