Hi!

Since I'm at present travelling in Africa, where the "Big 5" of animal sightings is a topic of tourism, I wonder if there anyone has a similar "Big Five" of aviation. For the purposes of discussion, let's assume it's not just seeing, but flying on five distinct aircraft.

Here's my initial suggestion, subject to revision:

1. The Concorde
2. Boeing 747
3. Airbus A380
4. McDonnell-Douglas DC-10
5. Lockheed L-1011

What do you think? How many of you have flown this "Big Five?" (I would be four for five).

Meh, I've been on three of those, was a little too young for the DC10 and the Concorde.

There's nothing particularly noteworthy about four of those, but the Concorde is a bucket list item, I suppose.

I wouldn't have the same list as you, mine would be:

1. The Concorde
2. Boeing 707
3. Boeing 737
4. Boeing 747
5. Airbus A320

However I have only flown on my list the 737 series and the A320 family. Still need to get on a 747 and unfortunately am too late for the other two.

From my personal flying:

Concorde
Boeing 747
Douglas DC8
Boeing 720
Convair 880

I am five for five. Loved them all. I really liked the 747 SP on Pan Am.

The Big Five, eh...

Well, my list is a little different - and of course it might be best appreciated amongst those who have a grasp of and appreciation for aviation history. Many people here - through no fault of their own - were simply born after the fact and many - being young - could care less for historical reference. After all, history is best appreciated by those who've lived long enough to have some personal history of their own...

That said, for me the big five would include:

1. A flight aboard a DC-3 ✓

2. A multi-day international flight aboard a Flying Boat (Pan Am or Imperial Airways)

3. A flight aboard a 707 ✓

4. A First Class flight aboard a 747 ✓

5. A flight aboard the Concorde ✓

My Big Five of Flight Experiences would include:

1. A flight aboard Pan American's President's Special First Class Service ✓

2. A flight aboard TWA's Royal Ambassador First Class ✓

3. A multi-day international flight aboard a Flying Boat (Pan Am or Imperial Airways)

4. A 5+ hour flight in First Class aboard Singapore Airlines ✓

5. A 5+ hour flight in First Class aboard an Emirates A380 ✓

1. Concorde
2. L-1649 Constellation
3. B747
4. DH Comet
5. Tu-104

i have been flown with boeing 777-300 ER and airbus a380

The big five is supposed to be a list of dynamic, big tough, brutish, forceful animals, so here is my list:

1. The Concorde - Started doing business travel long after this bird went extinct.

2. The Double Otter - A versatile plane, much smaller than the rest but can be equipped with skis or floaters to land in snow or on water.

3. Sikorsky 76 - Or any other helicopter. The lift off from a cramped space is a fascinating experience along with the surprisingly elegant landing when there is enough space.

4. Anatov An-24 or any other plane built by the USSR. Nothing better than a plane that they give you earphones to wear - not for music but for noise.

5. 747 - The Queen of the Skies on the endangered species list.

Having seen the replies, I wonder if the "Big Five" for aviation changes over time...

Even with my initial list, some of these are no longer attainable.

Perhaps a better way to frame this is, "What are the Big Five now?"

My suggestion:

1. A380
2. 747
3. C130
4. Antonov A225
5. 747-100SR

My big five:

1. A340-600
2. 747-8
3. Antonov A225
4. C-5 Galaxy
5. L-1011

1. 747
2. L-1011
3. DC10 / MD11
4. A340
5. Concorde

I have been on all but Concorde . I started flying in the 70's with 707's and DC8's. The L-1011's and DC-10s were the most common transcons, and even into the 90's L-1011's were still being used frequently between north eastern North America to Europe. I loved the L-1011's..I thought they were way more comfy and quiet than 747s.

My favs though:

1: L-1011
2: A340
3: 727...fast and sexy looking. Tempermental for pilots apparently.
4: 777.
5: A380 is still impressive. I think it looks awkward and bloated, but it's sheer size is impressive.

Looking forward to seeing the plot of the number of votes per bird.

1. Wright Brothers Flyer
2. JU-52 or DC-3
3. 707
4. Concorde
5. B747