Airlines say goodbye to the 747 amid a transformation in international travel

Market Watch ^ | 12/29/18 | Robert Wall

[Garvin]

They were called C-117 ‘s in the Marine Corps. The designation C-117 was given to two very different versions of the DC-3, first to a more comfortable version of the basic C-53 and then to the Navy’s fleet of R4D-8 Super DC-3s.

[crusty old prospector]

We got about to El Paso and had to turn around and come back to DFW to fix a hydraulic leak. FYI, my dad was a pilot for Braniff so we flew first class everywhere. Even as kids, we had to wear suits. We also got to go up in the cockpit just like Joey in Airplane! It was a different time, fer sure.

[Bonemaker]

The more space the merrier....I’m claustrophobic. Doesn’t matter to me anymore though because I refuse to go through the BS “process” associated with air travel.

[Simon Green]

Well.... hopefully not just like Joey in Airplane!

[crusty old prospector]

Nope, no sign of Peter Graves.

[higgmeister]

Regarding your handle, I just read that again last week.

[rlmorel]

And a beautiful plane, to boot. Just beautiful.

[rlmorel]

Good link, thanks...

[ladyjane]

The upstairs cabin was nice going to Japan. I laid out on the floor behind the seats in order to take a nap.

One of my best coach flights was in a 747. On my way to Egypt I mentioned to the FA that I was very tired and didn't want dinner. She said, come with me and she took me upstairs. It was empty and I was able put up the arm rests on a row of seats and sleep the entire night. (I missed two meals and it was worth it.)

[SamAdams76]

My father worked at Logan Airport and when the 747 first flew to Boston, he drove me to Winthrop so we could see it landing. I was just 8 years old but I'll never forget how magnificent it looked coming in on its final approach.

The airlines are moving to more efficient two engine travel for long range flights. I think the four-engine planes are going to become a thing of the past. Airbus is not moving many of it's A380s either compared to its twin-engine models.

[rlmorel]

I was on Cape Cod earlier this year, and heard the distinctive sound of reciprocating engines in the air, I looked up to see this fly over:

I jumped in my car and drove up the road, and saw this in a large field:

I have heard that the airframes on these are so robust that they have actually retrofitted them with turboprop engines...:)

Love it. Just love it.

[SaveFerris]

I never got to ride on a 747. Most others but never on a 747.

Looks like I never will. Unless President Trump invites me for a ride, that is. Here’s hoping. :)