Posted on 08/19/2015 9:09:56 PM PDT by DUMBGRUNT
But now the 747 is a flying antique: people are astonished when they see the analogue instruments. And the flight controls are all defiantly dependent on old-fashioned mechanical linkages. A 747 captain once explained to me that, if hydraulic assistance on the control yoke is lost, you can still put your feet on the instrument panel, give a big tug and wrench the plane about the sky. You cannot do that on a solid-state Airbus.
(Excerpt) Read more at managementtoday.co.uk ...
I will take the tried and true mechanical linkage over any of this late model crap that passes for new tehnology. How many Boeing aircraft sailed through the tree line because the bird thought it was in land mode. McCollough chain saws never got over that one.
The 747 is rapidly retiring for one reason: the airlines found a true successor on Boeing’s newer product, the 777-300ER. By 2021, the market that used to belong to the 747 will be replaced by a mix of Boeing 787-9, 787-10, 777X models and the Airbus A350XWB-900 and A350XWB-1000 planes.
I think the Douglas DC-3 may take exception to that.
Of course that would depend on the criteria by which you judge.
But as for longevity is concerned I doubt that the 747 has a chance.
Initial service of the DC-3 was 1936 and it is still flying today
Had the unmitigated privilege to fly Singapore Air 747’s a number of times San Francisco to Singapore and return.
The Sing Air 747’s in Biz was outstanding and one trip got bumped up to 1st which was superb, maybe even better.
I remember a flight from London to Muscat on BA. There were just a few of us up in First Class. The Stews gave us great service as there were more of them than us that day. It was a great flight on a magnificent beast of an aircraft. Good Flight! I miss those days! The Cognac was also good.
I also flew from London to Cairo frequently on BA’s VC10s, yes I am old. It was a fuel burning bastard but built like a brick sh-t house. It was old technology but an eloquent aircraft. I rather liked it.
First 747 series 100 mostly mothballed, 200’s still up flying, 400’s the current workhorse, not too many 747-8 delivered yet but but length longer than Airbus 380. After 45 years flying of course there has been so many fatal accidents. There were 747 incidents with happy endings like NW85 and PR434 but I don’t know if Airbus 380 can survive that. Pretty soon Airbus 380 will also be falling from the sky with more severe damage than QF32 incident.
I think Boeing will keep coming up new 747 series, it may be around for another 40 years like the USAF B-52.
747 will be with us another 50 years. What we will see with the 747 is just an upgrade of using carbon fiber in place of aluminum. The aerostructure is excellent. It is an efficient and flexible platform for both transport and cargo. I am 40 years old. I am confident in predicting that the 747 will still be on the assembly line when God calls me home, at least another 50 years I hope.
You can not change aerodynamics or physics. You can use them, but you can’t change them. What you can change is the structural elements (carbon fiber versus aluminum) and manufacturing methods. The 747 nailed it for its’ use. The 777 and 787 have their uses too as long range transports. But the 747 will maintain its dominance as a long range heavy lift wide body. Nothing will beat it in my lifetime. NOTHING.
Signed,
Opie...
(recovering aircraft engineer)
The best airliner ever made.
I think the Douglas DC-3 may take exception to that.
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I worked for Trans-Texas Airways from ‘63-’65 (which progressed into today’s Southwest Airlines). Most of the aircraft were DC-3s, as TTA was only flying to a couple of spots in NM and several in LA, beyond TX. Many of the aircraft had placards with dates of 1935-37, but they were workhorses that flew through thunderstorms and delivered passengers safely. The C-47 military version was also a workhorse. ...DC-3s are still flying today, 80 years from birth.
I worked on the 747-400 and 747-200F line in Everett Wa. for three and a half years.(4230FA) I would still be with Boeing if I would have had a little more union time. Best job I ever had!
Just remember, they are younger than the B-52.
:-)
Nice work!
I believe Trans Texas became Texas International and was swallowed by Continental. Herb Kelliher and his buds started Southwest from scratch.
The 747 was developed at the same time a lot of people thought SSTs were the future. The 747 was the future not SSTs.
"HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!"
I have always wondered if Boeing has ever considered extending the upper deck on the 747 all the way to the tail. No telling how many passengers that baby would hold. It would make a neat looking bird.
Given the rapid decline of the USA I'd say all gov't officials will be instructed to use Space-A on USAF missions and/or purchase airline tickets through cheapoair.com
...yeah, back before the unions ruined US airlines and air travel in general. You’d be hard pressed to find an attractive young “stewardess” on a US flagged carrier, not to mention one that is happy and grateful to have the job. In all fairness, far too many passengers are an ungrateful, petty lot as well.
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