Of course, I can never stop plane spotting. I was able to get some decent shots of a Delta 757-200 and a Emirates 777-200LR flying the base leg into Sea-Tac.





I was definitely excited to see the Concorde, and even more excited that I could go on board. Believe or not, I have never flown or even set foot on a British Airways plane until that day. I suppose I can now claim the first BA aircraft I’ve ever been on is the Concorde. The fact that it wasn’t airworthy at the time is just a minor detail. It is definitely a beautiful and unique machine, but I really wasn’t impressed after I saw the interior. The seats looked very narrow and cramped and actually reminded me of those found on the Devil’s Chariot: the CRJ-200. It’s a good thing I didn’t post this on the British Airways forum, because I am sure I’d be banned for spewing such blasphemy. However, I’m sure that cruising at twice the speed of sound made up for some of the comfort shortcomings.









While the Concorde appeared to be in excellent shape, the same couldn’t be said for the very historic aircraft sitting right next to it. The City of Everett is the very first prototype 747; thus, it is literally the world’s first widebody aircraft. I was pretty shocked by the dilapidated condition of the aircraft. Paint was fading and or peeling, and covers were missing here and there. Given the importance of this very aircraft in Boeing’s history and its location right next door to Boeing Field, I’m surprised Boeing didn’t kick in a few bucks to restore and maintain the aircraft as a matter of pride.







Another exhibit in poor condition is the Boeing 727-200 wearing the now retro polished aluminum livery of American Airlines. Naturally, I Googled the registration number to see if this particular aircraft was historically significant. It didn’t, but the 727 program itself was another important chapter in Boeing’s history. The 727 was originally designed as medium capacity and range airliner to compliment the Boeing 707. It was Boeing’s bestselling aircraft, with nearly over 1,800 units produced until surpassed by the wildly successful 737. The 727 served US airlines well for several decades, but were retired due to high operating costs a few years after 9/11. My last 727 flight was on Delta’s SEA-DFW redeye back in August of 2001.







Another interesting exhibit was a modified Boeing 707, or VC-137 in USAF nomenclature. In keeping with the military tradition of acronyms and nicknames, this particular aircraft was dubbed SAM (Special Air Mission) 970. It was the first of three such aircraft purchased by the USAF for VIP transport.


SAM 970


Presidential Office


Communications Center…it looked like something from the Stone Age.


Cockpit

Another interesting exhibit is the Lockheed Super Constellation in Trans Canada Airlines’ colors. It is considered by many in aviation circles to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever built. I tend to agree, especially given how similar even competing aircraft look these days.